Cross Country Ski Trail Conditions in Grand Marais

Click to expand on the trail system for complete trail report and trail details.

Trail Conditions Update

• Date: 4/1/2024
• New snow last 24 hours: 0"
• New snow last 7 days: 12-16"
• Trail Base: 2-4"
• Snow depth in woods: varies
• Trail Conditions Update/Notes: From Pincushion Ski & Run Club:4/1/2024: Rough and challenging conditions after several days of freeze-thaw temperatures.  Reports are that the skate deck is rutted and classic tracks are icy.  The club will not be doing any further grooming this season due to the weather conditions and also because of electrical problems with our Ginzu groomers that prevent us from being able to break up the crust and set new tracks.    
• Comments: We hope you had a chance to enjoy the Pincushion ski trails during this unexpected bonus ski season over the past week.  If you are determined to ski in the next few days, consider trying some of the nearby lakes early in the morning while the temps are below freezing and before the surface crust softens later in the day.  Reports are that the "crust skiing" has been quite nice in the early morning.  Use caution and bring friends and safety gear with you if you do that.

Upcoming Events and Activities at Pincushion 

Full Moon Gatherings at Pincushion

• Where: Pincushion Chalet
• When: 
• What to bring: Headlamp recommended for the trail walk 

Weekly Ping Pong at Pincushion is over for the season

We had a great turnout over the winter for our Thursday Night Ping Pong gatherings at the Pincushion chalet Thanks to Tom, Nancy and Calvin for hosting.  Those gatherings are canceled until next season.

Annual Membership Campaign - Please Join or Renew

Our Annual Membership Campaign is underway now, raising the funds we need for the club's programs and activities at Pincushion in 2024.  We are a volunteer-led non-profit organization (501(c)(3)) and we rely on donations from members and sponsors for the majority of our club's annual operating budget.  More information can be found here:

Link to Join or Renew Pincushion Ski and Run Club Membership/Sponsorship

Trail Conditions Update

• Date: 
• Trail Base: 
• Snowfall Last 24 Hours: 
• Snowfall Last 7 Days: 
• Average Depth off the Trail: 
• Surface Conditions: Very small snow base with plenty of lumps, rocks, and grass sticking up. Rock skis recommended. 
• Trail Conditions Update/Notes: From US Forest Service:  
  • Download a georeferenced map of Bally Creek Ski Trails here.
• Firsthand Trail Reports: From skinnyski.com:

Trail Conditions Update

• Date: 
• Trail Base: 
• Snowfall Last 24 Hours:
• Snowfall Last 7 Days: 
• Average Depth off the Trail: 
• Surface Conditions: 
• Trail Conditions Update/Notes: From the USFS: 
• Firsthand Trail Reports: From skinnyski.com: