CROSS COUNTRY SKI TRAILS
The Hidden Valley Trails - These trails are in good condition with a base of about 6 to 8 inches. The outer trail was groomed on Wed. The skate lane looks great as well as a new set of classic tracks on the outer loop. A dusting of snow has the trail looking like mid season condition. Area lake skiing should start to pick up as well with the warm afternoon temperatures. They are groomed regularly for both classic and skate skiing. These trails pass through rolling hills, paper birch and pine stands. Dogs are not allowed on these trails, but the many deer that winter here are!

The Trezona Trail - This 6.4 Km trail is groomed about twice a week for skate skiing and as needed, tracks are re-set. Skiers reported over the weekend that this trail is in good condition with at least a 5 inch base. Dogs are allowed on this trail. If you walk this trail, please avoid walking in the tracks. This trail is relatively flat and has great views of the old Pioneer Mine headframe. It circles Miner’s Lake which is a designated trout lake.

The Birch Lake Ski Trail - The Birch Lake White Pine Plantation and the new Golf Course Trails were groomed on Thursday. The trails are reported to be in good condition. A MN State Ski pass is required for the Birch Lake trail.

The Bear Island Trails – Grooming has likely ended for the season. Significant snow is needed.

North Junction Trails - The North Junction trails have a new 1 inch covering of snow on top of about a 6 inch base. They are still icy but in decent shape to ski.

The North Arm Trail – The North Arm Trails are skier-tracked trails and so are classic in every sense of the word (though skate skiing can be fabulous in late winter on the hard crusted lakes). Because they are not machine groomed, they can be challenging at times even for intermediate-skilled skiers. They are the most beautiful in the area as they roll up and down over forested ledge rock and across lakes through the wilderness. The trails are easy to follow and each intersection has a ‘you are here’ map. Beginner skiers can first test their proficiency on the Moose Horn Loops. Expect good conditions on these trails, but more snow is always desired.

The Bear Head State Park Trails - Groomed miles: 7.0 Conditions: good Trail base: 5" Difficulty level: int. to exp. (track) The Norberg and Becky Lake ski trails have been packed and tracked. This new snow should have helped de-ice these trails. Snowmobile trail conditions within the park are good with areas of high use seeing icy and rough patches.

The North Junction Trails  – The North Junction trails are still in decent shape. They are icy from the warm temps over the weekend but they are still well covered.

The Lone Wolf Trail – No current report

The Pine Park Trail - This trail is groomed in a good condition. It trail winds through the snow covered woods and is beautiful. It is located between the Hidden Valley trails and the Silver Rapids trail and can be accessed by parking by Ernie’s Road off the Kawishiwi Trail just past the gravel pit on the left side of the road.

The South Farm Lake Trails - No current report.

Silver Rapids Trail – Our ski trails have been recently groomed and are in good condition. People interested in using the trails should check at the lodge as to where they should park. Do not park down by the Retreat cabin. Please note, these trails exist not only for the lodge’s guests, but those that are on the Hidden Valley network.

The Stuart-Baldplate Ski Trail  - This trail will not be groomed this year.

Please note that trail conditions can change on a daily basis. Please call ahead for the most current trail conditions.

The Hidden Valley and Bear Head State Park trails require that skiers over the age of 16 must have a current Minnesota Ski Pass to use public ski trails. You can purchase your $15 annual ski pass at several locations in Ely or by calling toll free 1-888-646-6367. Thanks for supporting our trails!