Opening Day for the 24/25 season is scheduled for November 23rd, 2024.

Cross Country Skiing

A skiing couple
Cook County, Minnesota is home to the largest cross-country trail network in North America.

Lutsen – Tofte – Schroeder Area Trails (140.5km)

#1 Sugarbush Trail System (Tofte, 77km) 

Publicly maintained. Mountains and Lake Superior views.

Sugarbush Trail System XC Ski Map

#2 Lutsen Mountains (Lutsen 3km)

Privately maintained, a pass from Lutsen Mountains required. Call Lutsen Mountains for an updated grooming report.

#3 & #4 Norpine / Hall-Massie /Cascade / Deer Yard Trail System (Lutsen, 63.5 km)

Publicly maintained. Some beginner-friendly trails connect to the Cascade River State Park system. 

Lutsen-Hall-Massie Trail Map

Deer Yard Lake Cascade River XC Ski Trail Map

Grand Marais Area Trails (52.9km)

#5 Bally Creek Trails (Grand Marais, 25 km)

Publicly maintained.

Bally Creek Ski Trails

#6 Pincushion Mountain Trail System (Grand Marais, 25 km)

Publicly maintained. Mountainside trails beside Lake Superior. 

Pincushion XC Ski Trail Map

#7 George Washington Memorial Forest (Grand Marais, 3 km)

Publicly maintained.

George Washington Pine Ski Trail

Gunflint Trail Area Trails (210.7 km)

#8 Central Gunflint Trail System (Gunflint Trail, 98 km)

Privately maintained. Well-groomed trails amongst wildness.

Central Gunflint Trail XC Ski Map.

#9 Banadad Trail System (Gunflint Trail, 43 km)

Publicly maintained. Winds through the BWCAW, and connects with the Central Gunflint Trail System.

Bandad Ski Trail-West

Bandad Ski Trail-East

#10 Upper Gunflint Trail System (Gunflint Trail, 70 km)

Privately maintained. Wild beauty and roller-coaster terrain.

Upper Gunflint Trail XC Ski Trail Map

Ski Pass

Skiers between the ages of 16 and 64 using non-Federal trails must purchase a Minnesota State Ski Pass, or if skiing on Central or Upper Gunflint Trails, a ski ticket.