UpNorthica

It feels great to kickoff 2010 on a good note: Several positive changes are afoot on the BWCA’s Banadad Ski Trail this winter.

First, the way has recently been paved (no, not literally) for better winter travel. A DNR grant, as well as donated time from volunteers have resulted in some wider, clearer and flatter sections of the Banadad.

Which leads to the new managment: After twenty years, Boundary Country Trekking (a company) has passed the trail management along to the newly-formed Banadad Trail Association.

And then there’s Olga. As one of the yurt accomodations along the trail, the structure known affectionately as “Olga” has been rebuilt and restored to her former yurty glory. And if you’ve never stayed in a yurt before, they’re an experience not to be missed — almost a mashup between camping and cabining.

Winter is sorta whipping into shape again, so news like this should spur you to make skiing plans along the Banadad, about now-ish.