First snow, then skis
November 29th, 2011 | News | 0 Comments
January 2010, Central Gunflint Trail Ski System
We got a bit of snow over the weekend: about six inches worth of fluffy, “make a snowman” snow at the end of the Trail. Since Saturday’s snowfall, the Trail businesses have been out with the grooming equipment on the Gunflint Trail’s networks of ski trails, setting the first tracks of the season. While we need a bit more snow to get the trails in tiptop shape, it is enough snow for the diehards to get a few kms in on.
Cross-country skiing really took on the Gunflint Trail in the late 70s and early 80s, when area business owners began developing ski systems. Today, the Gunflint Trail boosts 200+ km of ski trails and skiing’s major winter activity in this neck of the woods. Whether novice or expert, you can find a trail that’s just right for you somewhere on Pincushion Mountain, the Central Gunflint Trail Ski System, the Upper Gunflint Trail Ski System, or the Banadad Ski Trail.
If you’re planning to ski along the Gunflint Trail, note that both the Central and Upper Gunflint Trail Ski Systems require their own unique ski pass. Those passes can be purchased at nearby lodges, where you can also rent skis and any other necessary equipment. A Minnesota Ski Pass is required for Pincushion Mountain Trail and the Banadad. Because the Banadad travels through the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, you’ll also want to fill out a free, self-issued BWCAW permit at the trail head before embarking.
It won’t be long before skiing becomes an everyday activity on the Trail. Especially not if this forecast starts to repeat itself:
Wednesday: A 40 percent chance of snow after noon. Increasing clouds, with a high near 31. North wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday Night: Snow likely. Cloudy, with a low around 19. North wind between 5 and 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of around an inch possible
Think snow!
Do you ski? What’s your favorite winter activity on the Gunflint Trail?
Tags: Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, BWCAW, cross country skiing, Gunflint Trail, minnesota, winter, winter outings
