Winter Sports
It is easy to get addicted to winter in Minnesota: despite the cold, or maybe because of it, the season has a majesty all its own and there is no shortage of things to do. From winter camping to snowmobiling, from skiing to dogsledding, there is a lot of fun to be had out there in the snow. And afterwards, a fire and a warm drink. And maybe a sauna and a jump through a hole in the ice into a frozen lake - or maybe not!
Winter Camping in the BWCAW
- Review the BWCAW Trip Planning Guide (p. 11) for winter safety and best practices
- Leave No Trace Principles for Winter Recreation
Mushing and skijoring
Mushing and skijoring are both winter sports using dogs to pull you. Dog mushing usually uses multiple dogs pulling a sled, skijoring usually uses a single dog pulling a person on skis. Dogs seem to love it, and either way is a great way to travel.
Skijoring is an activity usually connected with a groomed cross-country ski trail. Dog pawprints and feces can destroy a groomed trail, so skijoring is not allowed on most ski trails. However, there are a few trails specifically designated for skijoring. Please help to demonstrate that skijoring and skiing can coexist by cleaning up after your dog and repairing damaged groomed ski tracks.
Mushing, or dog sledding, does not take place on groomed cross country ski trails. Outside of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, dog sledding usually takes place on unplowed forest roads and is allowed on some, but not all, trails also used by snowmobiles. When using a multiple use trail also used by snowmobiles, mushers must show extreme caution as snowmobile operators have limited vision and hearing and may be travelling at speeds up to 50 mph. In addition to trail and unplowed road use, cross country dog sledding is also permitted. People planning on dog sledding should contact the local ranger district office to find out what areas have unplowed roads and what multiple use trails can be accessed.
Dog sleds are also allowed in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness where they may share portage trails with skiers. Mushers need to pick up self-issuing use permits for winter use at entry points, at Forest Service offices, or at commercial cooperators.
As with any activity, mushers should strive to Leave No Trace. Clean up dog feces, as well as any straw used for bedding, or remains of dog feeding.
Since mushing and skijoring often are not allowed on the same areas, look carefully at the linked pages for the individual areas listed below to see that the area is open to the use in which you are interested.
Trails open to Mushing/Skijoring
- North Arms Trail
- George Washington Pines Wnter Recreation Trail
- Massie - Hall Ski Trails (Norpine Trail System)
- North Junction Ski Trails
- Trezona Ski Trail
- Lutsen Mountains Ski Area
- Sugarbush (Britton, Moose Fence, Oberg) Ski Trails
Skiing/Snowboarding
You may think you have to go out west to find alpine skiing and snowboarding, but there are opportunities to take to the slopes right in the Superior National Forest. There are two alpine ski areas operating within the proclamation boundaries of the Superior National Forest. They are on private land and operate independently of the National Forest. For your convenience, we have provided links to the websites maintained by these ski areas. Think snow, and happy skiing!
Sledding/Tubing
The Giant's Ridge Ski Area has sledding/tubing available.
Snowmobiling
There are approximately 700 miles of snowmobile trail within the Superior National Forest. These trails are maintained through partnerships with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, numerous local snowmobile clubs and the Superior National Forest.
Many of these trails continue beyond the borders of the Forest. Visit the Minnesota Dept of Natural Resources website and the websites of area snowmobile clubs for complete trail maps.
Snowmobiles require at least a 4 inch snow cover. They are permitted to travel on any designated snowmobile trail or on Forest Service roads which have not been snowplowed, signed, gated or otherwise closed to such use. Snowmobile operators should be aware that unplowed roads and many snowmobile trails have multiple uses and are potentially shared by cross country skiers, snowshoers, and dog sleds. Observe speed regulations, and keep an eye out for slower forms of winter travel. Snowmobile travel is permitted off designated trails and roads excluding areas where restrictions are needed for resource protection to meet management objectives. We encourage you to inquire at the Superior National Forest office nearest the area you plan to visit to find out the location of areas where snowmobile use is restricted. Snowmobiles and riders need to be in compliance with all Minnesota Department of Natural Resources rules and regulations, including vehicle registration, when operating on the National Forest.
Tread Lightly! is a national organization dedicated to responsible outdoor recreation. Partners in Tread Lightly! include the USDA Forest Service and other federal agencies as well as manufacturers and clubs. They are united by the idea that by using common sense and courtesy, you can help ensure that what is available today will be available tomorrow. For more about Tread Lightly!, visit their website.
Travel & recreate with minimum impact
Respect the environment and the rights of others
Educate yourself, plan and prepare before you go
Allow for future use of the outdoors, by leaving it better than you found it
Discover the rewards of responsible recreation
XC Skiing/Snowshoeing
Long ago, someone in Asia had the idea that strapping large flat objects onto your feet would help you travel in snow. The idea moved to the west and the objects became longer and skinnier and developed into skis. The idea also moved to the east, and the objects got shorter and wider and became snowshoes. Both are still excellent ways to travel in the winter, and a good way to get exercise.
To help pay for trail maintenance, skiers over 16 in Minnesota on State or Grant-In-Aid funded trails must have a Great Minnesota Ski Pass. Many trails in the the Superior National Forest require the Pass, though some forest and privately maintained trails do not. For information on the Great Minnesota Ski Pass, visit the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website.
Many winter use trails on the Superior National Forest are maintained by cooperating organizations. Some of these organizations have websites with up to the minute trail condition information, maps, and other useful information. Links to these sites are listed on the sidebar at the right.
While there are some designated snowshoe routes in the Forest, snowshoes are really designed for off trail use. If you are going off trail, make sure to have map and compass with you and know how to use them. A GPS can be useful as well, but be aware that battery operated equipment can malfunction at cold temperatures. The Sugarbush Trail system is one that does have a designated snowshoe trail for those wishing to stay on a trail. Note that snowshoe tracks can ruin groomed cross country ski trails, so please respect skiers by avoiding groomed ski trails.
Off trail travel might be best with snowshoes, but nothing beats skis for fast travel on a trail. Trails in the Forest vary from single groomed paths to wide trails with both classic and skate ski lanes. If you are a skater, please try to avoid the groomed tracks for classic skiing.
Most of the Superior National Forest, including roads not maintained in the winter, is open to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Some areas, such as snowmobile trails and active timber harvests, are not for use by snowshoers and skiers, but you are welcome to explore ungroomed hiking trails, frozen lakes and streams, and unmaintained roads, as well as the general forest. When going off trail with either snowshoes or skis, remember that you will be sharing unplowed roads and some areas with snowmobiles. Be alert for traffic. Otherwise, exercise caution on frozen water, especially streams or rivers that may not freeze solidly. Be sure to bring navigational equipment, extra food and gear, and a headlamp in case the sun goes down faster than you think.
Search for Winter Sports Opportunities
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
Devil Track Lake Campground
East Bearskin Lake Campground
Giant's Ridge Ski Area
Lutsen Mountains Ski Area
Sawbill Lake Campground