Thanks for your patience—Mother Nature delivered a few more inches late Thursday and again overnight, with flurries still flying! We’re sitting on about 10–12" in the woods and trail reports have been fantastic. 🌲✨

Our groomers were out last night and conditions are looking great across the system. The MN DNR has groomed the David Dill Arrowhead State Trail, and Voyageurs National Park trails are in good and improving shape—just stay alert for reroutes, bumps, refrozen slush, and changing conditions.  There is also active logging in our area - watch for equipment, keep right and go slow in these areas.

⚠️ Quick Trail Notes:

• Blue Trail from East Namakan Lake to Crane Lake is closed due to a pressure ridge. Park staff hope to cut that down and install the trail next week.
• Yellow Trail (Ash River to Kettle Falls) - Be alert to the open water and bridge to use at the Mica Bay Creek crossing.
• The Chain of Lakes Dashed Black Trail is open, staked but rough. More snow is needed to be able to groom. Ride slow and enjoy the scenery!
• Snowshoe & ski trails, sledding hill, and portions of ice roads are open (Kab entrance now at Gappa Landing)

📍 New! Groomer Tracker is Live
We’ve partnered with Groomer Tracker to give you real-time grooming updates!

• Green: groomed within 12 hrs
• Yellow: 12–24 hrs
• Red: 24+ hrs

The app is free to download from the Apple Store or Google Play, with a small fee to view live club data. Select "Voyageur Trail Society Inc" to see the latest on the trails we groom. Trail mapping is still in progress, but it’s already a great new tool to plan your rides!

Come up and enjoy the snow! ❄️🛷  Ride safe... Stay right... and enjoy Voyageur Country!

Several trails were groomed for the first time this week after we received over 6 inches of snow, and the timing couldn’t be better! With sunny skies and warm temps, the trails are glistening, riders are out enjoying them, and the feedback has been great — good trails and beautiful scenery are the theme of the week.
While we could certainly use more snow, conditions are improving and there’s plenty to enjoy if you ride smart and take it in.
⚠️ Important Trail Notes & Safety Reminders:

• Active logging on the Ray Spur and north of the Ray Spur on the Dill/Arrowhead Trail.
  👉 Watch for logging equipment, slow down, stay alert, and keep right.
• Bill Morgan Trail: Watch for orange stakes marking an area near the turtle mounds and go slow through this section.

Voyageurs National Park – Lake Trails:

• More lake trails have opened! With fresh snow and warm weather, expect pressure ridges, slush pockets, and rough stretches. When slush freezes it becomes rough and can cause unexpected jolts.
• 🚜 Ice road work has started, so be alert when riding near these areas.
• Green Trail: Rerouted near the Kabetogama Visitor Center due to a pressure ridge.
• Black Trail (Chain of Lakes): Staked, but still rough — recommended to go slow.
• Yellow Trail to Kettle Falls: Staked and open, but stay alert for slushy areas.
  A bridge has been built at the Mica Bay Creek crossing; the creek is still flowing.
• Blue & Purple Trails: Not yet open and are being monitored.
  

Dill/Arrowhead State Trail:
The DNR is finally reporting some base, but riders should stay alert for bumps, beaver dams, and the occasional hole that isn’t fully smoothed out.

🔎 Always check conditions for yourself before heading out, and remember: ice is never 100% safe.

With less snow than we’d like, it’s a great time to slow things down a bit — which just means you get to enjoy more of the incredible scenery along the way.
​
If you haven’t booked your visit yet, now is the time! Come on up and enjoy the weather, great food, and the camaraderie that makes Voyageur Country so special. 🛷

Happy New Year everyone!
​Our groomers have been out shaping trails and packing potholes as conditions allow. The trails are rideable, but coverage is limited.
General Trail Conditions

• Snow cover is light on all trails, and hidden rocks are possible.  Ride with caution: reduce speed, stay alert, and keep right.
• A groomer will be working the trail between Crane Lake and Ash River.

Trail-Specific Notes

• Bill Morgan Trail: Good riding conditions from Ash River to the Dill/Arrowhead Trail, except near the Turtle Mounds area, which is marked with orange stakes.
• Dill/Arrowhead Trail:
  • From Bill Morgan north, the Dill/Arrowhead Trail is clear to the Ray Spur.
  • There is active logging on the Ray Spur and north of the Ray Spur on the Dill/Arrowhead Trail. These areas are rough - watch for logging equipment, slow down, stay alert, and keep right!
• Rat Root Snow Bridge has not been built yet. Use extreme caution in this area; more snow is needed.
• Woody’s Trail: Recently cleared and packed by snowmobile. Snow cover is currently insufficient for grooming due to rocks.
• Crane Lake: there is a marked pressure ridge use caution in the area.
• Ice is still forming in some trail areas. We are ready and waiting for the next big snowfall!

