MINNEAPOLIS— The lack of measurable snow grinds some gears. While some winter activities are flourishing, others are merely clinging to hope.
Local snowmobile clubs say they are ready to rev their engines, but the lack of significant snowfall is delaying their season.
James Smeby is the secretary of the Inver Grove Heights Snowmobile Club. In his 53 years, he says the past two years have been difficult.
According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, hundreds of miles of trails are closed or too thin for riders.
“It really hurts the people up north who need us to go up there and ride on their trails and use their motels,” Smeby said.
Meanwhile, the dog sledding community is also slowly picking up.
Due to the lack of snow, the Lake Minnetonka Klondike Dog Derby has been canceled this year, organizers announced in a news release Thursday.
The 2025 John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon was postponed after organizers canceled last year.
“We have the right weather; we need cold weather like this or it will melt,” Smeby said. “We have the right temperature, but there is just not the right amount of snow.”
These are the right temperatures so that the ice does not melt. Making Minnesota Ice Fest at TCO Stadium-Viking Lakes in Eagan possible after a tough year in 2024.
Smeby says he is optimistic that snow will hit the state soon.
