Cross-country ski trails open In Washington County parks system

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The snowy December and in January so far have made it possible for the cross country ski trails in the Washington County Park System to be groomed and track-set. The trail conditions are the best they have been in recent years and the skiing is excellent!

Ski trails are located in Lake Elmo Park Reserve (Lake Elmo), St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park (Denmark Township), Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park (Cottage Grove), Pine Point Regional Park (Stillwater Township) and the new Big Marine Park Reserve (May Township).

Lake Elmo Park Reserve has over 20 kilometers of cross country ski trails throughout the park. The terrain of the ski trails varies from easy/beginner to intermediate, with a few expert-level hilly areas. All of ski trails are tracked for classic skiing. Skate skiing is available at the 6 kilometers trail loop around Eagle Point Lake.

Washington County’s newest park, Big Marine Park Reserve, now has short and scenic cross country ski trails. These groomed trails will guide you along Big Marine Lake, through oak forests, and around tamarack filled wetlands. The trails are groomed for classic skiing only. If you are looking for a new place to go skiing, put Big Marine Park Reserve on the top of your list.

The quiet and secluded trails at St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park are a favorite of classic-style skiers. The trails skirt the bluff country in the park and provide challenges for all experience levels. No skate skiing is available at this park.

Pine Point Regional Park ski trails wind through heavily wooded pine forests, along several lakes, and wetlands. With nearly 6 kilometers of classic ski trail the park is perfect for beginners and intermediate skiers.

Many of the most challenging ski trails in Washington County are located in Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park. The steep ravines in this park provide for exhilarating downhill runs and very challenging uphill climbs. These trails are groomed for both classic and skate skiers.

Daily or annual vehicle parking permits are required at each park location. MN ski passes are also required when skiing any of these trails. For more information about the groomed cross country ski trails in the Washington County Park System, please call the Ski Trail Conditions Hotline at (651) 430-8368. Trails maps are available online at www.co.washington.mn.usparks and at most the park’s trailheads. Maps, permits, and ski passes are also available at contact stations throughout the park system. Dogs are not allowed on groomed ski trails.

Note to Walkers:

Walking on ski trails is not permitted because of the damage caused by this activity. Walkers are encouraged to visit Lake Elmo Regional Park Reserve and Big Marine Park Reserve where there are trails groomed and designated for walkers-only.

Tags: washington county, ski trails, winter, parks, ski