The 41 km. Banadad Ski Trail System is accessible from two trail heads, both with free parking; the eastern trail head is located 30 miles up the Gunflint Trail off the Lima Grade; the west end trail head is on the Gunflint Trail at Fire # 10045. In addition to the Banadad the trail system consists of the Lace Lake, Tall Pines and Tim Knapp Trails. The Banadad is the BWCA longest tracked ski trail and likely the longest wilderness tracked ski trail in the USA. For more info call 218-388-4487.

Wednesday, November 05, 2014

Banadad Trail Maintenance Report-21 1/2 Miles Completed-3 1/2 BWCA Miles Left to Complete

  •  Coming up:  There is still about three and one half miles of the Banadad's east side, inside the BWCA (from 1/4 mile beyond the logging camp to the Whoppee 2 hill) that must be cleared. Because of this section's remote location contract groomers will be removing the down trees here when snow condition allow snowmobiles to start the packing (grooming) of the trail.
  • Coming up: November 15-16,  Minnehaha Academy Ski Team. The plan is  to have the ski team cutting brush along the Banadad's west end trail section inside the BWCA. While this area has been cleared the objective with this project is to cut back the brush.
  •  November 1 and 2:  North Star Ski Touring Club- 4 volunteers removed large inactive beaver dam blocking Tall Pines Trail and they cut back bush on the  Tim Knopp Trail
  • October 15:  Banadad Trail Association annual trail workday - 18 volunteers clear down trees (including clump above) blocking trail in first mile west of eastern trail head inside BWCA and cleared side brush west of Lizz Lake Portage outside the BWCA
  • October 15:  All east end trails outside of BWCA were mowed by paid contractors at a cost of $1300. This included the Lace Lake, Tall Pines, Knopp and the 3 miles of non BWCA Banadad.
  • October 17 and 18: Two volunteers cleared down trees on the entire west end of the Banadad
  •  October 14-16 and 22 :  Paid contractor cleared side brush and removed hundreds of down trees blocking trail along 2 1/2 miles of the eastern side of the Banadad inside the BWCA. Most of these down trees were in the Meads Lake Prescribed Burn area and were likely blown over during a July storm. The cost thus far is $1621 from the Federal SRS Grant and $512 in match from the BTA. Volunteer labor is not included.



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Saturday, April 19, 2014

Easter on the Banadad

Grooming of the Trail ended for this winter- the last time tracks were set on the Banadad was April 6. Two days later skier, marathon runner and retired teacher Judy Ross was the last skier to travel along the groomed trail. Judy is a marathon runner, retired teacher and consistent skier on the trail.  Along with her husband Jim, they own a cabin a few yards from the Trail’s eastern end.



While grooming of the Banadad maybe over for this winter there is still plenty of snow out there to ski- as of Easter morning it is snowing very hard and at the trails eastern end the snow depth  measures 18 inches. So you backcountry skiers and snowshoers what are you waiting for!


Sunday, April 06, 2014

Late Spring Skiing - 10 km tracked

SNOW DEPTH IN WOODS: 27"
COMPACTED BASE ON TRAIL: 24"
NEW SNOW PAST 24 HOURS: 0
NEW SNOW PAST 7 DAYS: 0"
     GROOM/TRACKED TRAIL -10 km. Banadad to Lizz Lake Portage, Lace Lake and Tall Pines tracked today- April 6
       
Spring skiing get on the trail will it is still there;  temperature is in the mid 40s; tracked will only last a few days.


Saturday, March 29, 2014

Thirty-Two Measured inches of Snow and Great Spring Skiing

SNOW DEPTH IN WOODS: 32"
COMPACTED BASE ON TRAIL: 28"
NEW SNOW PAST 24 HOURS: 0
NEW SNOW PAST 7 DAYS: 5"
GROOM/TRACKED TRAIL - Tracked Trails- Lace Lake, Tall Pines and  from the eastern trailhead to Lizz Lake Portage of the Banadad for a total of 11.2 Kilometers of the Banadad Trail System tracked and ready for skiing. Cold AM temperatures and mid to high 20's in the afternoons the last two days. Those that skied yesterday said the skiing was "great."

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

East End Retracked

Three inches of snow covered recently tracked trails. The east end - Lace Lake, Tall Pines, Knopp and part of the Banadad Retracked today.  Great skiing!!

