Trail Reports

These reports are maintained by readers like you. Let us know about the rollerski trail updates/conditions in your area via our Rollerski/Training Report form. And if you're lucky enough to have snow, please file a Ski Trail Report.

Minnesota Metro Area

     

    Twin Cities area

    [ forecast/conditions ]
    • Apr 8 - Elm Creek Park Reserve (Maple Grove):
      Morning
      [ Trails: Closed, Bare ground ]
      Observation 

      Elm Creek Cross Country Trails have closed for the season. Thank you to everyone who came out to ski this year! Hopefully we get some colder temps and more snow next winter!
      (Dominic Ray, Three Rivers Park District)
    • Apr 6 - Baker Park Reserve (Medina):
      Afternoon
      [ Trails Open: All ]
      Firsthand: Freestyle 

      Roller skied one loop, windy good workout.
      Trails mostly dry, couple small wet run off spots, can ride through them. Minor debris from tree trim but nothing major. Beautiful sunny day out there!

      Photos:
      (Josh Bloom)

Minnesota Northeast

     

    Duluth area

    [ forecast/conditions ]
    • Apr 4 - Hartley Park (Duluth):
      Morning
      [ B skis ]
      Firsthand: Classic 

      We classic skied and there was a lot of snow left! The snow is 100% connected. There was dirt showing through in just a handful of spots on the tracks and they were easy to get around. Maybe two places had more exposed but snow was there to get past them. Tracks were surprisingly solid except for a couple of turns where they were a bit misshapen. Unfortunately someone walked directly on the tracks for the majority of the trail and left deep footprints.
      (Eve Graves)
    • Apr 3 - University of Minnesota Cloquet Forestry Center (Cloquet):
      Afternoon
      [ B skis ]
      Firsthand: Classic 

      We classic skied the Forestry Center today. The snow is 100% connected. There is dirt showing through in 5% of the tracks except on a couple of hills where there is plenty of snow to ski on, but not where the tracks originally were. There is some debris, but not the ski stopping kind, mostly needles that are well into the tracks and a few pine cones here and there. It was windy too so we were surprised there wasn't more. About 5% of the tracks that are there have that "old snow icy" look to them so I'm assuming they will be dirt soon. There is plenty of snow on the sides of the tracks to ski on in the places where the tracks are showing dirt. It was a nice ski in a beautiful place. Kudos to the groomers who made multiple passes, in spots where there was no grooming there is no snow!
      (Eve Graves)
    • Apr 2 - Piedmont Trail (Duluth):
      Afternoon
      [ Trails Open: All, Rock skis ]
      Firsthand: Classic 

      Seems like one of the last days of the season. A few bare spots but easily avoided. The fresh snow made the track a bit faster but wasn't a speedy ski by any means. As has been mentioned, the beginning of the trail and the section that goes by the neighborhood has many many footprints all over it. Overall I enjoyed getting out despite the bumpy slower ride.
      Photos:
      (Rachelle Walker)
    • Apr 2 - Snowflake Nordic Ski Center (Duluth):
      Afternoon
      [ Good skis ]
      Firsthand: Freestyle 

      Wonderful skate ski mid afternoon- thanks to John for grooming the 6K loop twice this morning. Deck was firm and 1" new snow from today. Temp 33F. Trail fully snow covered, and classic track looked fair.
      Photos:
      (Dave Arvold)
    • Apr 2 - Magney-Snively Trail (Duluth):
      Afternoon
      [ Good skis ]
      Firsthand: Both 

      We classic and skate skied part of the main loop of Magney today while it was snowing hard. The classic tracks are very solid and 99% debris free and covered with snow. The skate lane is deeply rutted throughout. People took a stroll along the side of the trail leaving deep footprints. The deer had a party on a downhill and left quite a bit of leaf debris but you can see it ahead of time if you have your eyes open. If you venture out to Magney, I'd suggest classic - it will be a treat. Lots of snow left and great tracks!
      (Eve Graves)
    • Apr 2 - Piedmont Trail (Duluth):
      Morning
      [ Good skis ]
      Firsthand: Classic 

      It was scary this morning as there's ice under the light snow covering. I only lasted 20 minutes and fell once. On a positive note, it felt good to be outside and the gentle snowfall was pretty.
      (Sherri Johnson)
     

