Minnesota Ski Yurt to Yurt
It’s the most remote ski trail in Minnesota.
A thin thread of trail wanders through the boreal forest. The silent season along Minnesota’s northern border offers a unique opportunity to access some of the state’s wildest places—by cross-country skiing from yurt to yurt. We’re sharing the best ways to experience this winter adventure.
Located about one hour northwest of Grand Marais, Minnesota, the 17 mile (27k) Banadad Ski Trail is home to 2 rustic yurts (Mongolian tents). Both yurts are owned and operated by Boundary Country Trekking, who’ve been offering northern adventures since the late 70’s. Cozied up in your yurt, you are surrounded by giant white pines, paper birch and some of the best night skies on earth (hello, northern lights!)
The trail isn’t overly hard, but…
While there are a few challenging hills located mid-trail, the overall terrain is generally flat to rolling. The biggest challenge is the distance, which may be tiring depending on your experience or fitness base. From the east , the elevation gently rises to meet the Laurentian Divide, the height of land where water north of the divide flows to Hudson Bay. After that, it descends, taking you down mild hills towards the west end. The trail is regularly groomed and maintained by the Banadad Trail Association who does a great job of keeping it tracked and clear. We’ve skied the trail in the middle of a blizzard and didn’t loose our way! Whew.
Banadad yurts are cozy, rustic living.
Both yurts have a wood stove, propane cooking stove, propane lamp and a pit toilet. The bunkbeds will accommodate up to 6 people; one has a full-sized bed that folds into a couch. Because the kitchen setup is quite small, we recommend you prep your food as much as you’re able to before arriving to the yurt. It will make cooking and cleaning easier and allow more time for fun - ‘cause that’s what you’re there for.
The outfitter usually provides linens, however due to Covid restrictions, you’ll need to bring your own. This includes sleeping bags, pillows and kitchen rags. Check with them before you go.
You won’t haul your gear.
Carry a daypack with the 10 essentials plus whatever else offers safety and comfort on the trail. But, while you’re busy skiing, the outfitter snowmobiles all of your food and supplies on a separate trail to the yurt. When you arrive after the day’s activities, the wood stove will be stoked, the water jugs filled and the accommodations simple and welcoming. Boundary Country will even shuttle your vehicle to the other end of your route. So, as you ski 8 miles on your final day, your car will be waiting at the terminus.
Skiing in the steps of moose.
As you glide along, keep an eye out for evidence of animal activity. Moose prints will punch through the trail, sometimes nearly obliterating the track. Their heart shaped hooves head deep within the BWCA and you’ll be lucky if you see one of these elusive, quiet creatures. Long, sliding tracks are an indication that otters are near with their classic run, run, run, glide pattern. Their glide looks as though someone rolled a bowling ball in the snow. Finally, at night, when you’re gazing at the Big Dipper to the north, listen for the soulful howls of Timber wolves. There may be a pack nearby.
Great ways to enjoy the yurts.
TALL PINES YURT
The Tall Pines yurt is located .5 mile ski from the eastern parking lot (about a mile from the outfitter). From this yurt, you can access the Banadad Trail as well as two other trails, The Tall Pines and Lace Lake Trails, together offer 3.5 miles of single track, classic ski trail. Using the Lace Lake Trail, you can access, for a fee, the Central Gunflint Ski Trail System. The system boasts nearly 45 miles of groomed trail for classic and skate style skiing.
CROFT YURT
The Croft yurt can be accessed from the western trailhead parking lot off the Gunflint Trail. It is an 8 mile ski to the yurt. From this yurt, you can access the rest of the Banadad Ski Trail as the trail is two-way.
Lastly, you can ski in, stay at a yurt, and ski out the same way you came in. Or, you can ski from yurt to yurt (point to point) on the Banadad Trail. The first option is the easiest while skiing yurt to yurt is more challenging due to distance. You may see other skiers, but it they will be few, especially on the Banadad. Usually its yurt groups “switching places”, headed in opposite directions.