Thursday, March 13, 2014

Excellent Spring Skiing

All 41 Kilometers of the Banadad Groomed


SNOW DEPTH IN WOODS: 28"
COMPACTED BASE ON TRAIL: 24"
NEW SNOW PAST 24 HOURS: 0
NEW SNOW PAST 7 DAYS: 0"
GROOM/TRACKED TRAIL - All 41 km of the Banadad, Lace Lake and Tall Pines Trails are tracked.
 LAST DAY GROOMED:Today-March 13
SNOWSHOE TRAILS: 6 miles of trail open- great snowshoeing

Comments- Heavy drifting snow slowed the re-opening of the Banadad. In the meantime five parties of skiers  broke through and skied the entire untracked trail..

Monday, March 10, 2014

Banadad Eastend Trails tracked and in great shape

The Lace Lake, Tall Pines and 5 km of the Banadad's east end are tracked and in great shape. Temperature in the high 30s have made tracking the remainder of the Banadad difficult. Wednesday it is expect to cool down a bit so the groomers should be out on the trail then. Stay tuned!

Saturday, February 01, 2014

Continued Great Skiing on the Banadad

All 41 Kilometers of the Banadad Groomed

SNOW DEPTH IN WOODS: 24"
COMPACTED BASE ON TRAIL: 18"
NEW SNOW PAST 24 HOURS: trace
NEW SNOW PAST 7 DAYS: 0"
GROOM/TRACKED TRAIL - All 41 km Banadad, Lace Lake and Tall Pines
 LAST DAY GROOMED:Today- January 31
SNOWSHOE TRAILS: 6 miles of trail open- great snowshoeing

Saturday, January 25, 2014

Excellent Snow and Trail Condition

SNOW DEPTH IN WOODS: 24"
COMPACTED BASE ON TRAIL: 18"
NEW SNOW PAST 24 HOURS: trace
NEW SNOW PAST 7 DAYS: 4"
GROOM/TRACKED TRAIL - All 41 km Banadad, Lace Lake and Tall Pines
 LAST DAY GROOMED:Today- January 25
SNOWSHOE TRAILS: 6 miles of trail open- great snowshoeing

Saturday, January 18, 2014

Great Snow along the Banadad

SNOW DEPTH IN WOODS: 23"
COMPACTED BASE ON TRAIL: 16"
NEW SNOW PAST 24 HOURS: trace
NEW SNOW PAST 7 DAYS: 6"
GROOM/TRACKED TRAIL East end of Banadad-30 Kilometers tracked January 17; West end of Banadad to be tracked Sunday January 19.
 LAST DAY GROOMED: January17
SNOWSHOE TRAILS: 6 miles of trail open- Some slush on Swamp La

Wednesday, January 08, 2014

Banadad Trails - All 41 kilometers tracked


SNOW DEPTH IN WOODS: 17"
COMPACTED BASE ON TRAIL: 8"
NEW SNOW PAST 24 HOURS: 0"
NEW SNOW PAST 7 DAYS: 0"
GROOM/TRACKED TRAIL: 41 Kilometers- entire Banadad Trail System open and traced;
 LAST DAY GROOMED: January 4
SNOWSHOE TRAILS: 6 miles of trail open- Some slush on Swamp Lake

 

Friday, December 20, 2013

First Tracks Set; More to Come

Northeast Minnesota's
Banadad Ski Trail
An intimate classical groomed trail through the BWCA (map)
Snow Conditions
DATE: December  19, 2013
SNOW DEPTH IN WOODS: 16"
COMPACTED BASE ON TRAIL: 6"
NEW SNOW PAST 24 HOURS: 3-4"
NEW SNOW PAST 7 DAYS: 6"
GROOM/TRACKED TRAIL: Lace Lake and Tall Pine Trails (6.5 KM.) tracked; Banadad packed awaiting new snow to set tracks
LAST DAY GROOMED: December 17
SNOWSHOE TRAILS: 6 miles of trail open

Thursday, December 05, 2013

Year's First Major Snow Storm

The seasons first major snow fall left 13 inches on the Banadad and adjoining trail. We are out barrel rolling the Lace Lake, Tall Pines and Part of the Banadad. Still lots of work to do to open the remove BWCA sections of the Banadad.

Saturday, November 23, 2013

Get Your Skiis Ready- The Ski Season will Soon Be Here

November 23 East end of the Banadad-  This fall maintenance crews and volunteers have been out on and cleared all but about two kilometers of the Banadad's thirty kilometer. That last few kilometer yet to be completed will be opened as soon as the snow arrive and the groomers can start packing.  

As of now there is only an inch of snow but the last two nights the temperature has dipped below zero which is a very good thing. This will allow any standing water along the trail to freeze hard enough to get the grooming equipment through. With this cold weather what is needed now is snow to start packing the trail. Think Snow!

