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Gunflint Ski trails
Cross-country ski paradises can be found in northern Minnesota and the Upper Peninsula (UP) of Michigan within a day’s drive of Chicago. Snow fell for the first time last night in Chicago and it was a winter wonderland and a traffic nightmare for commuters. Before anyone could get out of work or school and enjoy the wintry conditions most of the snow had already melted.
This is the difficulty and frustration that cross-country ski enthusiasts often feel in the Chicago area. Although the weather is cold and it does snow, good cross-country skiing conditions cannot be depended on at any time. Many times it will snow on Tuesday or Wednesday, but it is difficult to take advantage of the conditions when it gets dark so early and then often times the snow has already melted by the time the weekend arrives.
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Gunflint cross-country ski trails
Snow conditions even in Wisconsin are not always dependable. There have been a few winters recently where the northern Wisconsin economy suffered from a paucity of snowmobile and ski tourists. The only real strategy for safety in regarding snow is to head up to northern Minnesota or the UP. These two destinations are each within 8-10 hours from Chicago. It is a long way to drive, but for good dependable ski conditions it is worth it. They both offer great ski locations with great terrain.
When a decision has been made on a cross-country ski location some people will then take time off from work, but this can be problematic if the requested time off arrives and there is no snow at the chosen destination. This is why these two areas are almost a sure thing for snow from December all the way into April. The UP is especially likely to always have snow during this time as it lies on the south side of Lake Superior and gets hit with some major lake effect snow.
In Minnesota the Gunflint Trail is the safest bet for snow. There are some good locations along the north shore of Lake Superior, but going a little farther north to Grand Marais and hitting the Gunflint Trails almost assures great conditions. The Gunflint trail immediately gains elevation from Grand Marais and Lake Superior and then continues for 60 miles through beautiful backcountry scenery and lodges.
The scenery itself is worth the drive
About forty miles down the trail is the Gunflint Lodge and this lodge has the best ski trails I have ever experienced in the Midwest. These trails can be pretty difficult at times, so some experience is necessary. The only problem I have ever had on these trails is the trail system is shared with a healthy moose population. I went whizzing around a bend one time to find a huge moose standing right in the middle of the trail. I was forced to crash land.
Here is to the hope that we get more of what we had last night, so that we have a good ski year in 2009-2010. If this does not materialize and even Wisconsin is snow free then take a trip even farther north to the UP or Minnesota’s Gunflint Trail.
This column will be cross-country ski central for the midwest area. Subscribe to my column above and get updates, trail reviews, and conditions for local cross-country ski destinations as well as hiking, canoeing, wildlife, and international travel information. Subscribers will get one link in their mailbox for every article and update and no company spam will be sent and examiner will not sell your email address.
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Comments
I love cross country, even if it makes you sore. The UP is one of the greatest places in the midwest, great article, Ted.
You make it sound like such fun!
Must be fun skiing in moose country, as long as you don't run into one....
50 years from now people are going to find this article and say, "Wow, there was snow as far south as the UP?" :)
Good column, Ted. Brings back many pleasant memories.
Good info article for cross-country folks in your area..great pics,too.
Cheers...
Love the photos. Right now I have a cross-country ski paradise right outside my door.
Wilderness -- and the stray moose here and there -- make life SO much more meaningful!
I prefer Nordic walking... on the beach! ;-)
I can attest to the UP getting and staying cold - even in July! This past summer on our motorcycle vacation, it was cold and rainy (translate that to snowy in the winter) 10 out of the 14 days we spent there. One morning we waited until it warmed up to 48 before riding to the next town.
So when it snows expect the snow to stay.
Great job! I love the first photo!
I guess you're used to driving in snow. We had rain in San Diego yesterday, the first rain in over 7 months, and accidents soared. The terrain looks lovely. Great story!
the trail looks beautiful and peaceful.
One of the great things about the Twin Cities is the huge number of outdoor venues for cross country and downhill skiing in the metro area, and it's even easier to throw on the skis or snowshoes and head for the nearest golf course.
Good article Ted, and great photos.
Ted, this is really beautiful. You spend your life in such lovely places and share them with us. These photos should get everyone in driving distance out there with you.
Not a winter sports fan but your article makes it sound like fun. Loved the pictures.
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