DNR Advisory
The Minnesota DNR reports that the David Dill/Arrowhead State Trail is rough throughout the system. Riders should watch for hazards and proceed with caution.

Voyageurs National Park Update

• The Green Trail from Rainy Lake through Black Bay, Kabetogama, Ash River, and on to Crane Lake is fully staked and packed, but not yet groomed.
  • Portages are rough—slow down and use caution.
  • Lake surfaces have a crust from recent rain and snowfall.
  • Drifting snow is beginning to fill chatter ice and pressure ridges; watch closely for hazards and marked areas!
• The Chain of Lakes (Dashed Black) Trail is now open but remains rough and rocky due to minimal snow cover.

Ride smart and stay safe!  Our area resorts, restaurants and venues are ready to help you ring in the new year!

​For the latest info, visit:

• VTSI:  https://www.snowmobilevacation.com and https://www.facebook.com/VTSIGrooms
• Crane Lake Voyageurs Snowmobile Club:  www.facebook.com/groups/a723936869357904
• International Voyageurs: http://www.ridetheborders.com/trail-report.html and https://www.facebook.com/IVSClub
• VNP Trail Conditions: https://www.nps.gov/voya/planyourvisit/conditions.htm
• DNR Trail Conditions: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/snow_depth/index.html
• Buyck Portageurs: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057218389432
• Ash River/Kabetogama Snowdrifters: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068157102512

As we head toward the end of 2025, we want to thank all of our followers and supporters - our loyal riders, visitors and guests, as well as our area businesses and local volunteers.  We look forward to fun our trails in 2026! 

Some snow is in the forecast - and we are all hoping for a little more than expected.   No changes in the trails from last week's updates - trails still need some more snow before grooming can begin. In Voyageurs National Park part of the Green Trail has been staked.  Be cautious on the lakes - conditions are unpredictable with bare ice, drifts, pressure ridges and sections of chatter ice. Please remember that ice is never 100% safe.

The David Dill/Arrowhead State Trail is cleared and open, but not groomed. This coming change back to colder temps should help freeze up the swamps, but more snow is needed. Trails are rough - especially through the swamps - and use is not currently recommended.

Wherever you celebrate New Year's Eve, please ride smart and stay safe out there!  Our area resorts are planning fun New Year's events. We look forward to seeing you soon!

For the latest info, visit:

• VTSI:  https://www.snowmobilevacation.com and https://www.facebook.com/VTSIGrooms
• Crane Lake Voyageurs Snowmobile Club:  www.facebook.com/groups/a723936869357904
• International Voyageurs: http://www.ridetheborders.com/trail-report.html and https://www.facebook.com/IVSClub
• VNP Trail Conditions: https://www.nps.gov/voya/planyourvisit/conditions.htm
• DNR Trail Conditions: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/snow_depth/index.html
• Buyck Portageurs: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057218389432
• Ash River/Kabetogama Snowdrifters: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068157102512

After a brief warm-up, colder temps and about 5-6" fresh snow fell yesterday with strong winds resulting in drifts and icy conditions in some places.  Still not enough to groom so keep those snow vibes strong!

​Voyageurs National Park reports no trails groomed yet; portages have minimal snow and are packed only. Portions of the GREEN Trail from Rainy Lake/Black Bay → Lake Kabetogama → Ash River are staked.  ⚠️ Watch signage and be alert for the pressure ridge forming on Lake Kabetogama. Portages have minimal snow and are packed only. Expect rough chatter ice and highly variable conditions.

The Minnesota DNR reports that the David Dill/Arrowhead State Trail still has no base, with thin ice on swamps and no travel recommended.

We have about 6 inches of snow on the ground, and this morning it was -18°, which is definitely helping everything freeze up.  A HUGE THANK YOU to all who have been volunteering their time to get our area trails ready for the season!  Teams from Crane Lake, Buyck, Ash River, Kabetogama and Ray were all out last weekend clearing trails.  The volunteer spirit is alive and well in our communities!  This weekend more folks have been packing the trails across our network. Now for more cold to freeze the lakes and swamps, and more snow for the trails.  While you're planning your trip to Voyageur Country, check out our updated 2026 Trail Map, also available printed at local businesses. There's a link on that page to download the larger PDF version.  Shout out and many thanks to our repeat and new Sponsors as well! Please patronize these area businesses when you visit - they offer top-notch food, lodging, supplies and support.

Currently no travel is recommended on the David Dill/Arrowhead State Trail; there is no base and the ice is still thin on swamps.

Voyageurs National Park reports that ice is increasing on the lakes, with staff checking thickness across the park to see where trails can be set and staked.  All snowmobile trails and ice roads in the Park are currently Closed, but some ski trails, snowshoe trails are open. The sledding hill is not open.

Stay right... stay safe, and we look forward to seeing you here in Voyageur Country!