Sunday, April 14, 2013

Great Skiing - winter is not over

Skiing is Excellent - Banadad and Adjoining Ski Trails- Gunflint Trail, Minnesota.  Ski and snowshoeing Trails- map

SNOW DEPTH IN WOODS: 17" We have had a lot of snow lately but it has settled.
TRAIL BASE: a lot
NEW SNOW PAST 24 HOURS: 6"
NEW SNOW PAST 7 DAYS:8

 

Banadad Tracked from eastern trail head to  Meads Lake Portage- 7 kilometers

Winter is still here. Why not get out and enjoy it folks

Sunday, March 17, 2013

Great Skiiing on the Banadad Trails

Skiing is Excellent - Banadad and Adjoining Ski Trails- Gunflint Trail, Minnesota.  Ski and snowshoeing Trails- map

SNOW DEPTH IN WOODS: 20" 
TRAIL BASE: 10"
NEW SNOW PAST 24 HOURS: trace
NEW SNOW PAST 7 DAYS:  4" 
 All trails tracked; ski conditions could not be better

Monday, March 11, 2013

New Snow- Great Skiing Continues.

Skiing is Excellent - Banadad and Adjoining Ski Trails- Gunflint Trail, Minnesota.  Ski and snowshoeing Trails- map

SNOW DEPTH IN WOODS: 19" 
TRAIL BASE: 8"
NEW SNOW PAST 24 HOURS: trace
NEW SNOW PAST 7 DAYS:  3" 
Banadad traced from eastend out 7 km, Lace and Tall Pines tracked March 10. Remainder of the Banadad to be tracked mid this week. Great skiing conditions
Banadad Trail Association

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Skiing Remains Excellent-all trails tracked

Skiing is Excellent - Banadad and Adjoining Ski Trails- Gunflint Trail, Minnesota.  Ski and snowshoeing Trails- map

SNOW DEPTH IN WOODS: 18" While we had additional snow the existing snow settled a little
 
TRAIL BASE: 8"
 
NEW SNOW PAST 24 HOURS:2"
 
NEW SNOW PAST 7 DAYS 4" 
 
All 41 kilometers of the Banadad and adjoining trails tracked. Lots of fresh snow. The trails are beautiful. 

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Excellent Skiing Continues

Skiing is Excellent - Banadad and Adjoining Ski Trails- Gunflint Trail, Minnesota.  Ski and snowshoeing Trails- map 


SNOW DEPTH IN WOODS: 20"
 
TRAIL BASE: 8"
 
NEW SNOW PAST 24 HOURS:8"
 
NEW SNOW PAST 7 DAYS 11" 
 
All 41 kilometers of the Banadad and adjoining trails tracked. Lots of fresh snow. The trails are beautiful. 

Thursday, February 07, 2013

Skiing is Excellent

Banadad and Adjoining Ski Trails- Gunflint Trail, Minnesota.  Ski and snowshoeing Trails- map 

SNOW DEPTH IN WOODS:15"
 
TRAIL BASE: 5-7"

NEW SNOW PAST 24 HOURS: 3"
 
NEW SNOW PAST 7 DAY: 5"
TRACKED TRAILS:   41 kilometer 

ADDITIONAL COMMENT: Skiing excellent. All trails tracked. Lace Lake, Tall Pines, Knopp and entire Banadad.  Trail Maintained and Groomed by the Banadad Trail Association

Thursday, January 31, 2013

Skiing is Excellent


Banadad and Adjoining Ski Trails- Gunflint Trail, Minnesota.  Ski and snowshoeing Trails- map 

SNOW DEPTH IN WOODS:14"
 
TRAIL BASE: 5-7"

NEW SNOW PAST 24 HOURS Trace
 
NEW SNOW PAST 7 DAY: 3
TRACKED TRAILS:   41 kilometer 

ADDITIONAL COMMENT: Skiing excellent. All trails tracked. Lace Lake, Tall Pines, Knopp and 7 kilometers of the eastern end of the Banadad tracked today,  January 31. Skiing is excellent.  Trail Maintained and Groomed by the Banadad Trail Association

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Fresh Snow Ushers in Great Skiing

ALL TRAILS TRACKED AND OPEN


Banadad and Adjoining Ski Trails- Gunflint Trail, Minnesota.  Ski and snowshoeing Trails- map 

SNOW DEPTH IN WOODS:14"
 
TRAIL BASE: 5-7"

