Photo on Summer Home ski trail, by Travis Notvitsky

Skiing on the Central Gunflint Ski Trail system is still fabulous.  Bit by bit we’re getting the little connecting trails cleared that weren’t critical to finish when we cleared the bent-down trees from the primary trails.  Old Logging Camp on the east side through the BWCA is done finally, so you can travel around to Golden Eagle Lodge on both sides of the system now.  The North-South link is cleared and packed; Aspen Lake has about 8 inches of ice and can be safely crossed by skiers.  A large group is going out on Friday to see if they can even find Poplar Creek Trail, the last major trail we have left to clear of trees.  It probably can’t get done in a day, but they should get a good start.

The official measurers at Golden Eagle have been out checking their rulers again.  Here are the latest numbers, although it’s been snowing again all day today so the numbers are already a little too low:

Central Gunflint Ski Trail Conditions on 1-6-16

• New Snow Last 24 hours:  0.0”
• New Snow Last 7 days:  1.0”
• Trail Base, Staked:  Average 5.5 – 6.5 inches
• Snow in Woods, Staked:  Average 11 – 13 inches
• Groomed with classic tracks:  60 k
• Surface Conditions:  Fresh packed snow
• Last grooming day:  1-4-15
• Total snowfall since Nov. 1:  40.20”

Comments:  The ski trails are in great to excellent shape offering a firm base and fantastic glide. With just under 32 inches of snowfall in December alone, most of which fell after the 16^th, the low snow effects of an “El Niño” winter are a thing of the past. Temperature wise, the benefits of such a winter are still present; we’ve had moderate temperatures this last week with most days being in the teens and lower 20’s; it is expected to continue into next week with more snow also predicted. We are full swing into winter cross-country skiing!

For the most up to date grooming information, as well specific trail conditions, please contact Golden Eagle Lodge (1-800-346-2203) or Bearskin Lodge (1-800-338-4170). Central Gunflint Ski Pass required.