Snow conditions remain fair inland, lacking near Lake Superior shore

The beginning of the 2024-25 winter season looked promising across the Arrowhead region after a strong start in late November and early December. 

In early December, numerous areas across the northeast region had reached or exceeded 50% of the total snowfall accumulation from the previous lackluster 2023-24 winter.

However, since then, many areas along the North Shore, including Grand Marais, have seen minimal snow accumulation and, instead, warm temperatures and rain. 

Many snow-covered lawns throughout Grand Marais have now slowly transitioned into large visible patches of brown grass, with the only snow remaining in the dwindling berms, snowbanks, and shady corners. 

While areas along the Lake Superior shoreline from Duluth to the Canadian border have minimal snow conditions, winter still remains farther inland throughout the Superior National Forest. 

Many cross-country and snowmobile trails are in relatively good shape, with grooming operations occurring at Gunflint Lodge and Outfitters, Bearskin Lodge, and Golden Eagle Lodge.

In a Jan. 2 Facebook post, the Gunflint Lodge and Outfitters said, “Our cross-country ski trails are open with both skate and classic grooming and are in good early-season shape.”

Grooming – photo by Gunflint Lodge & Outfitters

While snowmobile trails closer to Grand Marais have less ideal snow conditions, the cooler inland temperatures have helped keep the trails rideable for many snowmobilers.

“Midtrail to upper Gunflint Trail have the best trail conditions as they’ve been ridden less and tend to have more snow ‘up over the hill,’ the Cook County Snowmobile Club – Ridge Riders said in a Jan. 3 Facebook post. “People are still riding and getting out on the G and X trail, but due to lack of snow base, expect it to be bumpy.”

Snowmobile Trail – photo by Gunflint Lodge & Outfitters

Ice conditions for many inland lakes are also in good condition throughout the Superior National Forest and Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). On Jan. 1, the BWCAW trout opener began with many anglers taking to the lakes. Reports of 8 to 10 inches of ice on numerous lakes have been reported in recent days.

Iron Lake – photo by Kalli Hawkins

Despite relatively good ice and snow conditions inland, two annual northern Minnesota sled dog races, the Gunflint Mail Run and the John Beargrease Sled Dog Race, have been postponed. Race organizers hope snow and trail conditions will improve in the coming months to provide safer racing conditions for the dogs and mushers.

“After a snow-less winter in 2023/24, visitors are eager to get outside to enjoy their favorite activities,” Linda Jurek, executive director of Visit Cook County, wrote in a Jan. 2 press release. “We want to remind folks to check our webcams to see current conditions – you will notice plenty of snow on the ground throughout the area.” 

Kalli Hawkins January 4, 2025