NEW SNOW PAST 24 HOURS: 0
 
NEW SNOW PAST 7 DAY: 9"
TRACKED TRAILS:   41 kilometer 

ADDITIONAL COMMENT: Skiing excellent. All trails tracked, included the 30 km BWCA's Banadad, tracked two days ago.  This past weekends snow fall has made for the best skiing of the year.  Trail Maintained and Groomed by the Banadad Trail Association

Friday, January 11, 2013

ALL TRAILS TRACKED AND OPEN


Banadad and Adjoining Ski Trails- Gunflint Trail, Minnesota.  Ski and snowshoeing Trails- map 

DATE: January 10, 2013

SNOW DEPTH IN WOODS:  9
TRAIL BASE: 2-3"

NEW SNOW PAST 24 HOURS: 0
NEW SNOW PAST 7 DAY: 1"

TRACKED TRAILS:   41 kilometer 

ADDITIONAL COMMENT: Skiing fair to excellent. All trails tracked included the 30 km BWCA's Banadad. Some center stubble showing through all trails. Lace Lake and Tall Pines trails still is quite bumpy (not enough snow to level). Trail Maintained and Groomed by the Banadad Trail Association

Friday, January 04, 2013

Excellent Skiing on Banadad's Eastern End

Banadad and Adjoining Ski Trails- Gunflint Trail, Minnesota.  Ski and snowshoeing Trails- map 

 
DATE: January 3, 2013
SNOW DEPTH IN WOODS:  8-10
Trail  Base: 3-4"
NEW SNOW PAST 24 HOURS: 1/2"

TRACKED TRAILS:   12 kilometer
ADDITIONAL COMMENT: Banadad tracked from eastern trail head 7 km to the Mead's Lake Portage. Skiing on this section of the Banadad is excellent.  Lace Lake  and Tall Pines Tracked - 5 km. Ski on these trails fair to good.
Remaining 23 km of the Banadad to be tracked on Tuesday or Wednesday of next week
Trail Maintained and Groomed by the Banadad Trail Association

Sunday, December 23, 2012

Twelve KM. Tracked on Banadad Trails' Eastern End

Banadad and Adjoining Ski Trails- Gunflint Trail, Minnesota.  Ski and snowshoeing Trails- map 
 
DATE: December 22, 2012
 
SNOW DEPTH IN WOODS:  5-6"
 
Trail  Base: 2-3"
 
NEW SNOW PAST 24 HOURS: 0
3-4
 
TRACKED TRAILS:   12 kilometer - some brush still showing through on trail.
 
ADDITIONAL COMMENT: Banadad tracked from eastern trail head 7 km to the Mead's Lake Portage; Lace Lake  and Tall Pines Tracked - 5 km The maintenance crew has  cleared and packed the remainder of the Banadad and awaiting more snow to tracked.
 
Trail Maintained and Groomed by the Banadad Trail Association.
 

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Eastend of Banadad - 7 km tracked- Need More Snow

Banadad and Adjoining Ski Trails- Gunflint Trail, Minnesota.  Ski and snowshoeing Trails- map 
 
DATE: December 20, 2012
 
SNOW DEPTH IN WOODS:  5-6"
 
Trail  Base: 2-3"
 
NEW SNOW PAST 24 HOURS: Trace
 
NEW SNOW PAST 7 DAYS: Trace
 
TRACKED TRAILS:   7 kilometer - some brush still showing through on trail.
 
ADDITIONAL COMMENT: The maintenance crew has  cleared and packed the Banadad and adjoining  trails- 41 km. 
 
Trail Maintained and Groomed by the Banadad Trail Association.
 
Lodging along the Trail at  Poplar Creek Guesthouse B&B, Ski-in Cabin and Yurt- 218-388-4487

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Banadad Cleared But Awaiting Snow

Yesterday, the Banadad maintenance crew completed clearing the Banadad of last of the summer's accumulation of down trees and brush. There is only a couple inches of base on the east end of the trail and even less on the west end. The Lace Lake, Tall Pines and Knopp Trails, which are outside the BWCA,  were cleared and mowed earlier.  Because of the shallow base skiing is not recommended.  We are now awaiting snow to track; we will keep you posted on conditions.

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Need More Snow Before Tracks Can be Set

 
Banadad and Adjoining Ski Trails- Gunflint Trail, Minnesota.  Ski and snowshoeing Trails- map 
 
DATE: December 12, 2012
 
SNOW DEPTH IN WOODS:  5-6"
 
NEW SNOW PAST 24 HOURS: Trace
 
NEW SNOW PAST 7 DAYS:  3-4"
 
TRACKED TRAILS:   Not open for skiing; awaiting more snow
 
ADDITIONAL COMMENT: The maintenance crews are out clearing and packing the trails. The crews are hoping the trails will be completely cleared and ready for more snow by December 18. However another 6-8" inches of snow will be required before the trails can be tracked for skiing.
 
