This is at Cross Ranch State Park, roughly 15 miles from the McClean County seat of Washburn, N.D. That's about an hour north of Bismarck. This park has a full 10 miles of groomed single track for classic skiing. No room for skaters here. You can ski a loop as small as 1.5 miles or go for the full monty. It's well worth it to go all the way. You ski in a wind-protected cottonwood forest on the banks of the Missouri River. Deer and pheasant abound. It's $5 for a one-day vehicle pass or $25 for a year-round sticker. A great buy. The ranger at the lodge said they groom about every 3 days. There's 2 feet of snow for base right now and 20 more inches expected by Saturday. You can rent a yurt here for something like $65 per night ... sweet.Absolute solitude.
See you on the trails one of these days.
--CTK
