chomps1211

Hey everyone, thanks for looking in.

I was toying with the idea of shredding my credit report once & for all and taking my mid Jan. vacation out west somewhere. (Snowbird, Breckenridge, Big Bear, CA. etc.) This will b my first full season on a snowboard and I really wanted to go somewhere that would put a couple of feet of "Fresh" snow under the board. Unfortunately, I really don't think my finances will allow it. (...maybe next season!)

My second choice was to head up to the Boyne/Nubs area for a 3-4 day weekend and then I'm thinking that maybe I could drive north from there and hit another hill/resort for 2-4 days.

I have checked the web for places like Blackjack, Marquette, Iron Mountain, (MT Bohemia looks REALLY cool, but it sounds like it's way beyond my skill & ability!) and Lutsen MN. Lutsen looks promising, at least if you can trust their web site! Of course that's a real haul, even from the Gaylord area. and then theres the lo-o-o-ng assed drive home to the Metro D area after!

I was wondering if anyone here had any first hand experience to share with any of these resorts? Especially Lutsen! Would it be worth the drive? Or should I save the time and gas money and stick to something in the UP?

TIA

Nefarious

I went on a 3 day trip to Lusten last winter, and I leave in 7 days for another one.

I may be a bad point of reference, as Lutsen is by far the largest place I've been to. That being said, I really enjoyed my time there. If you're there to ride and you're not too picky, you'll have a blast. They have a nice variety of runs and mountains. You can take the tram up to the top of Moose mountain and get some lunch, then board back over. The views are incredible looking out over Lake Superior.

I recommend you doing Ski in-Ski out, as it really makes it more enjoyable. I've stayed at Eagle Ridge and will be staying at Caribou Highlands next weekend for Snowball. Papa Charlie's is a great place to stop in for a beer, as is Moguls. They're typical lodge pricing, but it doesn't discredit them any.

I may not have sold it as well as I should, so ask any questions you may have and I'll do my best to answer.

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C.B.

Lutsen is the best all around mid-west resort period. That being said its a hell of a haul from Michigan. You may want to look at somewhere east, although I couldn't tell you whats over there

Nefarious

are you going to snowball?

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casper3043

ummm...there's no snow out here in colorado rofl

Nefarious

different snowball. There's one in Minnesota too. Lutsen Mountains

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C.B.

I might sneak over there for a day, I fucked up and didn't buy a pass over there, but one of my friends grew up in lutsen and does a pretty good job of getting me free tickets, otherwise I won't spend the money.

I'm sure it would be a blast, I just have a hard time justifing going to lutsen on the busiest weekend when I can go to giants ridge and have all the best runs to myself.

hikeswithdogs

If the snow is good I love Lutsen, long long runs, beautiful views and even some nice tree riding and side country if the conditions are good and you know where to go.

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makingfreshtracks.blogspot.com

Nefarious

I hear you there. I'm driving 12 hours for snowball. I know it'll be super busy, but whaddya do. We're coming up with 10 people and renting out a big place at Caribou.

Even if it's packed, we'll have fun. First chair every morning, at the very least.

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C.B.

back to the original poster,

If you want to come to MN don't count out spirit mountain in duluth, and Giants ridge which is up by virginia(mn). neither are lutsen sized but both are big enough to keep you entertained, probably like boyne but less crowded.