Trail Maintained and Groomed by the Banadad Trail Association.
 
Lodging along the Trail at  Poplar Creek Guesthouse B&B, Ski-in Cabin and Yurt- 218-388-4487
bct@boundarycountry.com

Monday, November 26, 2012

Winter is Here- Get the Skis Out

Last Wednesday night eight inches of fresh snow fell on the Banadad. Four more inches fell yesterday. Plenty of snow to ski. Have not started to groom since the two snowmobiles we use are in Lutsen  getting tuned up for the season  Hopefully we will be out this week working on the Banadad and other trails. This does not mean you can not ski, it just means the trails are not tracked yet.

Monday, March 26, 2012

Banadad Closed for Season

Last skiers on the trail was March 17. See you next year. Not sure what happened to winter.

Friday, March 16, 2012

Banadad Still Ski Able

The temperatures has been in the 40s even up 50 over the past week but the Banadad is still up for you to get in that last spring ski.   While the tracks on the Banadad have melted away. There is still plenty of snow throughout the
trail, with few if any bare spots. A couple of groups of skiers were on the trail yesterday and said the
skiing was fine.

Sunday, March 04, 2012

East End Trails and Banadad to mid-trail Retracked

Ski Continues to be excellent! Two more inches of snow.

Friday, March 02, 2012

Skiing is Excellent

Banadad and Adjoining Ski Trails- Gunflint Trail, Minnesota.  Ski and snowshoeing Trails- map
DATE: March 2, 2012
 
SNOW DEPTH IN WOODS:  25"
 
NEW SNOW PAST 24 HOURS: Trace
 
NEW SNOW PAST 7 DAYS:  Eight inches
 
TRACKED TRAILS:   41 kilometers- Banadad tracked three days ago, Lace, Tall Pines and Knapp tracked yesterday.
 
SNOWSHOE TRAILS:  Open and in great shape
 
ADDITIONAL COMMENT: Sking is excellent
 
Trail Maintained and Groomed by the Banadad Trail Association.
 
Lodging along the Trail at  Poplar Creek Guesthouse B&B, Ski-in Cabin and Yurt- 218-388-4487

Monday, February 27, 2012

More Beautiful Snow

Last night the mid Gunflint Trail area received eight inches of new snow. On the ground there is now twenty-eight inches of snow. Groomer are out today working on the trails. Because of the depth of the snow-fall two snowmobiles are required.- one snowmobile to compact the snow  followed by another snowmobile tracking. Hope to have all the trails opened and tracked by late tomorrow. 

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Skiing Continues to be Excellent

Banadad and Adjoining Ski Trails- Gunflint Trail, Minnesota.  Ski and snowshoeing Trails- map
DATE:
 
SNOW DEPTH IN WOODS:14"
 
NEW SNOW PAST 24 HOURS: 2.5 inches
 
NEW SNOW PAST 7 DAYS: 2.5 inches
 
TRACKED TRAILS:   41 Kilometers- Banadad Tracked today; ast end trails tracked yesterday
 
SNOWSHOE TRAILS:   Open
 
ADDITIONAL COMMENT: Skiing is excellent
 
Trail Maintained and Groomed by the Banadad Trail Association.
 

Saturday, January 28, 2012

Skiing is Excellent

Banadad and Adjoining Ski Trails- Gunflint Trail, Minnesota.  Ski and snowshoeing Trails- map

DATE: January 28, 2012

SNOW DEPTH IN WOODS:  14-15 inches

NEW SNOW PAST 24 HOURS: trace

NEW SNOW PAST 7 DAYS:  5 inches

TRACKED TRAILS:  41 Kilometers - Banadad, Lace Lake, Tall Pines and Knapp

SNOWSHOE TRAILS:  Open 5 miles

ADDITIONAL COMMENT: Skiing is excellent

Trail Maintained and Groomed by the Banadad Trail Association.

Lodging along the Trail at  Poplar Creek Guesthouse B&B, Ski-in Cabin and Yurt
    phone: 218-388-4487

Saturday, January 14, 2012

All Trails Tracked

The entire Banadad Trail System is now tracked. The Banadad was tracked January 13 and the Lace Lake, Tall Pines and Knapp trails were tracked January 12. East end of Banadad and adjoining trails the skiing is excellent. The west end of the Banadad skiing is only fair. More snow is need on trail's west end.

