Trail Detail

11.5km
Classic Only
Yes
No
1 North Lot 1 South Lot
218-753-4070
[ NWS ]
New Reports Report Requests

Notes

The City of Tower, Howard Wagoner ski trails consist of mainly beginner and intermediate trails that wind through a beautiful and peaceful red and white pine forest. There is a short lighted loop (1.3K) for night skiing. Minnesota ski pass is required.
Proximity
Search
Ski Trails Rollerski Trails Stores Lodging
Within    

Trail Reports

2018-2019 season
Reports 1 to 10 of 10    Month: Apr | Mar | Feb
Friday, April 5, 2019
Afternoon
Firsthand: Classic 
[ B skis ]
My last report of year...really great ski today! In above freezing temps, deck base (4-6") is firm and top inch is soft - perfect for skiing with no set tracks left after all the thawing. I skied both east and west trails and would say that 99% of trail still has plenty of snow. Just a few bare patches that are easily skied around (none). I would guess we have a good week left of skiable - albeit ungroomed - trail. Beautiful, peaceful, fun.
Photos:
(Mary Lawler Shedd)
Sunday, March 24, 2019
Afternoon
Firsthand: Classic 
[ Good skis ]
Spring skiing. Trails will not likely be groomed again. They are flattening out with the thaws but are in surprisingly good conditions: shallow widened tracks, very little rutting, plenty of snow (no bare ground). There are areas with a fair share of animal tracks and some debris. Overall, very nice to be out, taking it slow.
Photos:
(Mary Lawler Shedd)
Monday, March 18, 2019
Afternoon
Secondhand 
[ Trails Open: All ]
Groomer was not able to get out to trails yet since last week's thaw - trails too hard for our light groomer. So last grooming was Feb 27th. However, according to groomer, trails look okay still - they will have typical spring conditions, both soft and icy depending on shade. Take 'er easy and you can still enjoy the lovely woods on skis!
(Mary Lawler Shedd)
Saturday, March 16, 2019
Morning
Firsthand: Classic Grooming 
[ Trails Open: Most, Good skis ]
Trails are skiable in this morning's cold temps, but...they aren't in great shape. Tracks have mostly subsided/melted into very shallow tracks. Last night's dusting of snow is adequately covering iciness and I was able to enjoy a slow ski. Snowplowing downhill will be very difficult due to animal tracks and skiers' tracks in yesterday's warm weather that have punched through crust creating holes. If temps are sustained warm, skiers should avoid using trails since you would punch through and do more damage. Our light groomer cannot handle these conditions - but we will try grooming Sunday after it has warmed up a bit.
Photos:
(Mary Lawler Shedd)
Monday, March 11, 2019
Afternoon
Firsthand: Classic 
[ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
Trails have not been groomed since Feb 27th and now have a couple of inches of light snow on top that fell this past weekend. With the warming temps (mid 30s) the untracked soft new snow was frustratingly sticky under my waxless skis, especially in sunny spots. But much of the trail has been user-tracked on top of set trails and was better.
Photos:
(Mary Lawler Shedd)
Thursday, March 7, 2019
Afternoon
Firsthand: Classic 
[ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
Conditions are still great since last grooming thanks to the cold, dry weather and light snow - and relatively low use of trail - keeping the tracks fairly crisp. These windy conditions we have had this week - with only a trace of new snow - means that there are scattered needles and small twigs on the tracks. But that didn't noticeably affect my skiing (no drag). Volunteers continue to brush the few remaining branches and shrubs that lean into the trail - best conditions of the year. Really beautiful, peaceful, and fine skiing!
Photos:
(Mary Lawler Shedd)
Friday, March 1, 2019
Afternoon
Firsthand: Classic 
[ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
Trail is in great condition from grooming two days ago. There are a few scatters of needles and twigs from wind and my work brushing edges of trail in places - but nothing that slows you down. Currently a very light snow is falling.
Photos:
(Mary Shedd)
Wednesday, February 27, 2019
Afternoon
Firsthand: Classic 
[ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
Trails all groomed this afternoon. Beautiful skiing conditions with soft, dry snow. Because the snow is so dry and cold, the tracks are not hard-set. Downhill snowplowing is a bit challenging because skis carve into the soft snow.
Photos:
(Mary Lawler Shedd)
Thursday, February 7, 2019
Morning
Grooming 
[ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
Trails have been recently widened and brushed and are in great shape. Currently have good base. All trails were groomed classic yesterday but we got 4 more inches of snow last night.
(Liz Wagoner)
Sunday, February 3, 2019
Afternoon
Firsthand: Classic 
[ Trails Open: Most, Good skis ]
An absolute gem! I have Nordic skied for over 30 years and have never had a more scenic ski than here. I would say the trails are largely intermediate level with one loop of expert. About a half hour from Hidden Valley at Ely, which is great Nordic ski center with classic and skating, plus a great chalet. Come on people, get on it!
(Gary Hertog)