karen67

We will be in Minnesota (the Twin Cities area) visiting family for Christmas and would like to extend our trip with some cross country skiing in either Northern Minnesota or else out in Montana for about 4 days. We are thinking about staying at the Gun Flint Lodge near Grand Marais, Minnesota or else Lone Mountain Ranch near Bozeman, Montana. Can anyone give us advice or first-hand information about either property and the cross country skiing in the area? Thanks.

enzian

We have skied at Lone Mountain Ranch but we didn't stay there---we were at Big Sky resort for a conference, and dropped into Lone Mountain for a day of Nordic skiing. They have some 80-km of groomed trails which, as you probably are aware, are rated among the bet in the U.S. Unfortunately, we were there in a very warm and low-snow January (2003), and the snow was a mixture of ice and slush, so we didn't have a great day. But I have friends who love the place, so I'm sure it's very nice when the snow is cooperative. The ski shop was well-stocked with rental skis and things for sale, and we had a nice hot drink in the lounge area after skiing.

I looked at the Gunflint website, and couldn't find where they describe their groomed trails. Other than that, it looks like a great place, and would save you the long drive from Minnesota. Maybe you could call and ask them about the trails?

Cali

We go to Gunflint Lodge every year and love it. Their trails are great and it is a fun time of year during the Holiday Season. I highly recommend it. Also, their restaurant is wonderful. Also, you can do the lodge to lodge cross country trips and they are fun. Whatever you decide have a great time.

John

From Minn. to Northern Minn. aprrox.3 to 4 hrs.
From Minn. to Montana approx. 18 hours.

AuntAnnie

From Minneapolis to Gunflint Lodge in the winter will be 6 hours minimum.

Cali

AuntAnnie, You are correct on the driving time from Mpls. to Gunflint Lodge. It would be about 6 hours in the winter - 5 hrs. to Grand Marais and then another hour up the Gunflint Trail - but well worth it in my opinion.