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