3 Recommended Itineraries
Option 1 | Starts at the eastern terminus, closest to the outfitter.
Day 1: Ski .5 mile to Tall Pines Yurt from trailhead parking lot. Trail gradually heads uphill and is gently rolling to flat.
Day 2: Explore local ski trails or snowshoe nearby lakes.
Day 3: Take the .5 mile spur trail that connects to the Banadad Trail. Pay attention to maps as this spur is part of the trail you skied in on, but turns a sharp left at an intersection before the terminus parking lot. Ski roughly 11 miles to Croft Yurt. Carry a daypack with essentials, water and food.
Day 4: Ski roughly 8 miles to the western terminus trailhead parking.
Option 2 | Starts at the western terminus about 30 min from outfitter.
Day 1: Ski roughly 8 miles to Croft Yurt. Trail gradually heads up in elevation.
Days 2-4 are same itinerary as above but in the opposite direction. You can eliminate a day but know you’ll have 2 full days back to back.
Option 3 | Starts at either terminus trailhead parking
Days 1-4: From the eastern terminus ski .5 miles to Tall Pines Yurt. Stay 1-3 nights and return the same way you skied in. There is a separate trail you can snowshoe in on if you prefer not to ski. Trail gradually heads uphill with rolling to flat sections.
Days 1-4: From the eastern terminus ski 8 miles to Croft Yurt. Trail gradually climbs in elevation. Ski in the area or to the east along the Banadad Trail. Explore nearby lakes. Return the same way you skied in.
Good to know before you go.
The Banadad Ski trail requires both a Minnesota Ski Pass and a Banadad Trail Pass.
A BWCA permit is required on the Banadad Trail and can be obtained through the outfitter.
With mostly flat to gently rolling terrain, the Banadad is mildly challenging and has a few large hills mid-trail (there is space to walk along side the tracks if they’re beyond your skill set). We consider it an intermediate trail due to the distance and remoteness. The elevation change is mostly gradual. Recreational skiers should plan on skiing 2-3mph. Remember it’s the journey!
Both yurts are located off of the Gunflint Trail in northern Minnesota. While the county does a pretty good job plowing, be sure your vehicle is prepared for winter driving and that you have emergency equipment with you.
Cell service is limited to nonexistent in the region.
Gas and a small grocery store is located a few miles north of the outfitter. They are a part of Trail Center Lodge and Restaurant. The restaurant is a great stop post trip.
Outfitting includes the use of a Garmin InReach emergency locator beacon. Be sure the outfitter shows you how to use it in case of emergency.
All food and gear is hauled through the woods by snowmobile. Pack everything to handle a bumpy ride, cold temps and possibly wet conditions.
Carry a solar or battery charger for your devices. There is no electricity at either yurt. Stoves and lamps are run on propane.
Whenever you head out to ski, carry a day pack that includes the 11 essentials (modified for winter conditions) and an emergency locator beacon. Don’t forget to let someone know where you’re going and a general itinerary of where you’ll be.
Best months to explore the trail are December through March. January tends to be the coldest, while February can be the snowiest.
Keep the trails nice for everyone and review ski trail etiquette.
Yurt to yurt ski outfitting starts at $430 for 4 people and can be reserved through Boundary Country Trekking, Grand Marais, Minnesota.
RESOURCES + MAPS
Map of the Banadad Ski Trail and the Tall Pines and Lace Lake trails.
Map of the Central Gunflint Ski Trail system.
More information about the Gunflint Trail that include places to stay, things to do and maps in the surrounding region.
Disclaimer: It’s your responsibility to plan, research and prepare for your adventure. Weather conditions that may affect the trail or roads can occur unexpectedly and quickly. Many places in northern Minnesota are very remote and you may be hours or a full day away from help and medical services. Access your fitness, skills and experience with that in mind.