    Ely area

    [ forecast/conditions ]
    • Apr 6 - Flathorn-Gegoka Trails (Isabella):
      Afternoon
      [ Trails Open: Partial, Rock skis ]
      Firsthand: Classic 

      We skied from Jensen Trail on Highway #1 to 16> 20> 21> 24> Shelter> 24> 12> back to Highway #1. There was always snow to ski on, albeit pretty thin on occasion; 80% was 2 to 4-inch heavy-wet snow cover. Using waxless worked well; had good kick and glide. The bog had the least snow, so skiing in Labrador Tea vegetation was part of the adventure. Mary and I were delighted to have spent most of this sunny day enjoying these trails. Lake Gegoka is now opened up, time to get out the water skis.
      Photos:
      (Nancy Schultz)
    • Apr 5 - Flathorn-Gegoka Trails (Isabella):
      Morning
      [ Trails Open: All, Rock skis ]
      Firsthand: Classic 

      I skied around segments around and just north of Flathorn Lake. There is still a good overall base of snow and tracks that are holding up well (groomed lasyt Saturday). However there are occasional, mostly short, patches of bare ground (<2%). These are easily visible and easy to get around. More problematic are isolated small cobbles or roots that are above the snow. Skiing was really fun, but rock skis are your best bet. Parking lot is plowed.
      Photos:
      (Mary Shedd, Friends of Flathorn Gegoka Trails)

Wisconsin Northwest

     

    Ashland/Bayfield area

    [ forecast/conditions ]
    • Apr 6 - Mt. Ashwabay Ski Trails (Bayfield):
      Morning
      [ Trails Open: Most, Good skis ]
      Firsthand: Classic 

      The trails were groomed this morning. There are a few open areas near the parking lot but as you climb to the sugar shack there is a surprising large snow pack on the trails. I really like the sugar bush classic trail which winds up and around the nearly 100 year old sugar shack. Its a nice place to stop for lunch on a beautiful April day.
      Photos:
      (Gene Karwoski)

Wisconsin Southeast

     

    Sheboygan area

    [ forecast/conditions ]
    • Apr 3 - Greenbush Ski Trails (Greenbush):
      Evening
      [ Trails Open: All ]
      Observation 

      About 5" of wet heavy snow fell at Greenbush on Tuesday afternoon and evening, providing one last opportunity for some xc skiing which some skiers took advantage of late Wednesday. There was no grooming for obvious reasons, but one could bring their rock skis and go classical skiing, and have a decent and very quiet time in the woods. I decided to wait until late November/December and enjoy a fire in the shelter for a couple hours. Already looking forward to the 2025 season and many races that were either cancelled or altered this past season. See everyone in early December.
      (Matt Stanke)
    • Apr 3 - Greenbush Ski Trails (Greenbush):
      Afternoon
      [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
      Firsthand: Classic 

      I classic skied the red loop today twice. It was not groomed so use my tracks if you dare... LOL .. I have never skied in April and so I did today just because it was a great day. No bare ground, floods or puddles. A few sticks, which I cleared many and soft snow no big deal. I am also posting this for anyone that wants to say "Hey I skied in April".
      (Dale Glander)
     

    Madison area

    [ forecast/conditions ]
    • Apr 6 - Blue Mound State Park (Blue Mounds):
      Morning
      [ Rock skis ]
      Firsthand: Classic 

      There is still snow at the mound. However, the trails are extremely patchy, so I would recommend doing laps at the top where there is still good coverage. Get out this morning though, it's getting soft quickly. Another skier and I have set some decent tracks, but there is still enough snow to set your own.
      Photos:
      (Kyle Richard)
    • Apr 5 - Blue Mound State Park (Blue Mounds):
      Morning
      [ B skis ]
      Firsthand: Classic 

      Skied Willow Springs trail and a tad of Flintrock this morning from 11 am til noon or so. There was lots of snow in lots of places but ground is appearing everywhere as it warms up and the snow melts. Beautiful watching the water melt into the tiny streams and rivulets. Today is likely my last day of this season. 40 degrees and sunny and deep heavy snow that someone else tracked - that was just exactly perfect.
      Photos:
      (Christopher Quandt)
    • Apr 3 - Blue Mound State Park (Blue Mounds):
      Evening
      [ Trails Open: All, B skis ]
      Firsthand: Classic 