Currently there is 13-14 inches of snow in the woods.

Tuesday, January 03, 2012

Great Snow Conditions: Great Skiing


Banadad and Adjoining Ski Trails- Gunflint Trail, Minnesota.  Ski and snowshoeing Trails- map
DATE: January 2, 2012
SNOW DEPTH IN WOODS: 12"
NEW SNOW PAST 24 HOURS: 3"
NEW SNOW PAST 7 DAYS: 6"
TRACKED TRAILS:   10 km.-  East end trails all tracked. Reminder of Banadad to be tracked on January 4 and 5.
SNOWSHOE TRAILS:   5 miles open
ADDITIONAL COMMENT: Great snow conditions; great skiing
Trail Maintained and Groomed by the Banadad Trail Association.
 
Lodging along the Trail at  Poplar Creek Guesthouse B&B, Ski-in Cabin and Yurt    phone: 800-322-3227

 Before printing this e-mail, assess if it is really needed 

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Awaiting That first Good Snowfall

Sorry folks! We have had a few days of light freezes and a few snow flakes but no real snow yet. However we are working hard to get the Banadad ready for winter. It could be here any day.

Tuesday, April 05, 2011

Late Spring Skiing


Snow on Ground – 18 inches
Packed Trail base – 16  inches
New snow last 24 hours –6
New snow last 7 days –  8
Groomed and Tracked – Tracked Banadad East, Knapp, and Lace Lake- 9 Km.
Comments-Excellent skiing. With the fresh snow the trail is beautiful.  Morning expect some icy conditions; warning conditions in PM. with softer track


Friday, March 25, 2011

Spring Skiing

Early Spring Skiing conditions

Snow on Ground – 18 inches
Packed Trail base – 16  inches
New snow last 24 hours –0
New snow last 7 days –  0
Groomed and Tracked – 41Kilometers- East end of Banadad, Lace Lake, Tall Pines Trails retracted March 25
 
Comments-Good to excellent skiing.  Morning expect icy conditions; warning conditions in PM. with softer track
 

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Early Spring Skiing conditions

Snow on Ground – 18 inches
Packed Trail base – 16  inches
New snow last 24 hours –0
New snow last 7 days –  0
Groomed and Tracked – 41Kilometers
 
Conditions- day temperatures predicted to be in 30s this week; Cooler at night. Trail maybe icy in morning. Track in great shape.

Sunday, March 06, 2011

Great Skiing

 

Snow on Ground – 20 inches
Packed Trail base – 16  inches
New snow last 24 hours – dusting
New snow last 7 days –  3 inches
Groomed and Tracked – 41 kilometer ready to go- Banadad, Lace Lake, Tall Pines and Knapp Trails tracked.
Comment- Skiing is excellent

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Could use More Snow


Snow on Ground – 20 inches
Packed Trail base – 16  inches
New snow last 24 hours – 3 inches
New snow last 7 days –  3 inches
Groomed and Tracked –Lace Lake, Tall Pines, Knopp and 3 kilometers of Banadad tracked today - Feb 20.
Comment
Three inches of light powder over rock hard.frozen base. Skiing is fair

Sunday, February 06, 2011

Great skiing on the Banadad

Snow on Ground – 25 inches
Packed Trail base – 20  inches
New snow last 24 hours – trace
New snow last 7 days –  4 inches
Groomed and Tracked –Banadad, 31 km tracked Feb4; Lace Lake, Tall Pines and Seppala 6.4 km tracked Feb 3.
Comment- . The Banadad was re-groomed yesterday and according to Jim, who did the grooming, the snow laden brush that has been hanging into the trail is beginning to disappear. Jim went on to say the, "Trail is in the best shape of the year." 

 Banadad Access Trail at Bedew Yurt Camp

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Banadad Trail Snow Conditions

Snow on Ground – 19 inches
Packed Trail base – 14  inches
New snow last 24 hours – trace
New snow last 7 days –  4 inches
Groomed and Tracked – Banadad retracked- January 12; Lace Lake, Tall Pine and Knapp Tracked January 10

Snowshoe Trails - 5 miles open and mapped

Friday, January 07, 2011

Banadad Opened and Tracked- January 7

Snow on Ground – 19 inches
Packed Trail base – 14  inches where rolled
New snow last 24 hours – track
New snow last 7 days –  4 inches
Groomed and Tracked – Banadad 30 km, Lace Lake 6 kilometers and Tall Pines  3 kilometers. .


