🌬️❄️Snow Much Fun! ❄️✨

Are the ski trails open at Afton? How is the snowmobiling at Zippel Bay? How much snow does southwest Minnesota have right now? We have a webpage for that!

This winter, bookmark the Snow Depth and Groomed Trail Conditions webpage for quick access to the latest snow information. Updated on Thursday afternoons in the winter by staff, the map and trail notes help visitors know what to expect on a weekly basis. 

Click on a park or trail from the groomed trail conditions list to learn more about that location's winter offerings. On each trail report page you'll find trail mileage (for skiing and snowmobiling), ski trail difficulty level, recent updates, how to get there, facilities, and detailed descriptions of the area. We'll see you out there!

Break out your sleds and head to a Minnesota state park this winter for an unforgettable sledding experience! With 10 state parks featuring sledding hills, there’s no shortage of fun for all ages. Among these parks, Fort Ridgely State Park stands out with two sledding areas located next to its cozy Chalet. On winter weekends, visitors can reserve the Chalet for an extra special winter day and overnight stay. The Chalet is the perfect spot to warm up between runs, making Fort Ridgely State Park an ideal destination for a full day of sledding.

Winter is prime time for fat biking in Minnesota! Although they may look similar to mountain bikes, fat bikes thrive on snow, thanks to their large tires designed to grip snowy trails and provide excellent traction. Ready to give fat biking a try? Start by choosing your destination. Winter fat biking is allowed on trails designated for biking in state forests, parks, and recreation areas, including some multi-use trails and state park roads open to motor vehicles. However, fat biking is not permitted on trails groomed exclusively for cross-country skiing or snowmobiling.

For a unique winter excursion, ride at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park which offers 8.7 miles of shared-use trails that can be fat biked on near the Lake Superior shoreline. Next, roll over to Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area which has over 40 miles of packed trail to ride once the snow falls. These trails provide a perfect way to explore the outdoors on your fat bike this winter!

Snowshoeing is a family friendly way to experience Minnesota’s state parks and trails in a whole new light this winter. It’s a peaceful and invigorating activity that allows you to explore snow-covered landscapes off the beaten path. 

If you’re new to snowshoeing or don’t have your own pair, many Minnesota state parks offer affordable rentals for just $6 per day. You can find rentals at state parks including St. Croix, Lake Bemidji, Lake Shetek, and Forestville/Mystery Cave, among others. Just remember, snowshoeing is allowed everywhere in the parks and recreation areas except on groomed trails. Groomed trails are designated for other activities, such as cross-country skiing and snowmobiling, and it’s essential to preserve these paths for those uses.

Keep an eye on the events calendar for beginner snowshoeing programs and guided hikes offered at various parks throughout the season! These events provide a fun, supportive environment to hone your snowshoeing skills and meet fellow winter enthusiasts.