five on-trail warming huts. Ski school with reservations: 970/887-2152, Cross Country PSIA certified instructors to help you with www.ymcarockies.org Nestled in the super scenic High Sierra and your technique. Night on Wednesdays, surrounded by two wilderness areas, Bear 5 – 7 p.m. from December 29 – February 23. MAINE Valley Cross Country offers some of the For more information call Aroostook County finest striding and skating anywhere! With 530/587-9484 or visit www.tdxc.com. Aroostook County in Northern Maine is impeccable grooming, expansive meadows, the home of two Olympic caliber biathlon scenic ridge tops, snowshoeing, sledding, COLORADO venues, has hosted World Cup Events, telemarking, backcountry, alpine skiing and Devil’s Thumb Ranch and has more than 200 kilometers of lodging within walking distance, Bear Valley A 2003 Fischer Nordic Poll of avid cross- groomed Nordic ski trails all free to the offers incredible adventures for everyone. country enthusiasts rated Devil’s Thumb public. These meticulously groomed trails 209/753-2834, www.bearvalleyxc.com. Ranch #1 for scenery, #4 for grooming, and offer quality skiing throughout the region. #7 overall out of all Nordic resorts in North Many trails are lighted offering night Kirkwood Cross Country Center America. With more than 125 km of groomed skiing. There are currently 20 community Above all the rest with a base elevation of trails nestled in the pristine and private Ranch Nordic trail systems offering an affordable 7,800 feet and 80 km of machine groomed Creek valley at the base of the Continental getaway with amazing skiing opportunities. trails, Kirkwood offers unsurpassed scenery Divide, we’re the premiere Nordic center in To learn more visit www.mainewsc. and the most exciting terrain in the west. The Colorado for skate or classic Nordic skiing. org or www.visitAroostook.com or call day lodge houses the ski school, a retail and Take a group lesson from one of our friendly 888/216-2463. rental shop including standard track, skate instructors or an advanced technique clinic. A and backcountry skis as well as snowshoes wide variety of quality equipment is available MINNESOTA and pulks. Kirkwood Mountain Resort is a for purchase or rental, including infant sleds Cascade Lodge full service destination resort. and skijoring rigs. Located in the midst of Cascade River State Lodging: 800/967-7500, Call 800-933-4339 or visit Park overlooking Lake Superior. Historic Cross Country: 209/258-7248, www.devilsthumbranch.com. main lodge, log cabins with fireplaces, www.kirkwood.com. some with kitchenette and whirlpool bath. Glen Eden Resort Distinctive northwoods family restaurant. Sorensen’s and Hope Valley Resorts Surrounded by high country cattle ranches Great scenery on 50 km of groomed trails Your resort for all seasons in the Sierra and National Forest, this small resort north shared with the state park starting from our Nevada. Sorensen’s offers cozy housekeeping of Steamboat Springs offers the best lodging door. Trails groomed with state-of-the-art cabins, many with wood burning stoves, and value in NW Colorado. More than 80 km equipment. XC ski and snowshoe rentals delicious, homemade cuisine in the Country of perfectly groomed skiing. Unlimited available at the front desk. Café, serving 7 days per week. Located on backcountry trails and world class deep 3719 W. Hwy 61, Lutsen, MN 55612; the eastern edge of beautiful Hope Valley, powder Telemark skiing. Beautiful views and 800/322-9543, www.cascadelodgemn.com. a perfect spot for XC skiing, snowshoeing, sunshine. Average snowfall 400 inches. Hot fishing, hiking, biking or just plain relaxing. tubs, sleigh rides, snowshoeing and guide Grand Rapids Conveniently close to Grover Hot Springs service available. Clean, quiet, modern two- The Grand Rapids area in northeastern State Park, east of Kirkwood and 20 minutes bedroom, two-bath cabins with kitchen and Minnesota offers a wide variety of relatively South of . For reservations or all of the comforts of home. Experience a undiscovered cross country ski trails. The more information, 800/423-9949, true Colorado Nordic secret. area’s 22 sets of ski trails offer challenge www.sorensensresort.com. 800/882-0854; www.glenedenresort.com. and variety for all skill levels. Standouts in this winter wonderland include the famed Snow Mountain Ranch Suomi Hills that wind through the Chippewa Recipient of the Sierra Sun’s “Best Place to Near Winter Park, Colorado—100+ km of National Forest and the Sugar Hills trails that Ski Award” for 2005. 115 km of groomed trails. groomed Nordic trails, ice skating, indoor traverse the newly designated Forest Legacy Day lodge with rentals, clothing, accessories swimming pool, sledding and tubing for Lands. Ski trail information and updated and freshly baked goods. Weekends and kids of all ages. Cabins, lodge rooms, meals grooming reports are available online all holidays—baked goods, soups and sandwiches and activities—you’ll find it all at Snow season long at www.visitgrandrapids.com. are available at the Cookhouse, one of our Mountain Ranch. For more information and