More Information click-on Banadad Trail Association

Monday, January 03, 2011

East End of Banadad Tracked

Trail Groomers tracked the east end of Banadad yesterday. Groomers found more brush from last weeks storm blocking the trail. Hope to track the west end within the next three days.

Friday, December 31, 2010

Banadad New Years Eve- Snow Conditions- December 31, 2010

Snow on Ground – 18 inches
Packed Trail base – 14  inches where rolled
New snow last 24 hours –  4-5  inches
New snow last 7 days –  4-5 inches
Groomed and Tracked – Banadad eastend-  tracked 4 kilometer, Lace Lake Tracked 6 kilometers and Tall Pines  tracked 3 kilometers. .


More Information click-on Banadad Trail Association

Addition Information- Perfect snow condition; set a great track Plan to start tracking the reminder of the Banadad Tomorrow

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Banadad Opened and Roll East End Trails Tracked

Banadad Ski Trail- December 23, 2010

Snow on Ground – 16 inches
Packed Trail base – 13  inches where rolled
New snow last 24 hours – 0 inches
New snow last 7 days –  5 inches
Groomed and Tracked – Banadad eastend- 4 kilometer, Lace Lake Tracked 6 kilometers and Tall Pines 3 kilometers
 
Additional information- entire Banadad opened and rolled as of December 21. October wind storm and Novermber rain/snow resulted in the dropping of many trees and ice/snow covered brush into the trail. This made opening the trail very difficult. 

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Banadad Snow Conditions- First Tracks Set, December 11, 2010


Banadad Ski TrailSnow on Ground – 20 inches
Packed Trail base – 14  inches where rolled
New snow last 24 hours – 0 inches
New snow last 7 days –  6 inches
Groomed and Tracked – Lace Lake Tracked 6 kilometers and Tall Pines and Banadad 11.2 kilometers Rolled-

More information – go to  Banadad Trail Association

Friday, November 26, 2010

Good Early Winter Snow Conditions

Banadad Ski TrailSnow on Ground – 15 inches
Packed Trail base – 6-8 inches where rolled
New snow last 24 hours – 4 inches
New snow last 7 days –  9 inches
Groomed and Tracked – Lace Lake and Tall Pines Rolled-

More information – go to  Banadad Trail Association

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

November's Snowfall

Almost enough snow

We now have 8" of snow on the ground but because the ground has yet to freeze we cannot get on to the trail to begin compacting and rolling the snow in preparation for setting tracks.  However the from the east end the first 3-4 kilometers are ski able.

Monday, March 29, 2010

Banadad Closes for Season

Sorry folks the snow is gone; the Banadad is no longer ski-able. See you next winter.

Friday, March 26, 2010

East end of Banadad Still Open for Skiing

There still is enough snow left from the east end of the trail to the lisz lake portage to ski. Tracks are about gone, bare spots on the sides of the trail and 3 kilometers out at the first swamp the snow is gone for about 50 meters across the beaver swamp.

Saturday, March 13, 2010

Banadad Ski Trail Snow Report


Banadad Ski Trail - Saturday March 13, 2010-  Trail Map
Snow on Ground
0- 10
Packed Trail Base
6-8”
New Snow last 24 hours
0
New snow last 7 days
Groomed and Tracked
Banadad –8 km- west from eastern trailhead.
Entire Bandad 30 km has mostly 6"-8" of continuous snow cover. Only eastend tracked.
Conditions Rated
Good spring skiing -continuous snow cover on trail

               
 
Boundary Country Trekking/Poplar Creek Guesthouse B&B
800-322-8327       218-388-4487
11 Poplar Creek Drive                 218-388-2253 Fax
Grand Marais MN 55604          
        
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Friday, February 26, 2010

Banadad Ski Trail - Feb 26, 2010-  Trail Map
Snow on Ground
23 inches
Packed Trail Base
16”
New Snow last 24 hours
none
New snow last 7 days
trace
Groomed and Tracked
Banadad 31 km, Tracked -Feb. 19
Lace Lake 5 km, Tracked Feb. 24
Tall Pines 2 km , Tracked Feb 24


Conditions Rated
Skiing excellent; great snow conditions. For More Information: www.banadad.org

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Trail Conditions


Banadad Ski Trail - January 14, 2009-  Trail Map
Snow on Ground
25 inches
Packed Trail Base
16”
New Snow last 24 hours
traces
New snow last 7 days
1 1/2 inches
Groomed and Tracked
Banadad 31 km, Tracked Jan. 12
Lace Lake 5 km, Tracked Jan. 11
Tall Pines 2 km , Tracked Jan.  11 


