Lutsen is a rip!!!

[astaufen]

I just returned from a weekend trip up to Lutsen for some Mountain Biking. I try to make it up there every year to ride, because it has always been great riding. I was really disappointed this year. As was discussed in another thread Moose Mountain is not open; yet, they still are charging $20 to just ride. That doesn't even get you on the chairlift. Even if Moose Mountain was open, I can hardly justify driving all the way up there to pay $20. I would much rather just drive to Afton, and pay $7.

Anyway, that is my little rant.

[Magic]

Well then I hope to see you out at Afton. We have trail work nights on thursdays and they will start up again on Sept. 22.

[Buck]

come on down to Steeple Chase this weekend, 10 bucks all day shuttle. on a fun trail, with some sweet XC on the same property!
L8R
Buck

[col200]

I agree the $$ is WAY too much for what you're getting. If Moose was open, I could see it being a little better. It's also only open until 5:00 so that's a bummer when it takes 20 minutes to get to the top of the mtn on the chairlift. I think it's a blast to bomb down those trails, but it'd be more of a blast if I could actually afford it! I'm not a downhiller but love to ride the Lutsen type stuff on my Giant VT...is Steeplechase or Afton kinda similar to Lutsen? Anyone ever been to Spirit mtn?

[Buck]

I agree the $$ is WAY too much for what you're getting. If Moose was open, I could see it being a little better. It's also only open until 5:00 so that's a bummer when it takes 20 minutes to get to the top of the mtn on the chairlift. I think it's a blast to bomb down those trails, but it'd be more of a blast if I could actually afford it! I'm not a downhiller but love to ride the Lutsen type stuff on my Giant VT...is Steeplechase or Afton kinda similar to Lutsen? Anyone ever been to Spirit mtn?

I am actually involved at both Steeple Chase and Spirit, yes they compare, actually I would say they are better. They are actual trails not 4 wheel paths. Look for a FR trail coming soon to Spirit this fall we are going to start construction! Stuff at Spirit is so much more rugged then anything in the cities, super fun trails!
L8R
Buck

[SpecHR55]

How well would a Hardrock work at steeplechase?

[Tetreves]

How well would a Hardrock work at steeplechase?

See this thread (http://www.morcmtb.org/forums/showthread.php?t=14685)

[SpecHR55]

Well I rode there with one like 2 months ago and the back tire fell of twice cause of all the rocks. "yes my quick-release was tightened all the way"
And I had a hell of a time rippin' across that DH stuff.

So ya I ansewered my own question, sorry bout that bad post.

[Buck]

Well I rode there with one like 2 months ago and the back tire fell of twice cause of all the rocks. "yes my quick-release was tightened all the way"
And I had a hell of a time rippin' across that DH stuff.

So ya I ansewered my own question, sorry bout that bad post.

yes a hardrock will work at steeplechase,
L8R
Buck

[SpecHR55]

yes a hardrock will work at steeplechase,
L8R
Buck

Ha! Didn't quite work for me to well! And its not my riding.

[Buck]

Ha! Didn't quite work for me to well! And its not my riding.

when have you been to steeple chase? It has only been open once.
L8R
Buck

[devo kenivel]

the terrain at lutsen doesn't suck but more the maintenence up there. i like the fact that you can have somewhat nice downhilling and long runs but i do agree that the price is a little crazy but whatever. it is minnesota after all.....

[Buck]

the terrain at lutsen doesn't suck but more the maintenence up there. i like the fact that you can have somewhat nice downhilling and long runs but i do agree that the price is a little crazy but whatever. it is minnesota after all.....

Lutsen could be the best in the Midwest, and a number of people have offered to build trails there. Lutsen manangment just doesn't see it right now. they COULD have awesome trails but they don't. I think once they are done with all the renovations and everything they should be reapproached, I know that two of the 4 owners bought the other two out. When there is change in ownership it is always worth trying again.
L8R
Buck

[redlinmi]

Yeah, I think we need to take it a bit easy on these guys. They are, after all, primarily a ski/winter resort, and they clearly are directing some much needed energy, capital, and attention to enhancing the resort experience for the largest segment of their business operation -- paying winter customers. I'm really happy they are doing some of the things they are for the upcoming winter season. It will be great to see some fresh things up there.

[Craig]

I'm really happy they are doing some of the things they are for the upcoming winter season. It will be great to see some fresh things up there.

