Varied snowfall along North Shore & in Cook County spark ski and snowmobile trail preparations

Kalli Hawkins | January 13, 2024

With the recent arrival of snow, many Cook County residents, local clubs, and lodge owners are busy transitioning gear, equipment, and mindsets into winter mode.

Within the last 24 hours, snowfall accumulation has varied drastically along the North Shore and in Cook County, according to the National Weather Service. Some residents located closer to Lake Superior in Finland reported receiving 10-17 inches of snow as of 9 a.m. on Jan. 12. Farther up the shore, Tofte residents received nearly 7 inches of snow, while Grand Marais received approximately 5 inches. As of 9 a.m. on Jan. 12, Grand Portage had received 9 inches.

However, it is a different story farther inland and up the Gunflint Trail. Near mid-trail of the Gunflint and at Sea Gull Lake, the recent snowstorm excitement mostly passed by many lodge owners and residents. Reports indicate that Sea Gull Lake received only 2.9 inches of snow, and Forrest Parsons, the owner of Hungry Jack Lodge, reported a mere 3 inches of snowfall as of Jan. 12.

Despite the minimal amount of recent snowfall accumulation farther inland, many lodge owners are still busy prepping cross-country ski trails with the currently available snowbase. Or, in Parsons’s case, maintaining an 8-mile ice skating loop on Hungry Jack Lake.

Ruth Wagner and Zach Baumann, owners of Golden Eagle Lodge, have been hard at work grooming ski trails. On Jan. 9, the lodge said in a Facebook post, “Lake trails added, now totaling close to 10k, all with skate deck and classic track – yes, you can use your good skis!”

As of Jan. 11, the lodge is still working to improve the Logging Camp and Deer Mouse ski trails. Wagner told WTIP that she recommends individuals visit their Facebook page for the latest trail conditions and photos. “We will definitely be trying to get all the info we can out on our Facebook,” she said.

Golden Eagle Lodge Lake Ski Trail – January 12

Nearby Bearskin Lodge has also begun grooming work by creating ski trails on Aspen Lake. As of Jan. 10, the lodge said in a Facebook post, “There is now a 4km loop groomed along the shoreline.”

Closer to Grand Marais, the Pincushion Ski & Run Club, which maintains the Pincushion mountain trail system, has begun grooming a limited number of trails.

Chris O’Brien, the president of the Pincushion Ski & Run Club, said in a recent interview with WTIP that the club has started using a snowmobile with a roller to pack down the current snow, create a strong base, and cover up any rocks. Then afterward, a ginzugroomer is used to smooth the deck out and create classic ski tracks.

“So that’s the equipment that we’re using right now at Pincushion. Until we get probably another foot of snow or so,” he said. “We’re waiting for more snow to enable us to use the heavier equipment like the piston bully.”

As of Jan. 10, all the green trails at Pinchusion are groomed for classic and skate skiing. The trails are Stadium, East and West Overlook, Upper and Lower Snowman, and the BNB loop. “I’ve heard reports (they) are in pretty good shape,” O’Brien said.

The recently received 5 inches in Grand Marais should improve the snowbase at Pinchusion and allow for continued grooming work on the blue and black trails.

Pincushion Ski & Run Club Trails – January 10

Another local Cook County club is eagerly awaiting the arrival of more snow.

On Jan. 12, the Cook County Ridge Riders Snowmobile Club said, “Unfortunately, we need more snow accumulation before we can start rolling/panning/grooming our trail systems. Our terrain is rocky, and the snow amounts are not sufficient to begin yet.”

The club hopes more snow will arrive in time for the first drag racing event of the season on Jan. 20 at Skyport Lodge. The race begins at 11 a.m.