Winter Trails Report - 2/8/21

SKI TRAILS:

There are many ski trails in the Brainerd Lakes Area; many of which are groomed Grant-In-Aid funded trails. To “legally” ski any GIA funded trail, cross country/Nordic skiers aged 16 years and older must purchase a MN Ski Pass. A non-pass holder can be sited by any Conservation Officer if caught on these trails without a pass. The Annual and 3-Year passes can be purchased at any ELS (Electronic Licensing Station) station (if they sell fishing licenses, etc., they will sell ski passes) and the Daily can be purchased from a variety of non-ELS providers. The Northland Arboretum is one provider in our area that sells the daily pass.

The Northland Arboretum contains trails for all experience levels. These trails are groomed for classic and skate.

2/3/21: Lumberjack Jaunt Results: A fun day of racing at the Northland Arboretum in Brainerd Sunday for the annual Lumberjack Jaunt events. The mens 16K freestyle race came down to a pack sprint with four skiers, lead out by Brad Kuzel. Emily Flynn was the top woman. In the 16K classic, Owen and Heather Baird swept the podium.

The French Rapids trails are groomed classic and skate, include steep hills and are for intermediate and advanced skiers.

2/3/21: Great skiing at French. Firm and fast skate lanes were freshly groomed (on Wednesday). No icy spots and very few thin spots.

The Larson Lake Trail system is a good mix of classic and skate trails. Please note that the interior loops are classic only.

2/6/21: One tricky spot on the outer loop coming into the home stretch: shortly after taking a right onto the Ken Joas trail, there is a tiny spot where the tracks have bottomed out and bare ground is exposed. Plan to leave the tracks as you go past the sign and you’ll see the spot, then get back in and enjoy. If not for this spot, I would have rated it good skis. Otherwise, this trail system is in excellent condition for both techniques. Was windy today and saw some tree branches blown onto the skate deck. Stay alert and you will be fine.

The Wolf Lake Ski Trail is a classic only trail system.

2/2/21: Tracks were set nice and deep which made the hills on the north end fun. There were lots of oak leaves on the trail that slowed things down a bit.

The Pine Beach Ski Trails are both classic and skate and include trails for all abilities.

2/2/21: The Lakes Area has received about 16″ of snow this season. We regroomed the West side of the trail system on 1/26/21, the trails are very hard and icy. The trail that runs on the “Classic Golf Course” needs another 4”-6” of snow to groom. We will not be grooming this week unless we get an inch or more of new snow.

Thank you to the Brainerd Nordic Ski Club, Skinnyski.com and Mark Kavanaugh for their reports.

MOUNT SKI GULL:

We offer skiing, snowboarding and tubing in one convenient location. Helping our community to become a better place to live has been our guiding principle for 50 years. Mount Ski Gull’s mission is to provide challenging activities in a fun and healthy environment which empowers youth to develop confidence, competency, and compassion.

2/8/21:

Skiing & Snowboarding: Lift Tickets & Rental must be purchased PRIOR TO ARRIVAL!

Runs Open: Super 8, Nisswa, Quarterdeck, Iven’s, Paul Bunyan, Terrain Park, Craguns, Kav’s, Breezy, Bunny Hill, & Tubing!
Lifts Open: Chairlift, BH Magic Carpet, TP High Speed Rope, Tubing Magic Carpet

MONDAY 2/8: 3PM-8PM
TUE-THUR: CLOSED
FRIDAY 2/12: TBD
SATURDAY 2/13: TBD
SUNDAY 2/14: 10AM-8PM
MONDAY 2/15: 10AM-8PM

Tubing (masks required): All tubing tickets must be purchased ONLINE PRIOR TO ARRIVAL!

MON-THUR: CLOSED
FRIDAY 2/12: TBD
SATURDAY 2/13: 10AM-8PM
SUNDAY 2/14: NOON-6PM
MONDAY 2/15: 11AM-5PM

SNOWMOBILE TRAILS:

Crow Wing County Snowmobile Trails Association Clubs 1/26/21: The Brainerd Lakes Area has only received about 16″ of snow this season so needless to say the trails are not in terrific condition. The colder weather has helped freeze up the lakes better though. The clubs have been out with their groomers packing and working on the trails. Also, remember that the “Line 3” pipeline construction is going on in the Backus, Emily area so use caution.

The Brainerd Snodeos maintain and groom 107 miles of trail from Brainerd to Riverton, to Crow Wing State Park, to Harding and towards Garrison.