CROSS COUNTRY SKIING
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This is World-Class cross-country skiing at its best! The nationally renowned Central Gunflint Ski Trail System, owned jointly by Golden Eagle Lodge and Bearskin Lodge, is a well-marked network of more than 70 km of trails that begin curving away into Minnesota’s beautiful Northwoods right from your cabin’s doorstep. Our trail system has been specifically built for the purpose of cross-country skiing and is tracked for both traditional and skate skiers alike.
With a wide variety of trails ranging from beginner to advanced, there are plenty of loops and routes for skiers of all experience levels. For the beginning skier, try the Logging Camp Trail which follows the north shore of Flour Lake along the bed of an old logging railroad from the early 1900’s, offering a couple gentle hills and pristine views of the frozen water. For the more experienced skier, make the ascent to the top of Red Pines or Moose Ridge and witness breathtaking views back over Flour Lake and east over Deer and Moon lakes within the BWCA. Also, did we mention, all ski trail passes are offered at no charge to our cabin guests – how cool is that!
Our location on the Gunflint Trail is special as we are at near the top of the Laurentian divide, one of the highest points in Minnesota. Worrying about a snowy season is never a problem for us as we are white capped with an average of over 100 inches of whispery powder throughout each winter, so come out and enjoy the snow!
Want to ski after dark? Enjoy the romance of night skiing on Wolf Point, a 1.5 km loop beginning right at the lodge. This loop is lit 7 nights a week starting right after sunset with twinkling electric lights. The Aurora Borealis even kicks in every now and then for a dazzling late-night light show.
We also offer a heated waxing room in which you can prepare your skis for the next day. The “Cubbyhole” features a waxing rack, electric plug-ins, and an iron. It also serves as our rental room, featuring Fischer skis, Fischer boots, and Swix poles. Want to try skate skiing before you buy the equipment? Rent a pair of our brand new high performance skate skis for a day! We also do lessons!
If you would like to do more than just skiing, try snowshoeing our network of snowshoe trails, go ice skating on our ice rink, or enjoy a dog sledding ride with the local mushers. Stargazing and walking on a moonlit night create some unforgettable memories too. At day’s end, unwind in our private-use sauna or relax in your Deluxe Cabin’s whirlpool tub.
We are a silent sports only resort and do not take snowmobiles. So if you enjoy winter activities, relaxing evenings, and the quiet and solitude of Minnesota’s North Woods, come on up enjoy what we have to offer! You won’t be disappointed!
TRAIL TICKETS
All trail tickets are offered at no charge to our cabin guests. For visiting skiers, please observe the table below:
| Winter 2022-2023 | Daily | Late Day | 3-Day Package | Season |
| Adult (Ages 14+) | $20.00 | $15.00 | $40.00 | $120.00 |
| Child (Ages 7-13) | $10.00 | $8.00 | $20.00 | $50.00 |
| Family | —— | —— | —— | $250.00 |
- No charge for children under age 7
- Late Day tickets are sold after 1:00 PM
- Family Pass covers two adults and their children, ages 7-13
TRAIL MAP
Below is the map of our ski trail system. This map is provided when you stay at Golden Eagle Lodge or when you purchase a Central Gunflint Trail Ticket from us. The map also includes a full description of each trail, distances, and additional information.
Fifty percent of the trails are considered Intermediate level, with 25% Advanced, and 25% Beginner. The majority of the trail system is tracked for both skating and classic skiing. Only two loops are tracked for classic only.
