Cross-Country Skiing

Ramsey County provides 25 miles of marked and groomed cross-country ski trails at five locations.

Ramsey County trails are funded in part by the Minnesota DNR Grant-In-Aid program.

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Ski rules and trail guidelines

• Trail hours are 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset.
• Skiing on lighted trails is permitted until 9 p.m.
• A Minnesota State Ski Pass is required to ski on all trails for skiers age 16 and above.
• Groomed trails are for cross-country ski use only. No snowshoeing, hiking, skijoring, sledding or pets.
• Skate skiing permitted at the Battle Creek West trail only.
• Motorized vehicles are prohibited on trails.
• Ski trails are one-way unless otherwise marked.
• Observe all arrows and do not enter signs.
• Ski only on marked and groomed trails.

Races and special events

Cross-country ski trails are available for use for team practices, races and other special events. A Special Use Permit is required for such events. Contact Parks & Recreation for more information.
Download the practice/meet request form. (PDF)

View cross-country ski meet schedules.

Trail locations and conditions

Ski trails throughout the county are now closed.

Firsthand trail reports are often available on skinnyski.com.

Trail rating guide

• Excellent: Track freshly set or in similar condition with consistent base. No bare spots. No ice.
• Good: Track in condition near to freshly set. Some bare spots not seriously affecting ski ability. Some icy spots.
• Fair: Track beginning to deteriorate, some areas of track obliterated. Some bare spots beginning to affect ski ability. Icy spots beginning to affect ski ability.
• Poor: Track deteriorated over much of trail. Lots of bare spots. Icy spots beginning to affect ski ability.
• Closed: Lack of snow or dangerously icy or extremely cold conditions.