Cross Country Skiing on the Gunflint Trail

Cross country on the Gunflint Trail is skiing at its finest. The Northwoods of Minnesota are blessed to have snow for several months during the late fall and winter.  Heston’s is part of the Upper Gunflint Trail system, with 75k of ski trails.  Most are groomed with a Pisten-Bully ski groomer, and are double-tracked.  Some are single track with one skate lane to the side. Access to three of the trails begins right at our property. Hit the trail first thing in the morning, without driving anywhere.  If you prefer, we are happy to offer rides to and from trailheads. You will ski through our forest of pines, cedars and birch, with a variety of challenges.  Take a leisurely pace on Warrens Road or discover the ups and downs of the South Rim.  We are here to help you plan a route, with the latest information on conditions.

Three warming huts are located on the trails. Plan these into your route for a quick lunch or snack break.  When skiing with the family and young children, it is great to have a destination like this, to encourage the new skiers along. Another destination for young ones is one of our neighboring lodges, where cocoa is served complimentary to all skiers and outdoor adventurers.

Upper Gunflint Ski Trails map

Two additional ski trail systems are nearby.  The Banadad Ski Trail is a single-track trail, running 29k through the BWCA.  For more information, visit the website for the Banadad Trail.

The Central Gunflint Trails are located around Bearskin and Golden Eagle lodges. This system brings another 70k of tracked trails. See the map here.

Ski Passes are available at our front desk, and at the area lodges.  Skis and equipment can be rented locally from Gunflint Pines or Gunflint Lodge.