Just up the historic Gunflint Trail out of Grand Marias Minnesota is some of the best cross country skiing in the area. This past weekend it was time for our annual family ski trip to the Gunflint Trail. Several resorts service the two trail systems up here, and again this year we were back at Bearskin Lodge on the Central trails. (The Upper Trail System has 4 resorts, the Central has 2)

Going in early March has assured us of nice weather the last couple of years, and this year was no different. Sunny warm weather, with light to calm winds were the rule for our three day visit. In fact if anything it was a bit too nice, with the deep snowpack of the Gunflint beginning to melt. We still had plenty to ski on, a lot more than around here, but it was getting soft by mid day.

Nearly 70k of trails are available just out our cabin door, and we made an effort to get to most of it. By the time we left only about 10k had not been skied, with my daughter getting the honors for the most k skied. Her favorite, and mine alike, was the expert only Bear Cub World Cup trail. Know for it's monster climbs and screaming downhills it didn't disappoint.

While it maybe too late for this season, if you're ever looking for a great place to get away from it all, cell phones don't work and there are no televisions, the Gunflint trail is a great cross country skiing destination.