Other then the new chalet they're building, and some remodeling of the buildings, what else are they up to for this winter? I'm curious to hear! :)

Also, the ONLY thing I dislike about Lutsen in the winter is their insanely slow chairlifts. It's so hard to come back from out west, after riding express lifts, only to take a slow ride up Mystery Mtn for example. ;)

(Sorry for the thread hijack)

[devo kenivel]

Take it easy on Lutsen?! Are you crazy? They have so much potential to make soooo much money in the Summer with the lift accessible biking it's hard to give them any freedom. Plus, Buck's right. What else are they doing besides working on the chalet? Also, their chairs are slow as (insert explicitive). That is when they're working :)

[redlinmi]

Take it easy on Lutsen?! Are you crazy? They have so much potential to make soooo much money in the Summer with the lift accessible biking it's hard to give them any freedom. Plus, Buck's right. What else are they doing besides working on the chalet? Also, their chairs are slow as (insert explicitive). That is when they're working :)

They are in the middle of a multi-year development that will result in new buildings, housing, retail, and possibly, a high-speed detachable quad on Moose Mountain (as per the marketing brochure for the 04-05 season, and I'm sure it will be in the new stuff -- check Joe's in Roseville this fall).

Multi-phased development isn't cheap -- it takes years of private investment and time. What I'm saying is you can't really fault them for wanting to devote limited resources to their primary business -- paying winter customers. I don't disagree that more biking opportunities wouldn't be cool -- you bet it would, but there is a reality to the business model. Keep in mind that it doesn't take much to really cut into a ski area's bottom line here in the midwest -- two back-to-back drought winters can really hurt (not to mention the rising cost of insurance and liability protections). Also, this group recently purchased another ski area (Rib Mountain, Wausau, WI) for additional winter activity development.

Let's keep the dialogue open and talk to them about future development, no doubt. But for the time being, let's get up there in the winter time and support the place and remind them what could possibly be in the summer time as well! :) Opportunities could really be there, I agree.

[Buck]

They are in the middle of a multi-year development that will result in new buildings, housing, retail, and possibly, a high-speed detachable quad on Moose Mountain (as per the marketing brochure for the 04-05 season, and I'm sure it will be in the new stuff -- check Joe's in Roseville this fall).

Multi-phased development isn't cheap -- it takes years of private investment and time. What I'm saying is you can't really fault them for wanting to devote limited resources to their primary business -- paying winter customers. I don't disagree that more biking opportunities wouldn't be cool -- you bet it would, but there is a reality to the business model. Keep in mind that it doesn't take much to really cut into a ski area's bottom line here in the midwest -- two back-to-back drought winters can really hurt (not to mention the rising cost of insurance and liability protections). Also, this group recently purchased another ski area (Rib Mountain, Wausau, WI) for additional winter activity development.

Let's keep the dialogue open and talk to them about future development, no doubt. But for the time being, let's get up there in the winter time and support the place and remind them what could possibly be in the summer time as well! :) Opportunities could really be there, I agree.

hahahah, you don't get drought winters along the north shore!!!! They had well over a 100" base of natural snow last year by Feb.!!!!!! Anyway, this spring I am plan on contacting them, I know some guys from Pioneer Bike Shop that have been doing alot of work with them, that is who I plan on trying to work through/with.
L8R
Buck

[Bighit]

....is the worst run business of all time. They act like the monopoly they are. As a ski destinaton they are budget at best. The only thing cool about that place is the beauty of the shore. Lutsen routinley and arbitrarily closes the lifts in the summer if they want to take a day off and often close whtever lift they feel like when they feel like it. What kind of place shuts down a resturant @ 9:00 on a fri/sat in peak season when they are one of the only places to eat around? I have been there about 20 times and every time we have had a service related issue. Take your money to Marquette, everthing biker related is better there.

[SpecHR55]

Ya i paid $30 for trails not taken care of and and for A lift that stopped every minute. Grrrrrrr.....

Im going to spirit when i get my new bike.

[MickUZE]

We need to come together as riders and help Lutsen put together a quality trail, a trail that can kick ass, a trail that is art!!

[Buck]

It only takes one person...are you the one? Like I have said before all talk and no do gets us no where. Lots of people including myself have critizied Lutsen, but have done nothing to make it better, everyone here agrees it really could be better, ok we all know that, now some one needs to act on it!

