East Fork of Mink Creek Nordic Center
Located just 7 miles outside of Pocatello, Idaho, East Mink Creek Nordic Center is a dedicated nordic ski and snowshoe area with 20 kilometers of world-class groomed classic and skate trails. The center is operated by the City of Pocatello through a special use permit with the United States Forest Service and through volunteer services of the Pocatello Cross-Country Ski Foundation (PXCSF).
A trail pass is required to ski at the area regardless of day or hour
Trail passes are required 24/7. Rules apply 24/7 including using designated dog trails; do not walk on groomed trails. We appreciate your help to keep the groomed trails in excellent condition by using them appropriately and supporting them financially.
Season passes are on sale at the City Parks and Recreation Offices. It is important that season pass holders sign-in at the yurt with each use, as this provides us with documentation of the necessary use numbers to justify the area staying open. There is also a red fee box located at the entrance to the trails for trail use when there is no attendant.
Trails are typically groomed daily by city employees or PXCSF volunteers. Everyone utilizing the groomed trails needs to pay the daily trail fee or hold a season pass. Every parking area has a fee box for mid-week and night use. On Friday – Sunday, 9am-5pm please pay in the rental office, the A-frame, near the main parking lot.
If no one is staffing the A-frame please put your payment in the red fee box in the parking lot. To reduce costs, the honor system is in place. Please be honest. The survival of the area depends on it.
Your donations keep the grooming machines fueled up and maintained, keep the trails level, help pay for new structures, etc. So thank you!
East Fork Mink Creek Nordic Center, Pocatello, Idaho 83204
3 Responses
I groomed race loop and Ermine 2 passes each, skate only. Race loop has a couple cutoffs between Chickadee and Roughed Grouse. Also, there is a gap in the snow between the high point of the Race Loop and Meadow Loop. If you’re really cooking maybe you can jump it but that may not be a good plan. Skiing should be decent in the morning. Please follow the dog rules so that everyone can enjoy the skiing for the day.
Lead Draw gate will be locked on Monday. Thanks to Mink Creek and the USFS for keeping the area open for March!
The skiing was surprisingly good tonight considering how warm it was today. Don’t let the warm valley temps fool you, it was 15 degrees cooler at the Nordic Center than it was at my house when I got home tonight at 10. I groomed the race loop tonight and the trail was firming up nicely as I was grooming. It should ski well tomorrow. The area will likely close after this weekend so get up there and enjoy it while you can.
From Phil: groomed most trails except creekside, lost groomer, jack rabbit and upper canyon. 30F at 6am