Trails are about average for Pike Island, which is not great. It always feels like a lost opportunity with such a beautiful Island but infrequent grooming and lots of traffic. Twigs and leaves in places. Some of the turns have washed out. Otherwise, it's holding up. Note that Park Ranger was checking ski passes. [ Trail fee/pass information can be found in our FAQ --Ed. ]

(Steve Young)

The tracks at Fort Snelling are holding up well despite heavy use over the past week, keeping the skiing in the very good category. The trails are fast and a bit hard, bordering on icy, but there is no debris and no noticeable damage from deer or walkers. Get out to enjoy Pike Island before warm weather arrives.

(Mark Strobel)

Skied Pike Island loop, along with many other skiers. Tracks are holding up amazingly well for the traffic. Some of the best conditions I've experienced. Everyone from small kids to fellow seniors out enjoying a beautiful day on the trails.

(Dee Hein)

The tracks are very well set and pretty fast. Some deer and rabbit scat in the tracks and a small amount of tree debris, but very little. Someone walked on the tracks on the SW side but the tracks are so well set the damage was minimal. Basically the deer and I thought it was a perfect day to be out.

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(David Glaser)

Pike Island Loop: really great conditions, gorgeous, lots of deer, and excellent tracks. No damage to trails.

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(Adam Zuehlke)

Skijored the multiple purpose trail this morning. Tracks were well set and fairly clear and not yet trampled upon! Best conditions I've seen at the park. Thanks state park groomers!

(Jessie Austin)

Skied the outer loop on Pike Island & Snelling Lake & found great conditions! Most entertaining were the Turkey "trail guardians" sunning themselves on the south side of Pike. The only spot requiring attention was near the Mendota bridge (maybe some gravel) - but easily avoided. Nice work groomers!

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(Sara Brokaw)

The DNR evaluation of the Fort Snelling ski trails on Pike Island is accurate this time; they are in excellent condition. The groomed track is perfect, there is no debris, and no damage from walkers. Fort Snelling skiing does not get much better than this. Enjoy it now while conditions are optimal.

(Mark Strobel)

Skied laps around Pike Island. Tracks were set this morning and are in excellent shape. Here and there you'll find a twig embedded in the track, but they are pretty easy to avoid. It's lovely to ski between the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers, and one of the joys of skiing here is seeing wildlife, especially deer, woodpeckers and raptors. Trails are flat and easy, and you'll find more casual skiers here.

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(Lyndon Torstenson)

Fast and icy. A few rocky spots under the bridge leading out to pike Island but overall great conditions. Lots of dear out this morning and a peaceful time early morning.

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(Tricia Turk)