      BMSP has received at least 12" of snow. There was so much that my 78mm wide touring skis sometimes struggled to stay afloat. In areas with poor drainage, the snow is much thinner and wet, with some occasional bare spots that can be skied around. Definitely use wide skis, otherwise you'll sink right down into the bottom layer of snow, which is mostly slush. The one exception is the steep, narrow downhill on the blue loop that takes you from the Swain prairie to the Ridgeview trail. There is a large bare spot (see pic). I side stepped down it, although based on the tracks and large flattened area of snow near the bottom, there are other effective approaches. The downhill into the campground was in excellent condition. That area is currently closed to vehicular traffic, though in areas that are open to camping, there are some deep tire tracks that need be skied around or between.
      Photos:
      (Kyle Richard)
    • Apr 3 - Elver Park (Madison):
      Afternoon
      [ Rock skis ]
      Firsthand: Classic 

      Stating the obvious ... there is snow out there. It was nice spring soft squishy skiing. Saw a couple other skiers out there and there was one set of skate tracks. There were a few minor hazards one had to contend with. Windblown trees, some pretty good sized, were laying across some of the trails. There were some patches of bare ground here and there in the woods. The deeper and better snow was in the open grassy field areas. Probably about 3 to 4" of snow there. I am sure there are lots of places in and around Madison with the same conditions. Yep ... Wisconsin.
      Photos:
      (Christopher Quandt)

Michigan Upper Peninsula

     

    Ironwood area

    [ forecast/conditions ]
    • Apr 6 - Wolverine Ski Trail (Ironwood):
      Morning
      [ Trails Open: Partial, B skis ]
      Firsthand: Classic 

      Great conditions on what was groomed. So fun! Should hold for tomorrow. Just a few thin spots. Tracks set throughout.
      (Jonathon Rulseh)
    • Apr 6 - Wolverine Ski Trail (Ironwood):
      Morning
      [ Trails Open: Most, Good skis ]
      Firsthand: Freestyle 

      Plenty of snow with fresh grooming in the morning. The sweet spot for skating was 8-10 am and then it looked like a lot of no-wax striders enjoying the softening tracks on a sunny day.
      Photos:
      (Jeff Pesta)
    • Apr 5 - Miners Memorial Heritage Park (Ironwood):
      Evening
      [ Trails Open: All, Rock skis ]
      Firsthand: Freestyle 

      Fast, but a bit bumpy and getting thin as the sun set on one of the last days of this pathetic ski season. A couple bare spots to ski around. One thin ATV crossing with sneaky rocks under the snow. Get out during one of the golden hours if you can.
      Photos:
      (Jonathon Rulseh)
    • Apr 4 - Wolverine Ski Trail (Ironwood):
      Morning
      [ Trails Open: Most, B skis ]
      Grooming 

      We received about 6" of wet snow. Groomers were out and groomed and set track on the Novice Loop, Cliffs trail, Pit Run, 3 Sisters Cut Across and Stairway to Heaven. Tracks look good, skate deck a little soft. Thanks groomers!
      (Deborah Leonard)
    • Apr 4 - Miners Memorial Heritage Park (Ironwood):
      Morning
      [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
      Grooming 

      Lots of wet snow fell over the last two days. Deck groomed and tracks reset. Trail looks smoother than it has all year with the new snow over the firm base. Heading out to ski it!
      Photos:
      (Sue Schroeder)
    • Apr 3 - Miners Memorial Heritage Park (Ironwood):
      Evening
      [ Trails Open: All, B skis ]
      Grooming 

      Groomed and tracked the trail tonight. It continues to snow and is quite windy/drifty, but the plan is to groom again Thursday morning with hopes of continued grooming and skiing through the weekend.
      Photos:
      (Jonathon Rulseh)
     

    Marquette area

    [ forecast/conditions ]
    • Apr 4 - Noquemanon Trail (Marquette):
      Morning
      [ Trails Open: Partial, B skis ]
      Firsthand: Freestyle 

      Rolled all the way to 510 and groomed with classic track to 17K on the Noque and some Animoosh. Nice job of tracking! Although the snow is new, it's slow going to 510 due to the moisture content. Enjoyed my ski.
      (Mary Kay Aufrance)