Conditions Rated
Skiing good to excellent - some brush on trail from trail clearing following ice storm great snow conditions. For More Information: www.banadad.org

               

Thursday, February 04, 2010

Storm Clearing Continues on the Banadad

Trail Alert- Portions of the Banadad Ski Trail remain closed due to the accumulating on alder brush and small trees caving them into the trail and making the trail impassable.  Crews of two to four people composed of Boundary Country Trekking's staff, members of the Banadad Trail Association and other Gunflint Trail residents have been out daily clearing the trail but the going is slow, wet and cold. It has been taking the crews four to five hours per mile to clear the brush. Thus far the Lace Lake and Tall Pines Trails are open and tracked. Twenty kilometers of the Banadad's thirty kilometers have been cleared. It is expected that the remainder of the Banadad should be cleared and re-opened by Februrary 10. Stay tuned folks!

Wednesday, February 03, 2010

Re-Opening of Banadad Moves Along

The good news is the Lace Lake and Tall Pines are once again open for skiing. However much of the Banadad is still blocked by ice covered brush. Opening of the trail is moving ahead as crews are out daily cutting the brush off the trail. The going is slow!  Crews report that it is taking about hour to five hours per mile to clear the clutter. As of yesterday, Tuesday, about one half of the Banadad has been cleared.

Friday, January 29, 2010

Lots of Snow- Re-grooming Begins

With some 12 inches of heavy wet snow dropping brush along the trail into the trail now frozen in place, the job of opening and re-tracking of the Banadad begins today. We plan to send out two snowmobiles early this morning- one to compact the snow the other to set tracks. As the pair travels along the trail the brush blocking the trail will have to been cleared. While the  crew hopes to open and the entire 30 kilometers of the Banadad, it is not certain if they will be able to complete the job today. Stay tuned folks! We will keep you posted.

Thursday, January 21, 2010

SNOW DEPTH IN WOODS: 12-14”

COMPACTED BASE ON TRAIL: 8”

NEW SNOW PAST 24 HOURS:  Trace


NEW SNOW PAST 7 DAYS:  2”

GROOM/TRACKED TRAIL:  All trails- 40  km.

SNOWSHOE TRAILS: Open and in good shape


ADDITIONAL COMMENT: Good to excellent skiing



ADDITIONAL COMMENT:  Looking for more snow this coming weekend



The forty-kilometer. Banadad Trail System is managed by the Banadad Trail Association under an agreement with the Gunflint Ranger District USFS. Grooming and Maintenance is provided by Boundary Country Trekking. Minnesota Ski Pass and BWCA Day Permit required on trail. Free parking available at both the eastern and western trailheads.



Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Snow Report December 29, 2009

Bandad Ski Trail- Conditions good to excellent. Snow depth of fifteen inches on eastend of Banadad  and lesser amounts of snow on westend. Banadad, Lace Lake and Tall Pines Trails all tracked. Some brush still showing through the snow particularly in the westend.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Season's First Tracks set on Banadad


SNOW DEPTH IN WOODS:  9"

COMPACTED BASE ON TRAIL: 4-5"    
NEW SNOW PAST 24 HOURS:  4"
NEW SNOW PAST 7 DAYS: - trace

GROOM/TRACKED TRAIL: 8 KM.
SNOWSHOE TRAILS: awaiting more snow



ADDITIONAL COMMENT: The Banadad from the east end trailhead to Lizz lake Portage 2.5 KM - very good to excellent tracked skiing. Seppala and west side of Tall Pines Trails tracked fair skiing. Remainder of Banadad Trail System packed ski able but awaiting more snow to track.


The forty-kilometer. Banadad Trail System is managed by the Banadad Trail Association under an agreement with the Gunflint Ranger District USFS. Grooming and Maintenance is provided by Boundary Country Trekking. Minnesota Ski Pass and BWCA Day Pass required on trail. Free parking available at both the east and west trailheads.





Saturday, December 05, 2009

Snow, Cold Weather - Trail Packing and Opening to Begin

December 3- The last three days have seen the temperature getting down into the lower teens. This morning it stood at ten degrees. We have some snow, about three inches and more on the western end of the trail. It is not enough snow to stop the standing water along the Banadad from freezing. Another inch or two of snow and we should be able to get onto the trail with snowmobiles to pack and clear as we go. Still shooting for a December 15th opening of the Banadad and a bit earlier for the eastern Banadad trails. Stay tuned!

It is expected that Boundary Country will begin packing and opening the trail this Saturday.

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