For the latest info, visit:

• VTSI:  https://www.snowmobilevacation.com and https://www.facebook.com/VTSIGrooms
• Crane Lake Voyageurs Snowmobile Club:  www.facebook.com/groups/a723936869357904
• International Voyageurs: http://www.ridetheborders.com/trail-report.html and https://www.facebook.com/IVSClub
• VNP Trail Conditions: https://www.nps.gov/voya/planyourvisit/conditions.htm
• DNR Trail Conditions: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/snow_depth/index.html
• Buyck Portageurs: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057218389432
• Ash River/Kabetogama Snowdrifters: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068157102512

Mark your calendars! Save the date! Bring your friends! and dust off your trail clearing gear!
Trail clearing planned for Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 with teams leaving from the Groomer Garage in Crane Lake, VRT in Buyck, Ash-Ka-Nam in Ash River, Rocky Ledge in Kabetogama and Boondocks in Ray.

The more hands the merrier, with food for all helpers afterwards. Reach out to the local snowmobile clubs with questions. We will post more details as we get closer.
Ash River/Kabetogama Snowdrifters Snowmobile Club
Buyck Portageurs Snowmobile Club
Crane Lake Voyageurs Snowmobile Club

Exceptionally warm weather and rain has brought an early close to the season. We and our area businesses that everyone who enjoyed our Voyageurs Country trails. All of us look forward to your return next year!

We appreciate all our area resorts, restaurants, bars and businesses that welcome visitors with your hospitality throughout the winter season. 

Join us in giving a moment of thanks to everyone that helps keep the trails open and safe for all to enjoy - our groomer drivers, and the many local volunteers & area snowmobile club members that helped with early trail clearing. Special thanks are given to our volunteer first responders who always respond when needed no matter the conditions, time or distance. We also very much appreciate the Voyageurs National Park staff who monitored and maintained the trails (and reroutes!) in the park this season, and the DNR for their part in maintaining the Arrowhead Trail.

As we look toward ice-out and warm weather fun here in northern Minnesota, we hope you think of Voyageur Country as a special place to enjoy nature and wildlife year-round. We look forward to seeing you this Summer on the lakes, and next Winter on the trails! Stay safe and have fun everyone!

There’s been just a light dusting of snow since last Thursday, and with the cold nights and warm afternoons, it’s clear that Spring is on its way!

Please be extra cautious when traveling, as lakes and rivers are opening up in areas with currents or thin ice, like sandbars, shorelines, and shallow spots. Remember, ice is never 100% safe! Voyageurs National Park hasn't updated their trail report yet, but you can check their Facebook page and website for the latest info. Keep an eye out for pressure ridges, reroutes on the lakes, and cross-traffic on the Green Trail at the Kabetogama Ice Road spur.

No trail grooming will take place unless we get a significant snowfall, so the land trails are pretty much the same as last week. The sunny spots have more exposed ground, but where there’s still snow, the warmer afternoons help smooth out the trails after the cold nights. Keep in mind, there are still logging areas crossing the trails, especially north of Orr.
Riders are saying the trail conditions are still decent for this time of year. Enjoy them while we still can!

Stay safe out there! Keep to the right, be alert on curves and hills, and make sure to stop by our area businesses. They’re open for fuel, delicious food, and cozy lodging!

What a difference a week makes! Riders are saying our trails are holding up better than expected. This week area trails have been challenged by warm weather and both a bit of snow and a bit of rain. A little more snow is expected overnight tonight. Please remember to stay to the right & watch your speed particularly on curves and hills, and be alert to both icy and bare patches. 

All area groomers (DNR, VNP, VTSI) have paused until we get at least several inches of snow to work with. We will see how it goes from here. Keep an eye on trail update posts online as conditions could change rapidly.

Land trails and portages in Voyageurs National Park are showing some wear; expect frozen ruts on the lake trails and icy conditions off trail. Scratchers may help as there is very little snow for lubrication. Where the Green Trail crosses the Kabetogama Ice Road pay careful attention to signage and watch for cross traffic. There is glare ice in areas on the ice roads making them very slick in places. The reroutes around the two pressure ridges on the Green Trail on Kabetogama are still in place and marked with stakes. If you travel off-trail on the lakes stay alert to pressure ridges that have been expanding over the past few weeks. Pressure ridges, reroutes, and other hazards can be difficult to see in low visibility conditions or if traveling at high speeds. Please be cautious in these and other hazardous areas where the ice is still thin: sand bars, shorelines, and shallow areas. Ice is never 100% safe!

The DNR reports the Arrowhead Trail as poor to fair depending on location. Logging areas, swamps and exposed areas have seen a more rapid decline in snow levels and trail conditions. Active logging on, across, and alongside the trail is occurring in several locations- watch for signage leading up to the activity areas.

Think snow!  Our area businesses are open and ready to welcome you!