Happy For Snow

I’m happy there is snow and this much of it already this winter. As I have always said, “If it’s going to be cold then we may as well have snow so we can enjoy ourselves.” And enjoying the snow is what the people who live in Cook County Minnesota do best.

Winter recreation is what we do in Cook County.  Lutsen Ski Hill is loving the snow and the cold temperatures so they can make more snow.  The sound of snowmobiles can be heard buzzing around in this distance. Cross-country ski groomers are out preparing the trails and ice anglers are itching to get out onto the lakes.

If you’re looking for a place where you can enjoy winter, then come see us on the Gunflint Trail!

Sugarbush Trail Update
12/5/2013

All trails around the Oberg and Britton trail heads have been rolled except
for Summit View and Tofte Ski Down.  Moose Fence has not been touched yet.

Groomers are planning to groom and set tracks sometime tomorrow. (Friday)

DNR NEWS – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Best start to winter recreation season since 2010

Anyone eager to get out cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling will find an abundance of opportunities at many Minnesota state parks and trails, thanks to this week’s heavy snowfall.

“The recent heavy snowfall and the forecast for sustained cold temperatures offers prospects of substantial, enduring snow cover deep into the month,” said Greg Spoden, state climatologist at the Department of Natural Resources. “It will be the best start to the winter recreation season since 2010.”

Staff from the DNR’s Parks and Trails Division and local clubs will be busy grooming trails in preparation for the upcoming weekend, but the DNR advises prospective park and trail visitors to check the website for trip planning tips before heading out to a winter recreation destination.

Snow depth and trail conditions are updated every Thursday after 2 p.m. throughout the winter months at www.mndnr.gov/snow.

The DNR recommends anyone heading out on the ice should: carry a set of ice picks, check with a local bait shop or resort – ask about ice conditions – and measure the ice.

The DNR clear ice thickness recommendations are:

4 inches for walking.
5 inches for a snowmobile or ATV.
8-12 inches for a car.
12-15 inches for a medium-sized truck.

When the temperature rises above freezing for six of the last 24 hours, double the recommended minimum thickness. And remember, if it stays above freezing for 24 hours or more, stay off the ice – it is not safe.

For more information, visit www.dnr.state.mn.us/safety/ice/thickness.html.

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