The North Arm Trails are skier-tracked trails and so are classic in every sense of the word (though skate skiing can be fabulous in late winter on the hard crusted lakes).  Because they are not machine groomed, they can be challenging at times even for intermediate-skilled skiers. They are the most beautiful in the area as they roll up and down over forested ledge rock and across lakes through the wilderness.  The trails are easy to follow and each intersection has a ‘you are here’ map.  Beginner skiers can first test their proficiency on the Moose Horn Loops.  Warning! - Ice conditions may be unsafe.  Users should check on current ice conditions and proceed with caution on the lakes as ice conditions can change rapidly.

Current Conditions and Comments:

December 6, 2010

The North Arm Ski Trails have been getting lots of snow and the local skiers are out enjoying them and laying down tracks.  This is not to say that you won’t find rocks and roots with your skis so use your ‘rock’ skis if you have them, and be careful on the downhills.  The lack of real cold weather has also kept the ground warm and has melted most of the snow on bare ledgerock. For the same reason the creeks and wet areas haven’t frozen over yet either, so bring your scraper in case a ski gets dunked. For now, avoid the Moose Horn Loops because they cross some extended wetlands.  Also, and more importantly, stay off the lakes for now.  Slim Lake is frozen over recently, and Burntside will freeze shut in the next few days, but the ice will be thin for awhile.

December 8, 2010

The colder weather the last few days has finally frozen shut the North Arm of Burntside Lake on Dec.7, 2010. The creeks have finally frozen over so the creek crossing and wet areas should be much easier to ski. Still bring a scraper.  However, stay off the lakes for awhile. Expecting another 3 inches of snow tomorrow—it just keeps coming.

Submitted by Scott Olson, Caretaker, YMCA Camp du Nord