ADVERTISEMENT82 | CCS JAN FEB 09 Gunflint Ski Trail System: Maplelag Resort VERMONT Boundary Country Trekking— Voted the #1 XC Ski Resort in North America The Mountain Top Inn & Resort Banadad Ski Trail 2002/2003 readers poll. Maplelag Resort Nordic Ski & Snowshoe Center Ski the Gunflint’s Banadad Trail—the offers 65km of custom groomed trail for all With a setting of “breathtaking natural Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness’ types of skiers. 46,000 sq. ft. lodge features beauty” the Mountain Top Inn boasts 80km (BWCA) longest tracked trail and part of folk art from around the world. Serving all- of Nordic ski trails with 40km groomed, the 180km Gunflint Nordic Ski Trail System. you-can-eat, made from scratch family style and 350 acres of pristine backcountry for Exclusive silent sport lodging along Banadad meals and four bottomless cookie jars. Ice skiing or snowshoeing. Varied terrain for all at Poplar Creek Guesthouse B&B, Ski-in skating rink, sledding hill, Nordic Terrain skill and age levels. Elevation up to 2,100 Cabins and Wilderness Yurts. Snowshoeing Park, saunas, steam room and state’s largest ft. Snowmaking on limited trails ensures and skijoring trails. Adventure trips including spa make Maplelag a must-see Nordic great conditions. Private or group lessons, lodge to lodge and yurt skiing, dogsledding destination. 800/654-7711, ski shop, rentals, café fare. Seasonal and other year round adventures. www.maplelag.com. packages. Luxurious accommodations and 800/322-8327, great cuisine. Host site for the New England www.boundarycountry.com/portal.html. MONTANA Women’s Cross Country Ski Day on February Lone Mountain Ranch 3, 2008. Only 11 miles from Killington. Central Gunflint Ski Trail System: Experience western hospitality at this 800/445-2100, Bearskin Lodge—Golden Eagle Lodge award winning guest ranch in the heart of www.mountaintopinn.com/ccskiprogram.html. Nationally renowned skiing on 77km of Yellowstone Country. Over 80 km groomed snowcat-groomed trails with a dependable trails, snowshoe trails and naturalist guided Trapp Family Lodge average snowfall of 120 inches. Groomed for ski tours into Yellowstone Park. For downhill Home to the country’s first and finest cross traditional and skate skiing accommodating skiers, Big Sky Ski Resort is just six miles country ski center and the family who all levels of difficulties. Night skiing, away. Cozy, comfortable log cabins, inspired “The Sound of Music.” Over 100 snowshoe trails, sauna, heated waxing renowned cuisine and an old fashioned km of trails wind through 2,700 acres with room, ski lessons, ski & snowshoe rentals, sleigh ride dinner are all a part of the magnificent mountain views. ice skating rink and lit trail for night skiing vacation package. 700 Trapp Hill Road, Stowe, VT 05672, can all be enjoyed while staying in modern P.O. Box 160069, Big Sky, MT 59716 800/826-7000, www.trappfamily.com. lakeside cabins with fireplace, some deluxe 800/514-4644, [email protected], with whirlpools. Early and off-season www.lmranch.com. WASHINGTON specials. Skiing right from your cabin door. Sun Mountain Lodge Bearskin Lodge– 800/338-4170. NEW HAMPSHIRE Spectacular mountaintop resort on 3,000 www.bearskin.com. Waterville Valley Nordic Center acres. Ski from your door on the famous Golden Eagle Lodge– 800/346-2203, Ski over 70km of trails of pristine back Methow Valley trail system with 200 km www.golden-eagle.com. country wilderness in the scenic splendor of of groomed magic. PSIA fully certified ski the White Mountain National Forest. Wide school. Full service ski shop with complete Upper Gunflint Ski Trail System: trails, expertly groomed by Pisten Bully for rentals. DiRoNA Award winning restaurant. Gunflint Lodge—Heston’s Lodge— both classic and skate. WVNC is located in an Wine Spectator Award winning wine cellar. Gunflint Pines Resort alpine village with shops, restaurants, lodging AAA Four Diamond Award winning guest Ski deep snow of the Laurentian Highlands and entertainment. PSIA coaching, childcare, rooms. Full-service spa. Two hot tubs, ice November to April in NE Minnesota. 10+ fully-stocked retail shop, rentals, repairs and skating and sleigh rides. 800/572-0493, feet annual snowfall, 80+ km groomed forest child sleds. Ten minute shuttle ride from www.sunmountainlodge.com. trails winding through cedar swamps and Waterville Valley Ski Area, with alpine skiing, aspen ridges. Frequent wildlife encounters. and tubing. Summer biking and WISCONSIN Large A-frames, honeymoon suites, many hiking. Bring a copy of this ad and receive a Minocqua Winter Park with fireplace, hot tub, sauna. Breakfasts, 2-for-1 trail deal. Dare we say, “The best?” You bet! With packed lunches, gourmet dinners, pizza & 603/236-8311, 6,500 acres and 75 kilometers of expertly- beverages. Dog sledding, ski, snowshoe & [email protected], groomed trails for all skill levels, every day snowmobile rentals, gift shops, ice fishing, www.waterville.com. is a great day at Minocqua Winter Park. sledding & nearby sleigh rides. Because of amenities like a heated chalet Gunflint Lodge–800/328-3325 , that serves hot food, great kids programs, www.gunflint.com. top level instruction and coaching and a full Heston’s Lodge– 800/338-7230, service ski shop Minocqua Winter Park is www.hestons.com. the best cross country skiing in the Midwest. Gunflint Pines Resort–800/533-5814 , Visit us at www.minocquawinterpark.org www.gunflintpines.com. or 715/538-7364.

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