The thing with Lutsen is that it is big enough that they would probably be better off hiring a trail crew then having volunteers drive all the way up the shore(how many people in reality would do that? not as many as you would think) Maybe have volunteers help make the initial push for some good trail action but if you are talking on a bigger scale, that place is way to big and out in the sticks for a trail system based off volunteer workers for maintenance. Just my .02 cents.
L8R
Buck
PS: remember trails don't build themselves it takes time and money.

[SpecHR55]

It only takes one person...are you the one? Like I have said before all talk and no do gets us no where. Lots of people including myself have critizied Lutsen, but have done nothing to make it better, everyone here agrees it really could be better, ok we all know that, now some one needs to act on it! The thing with Lutsen is that it is big enough that they would probably be better off hiring a trail crew then having volunteers drive all the way up the shore(how many people in reality would do that? not as many as you would think) Maybe have volunteers help make the initial push for some good trail action but if you are talking on a bigger scale, that place is way to big and out in the sticks for a trail system based off volunteer workers for maintenance. Just my .02 cents.
L8R
Buck
PS: remember trails don't build themselves it takes time and money.

Ya I would work on the trails but the problem is I live in Minnetonka and I cant drive yet. :cryin:

[col200]

I would one of those who would go up and help build. There could be a two week long "trail building" session once a summer (or a few times a summer). That way, people can schedule a few days in advance. I think the hard part is people trying to find the time to drive all the way up for a weekend or day of building. If there was a two week block where people just came and went for two weeks, there could be some serious progress made. Be it there will need to be some trail experts on hand at all times during that two week period. I don't know how it could be done, but I'm willing to help since I have a small place up in Grand Marais.

[soupboy]

that is Bighit! ;)

Lutsen is awful. They've never not disappointed me. Mgmt acts as though we are so "lucky" to have them. Terrible CS. I still have an old freebie pass due to one particularly bad weekend up there.

I've said this a number of times - Lutsen has the opportunity to become a destination for MTBers. The available vert can't be replicated anywhere else. They try to sell this to skiers but the fact is their snow conditions are typically awful vs. the UP. They should take advantage of their vert and natural terrain for MTBers. As it stands they seem to put little or no effort into maintenance.

I refuse to go up there now and steer everyone I can away from going there. Save your $ and drive time and head elsewhere. Shoot, find yourself some uncut bush in the UP and have at it. I've never been to Marquette, but I've heard good things. Then again for that drive you could get to Rapid City and the Black Hills.

For the drive I would highly recommend going to 9 Mile - no, not the vertical that gravity junkies desire, but plenty of rocks, roots and other techy bits. Oh yeah, you don't need to buy a lift pass and there is a real city nearby with plenty of food, drink and lodging options (for central Wisco).

....is the worst run business of all time. They act like the monopoly they are. As a ski destinaton they are budget at best. The only thing cool about that place is the beauty of the shore. Lutsen routinley and arbitrarily closes the lifts in the summer if they want to take a day off and often close whtever lift they feel like when they feel like it. What kind of place shuts down a resturant @ 9:00 on a fri/sat in peak season when they are one of the only places to eat around? I have been there about 20 times and every time we have had a service related issue. Take your money to Marquette, everthing biker related is better there.

[Buck]

I'd be interested to know why neither of the last two posters has helped at Spirit? Terrain is = to Lutsen in rawness, and endless in possibilities, they may not have the vertical but that is not needed to have fun gravity fed trails. Everyone here seems to forget that gem of a place is only getting better. And the city of Duluth is far and above one of the coolest cities in the state.

L8R
Buck

[devo kenivel]

I think that you need to realize Buck that not everyone has the passion that you do for building. Personally, I've put in my time building around the area but again, not everyone feels the same. I'm not necessarily down with the Spirit = Lutsen analogy either. Sorry. Lutsen kicks Spirits butt hands down as far as terrain especially when all the lifts are open. I was just up at Lutsen and I forgot even with Moose being closed how much fun you can have up there. It is extrmely poorly run but it is what it is. If I had more time I'd head up to the U P but I don't. I'd probably give Spirit a go too but I'm not down with pushing my bike up the hills. I think once Spirit has made more of a name and opens their lifts, maybe I'll make it up there and maybe even help when I'm free as far as building. Heck, it is half as far too. You REALLY think Duluth is the coolest city in MN???? Might be the coldest :)

[DM_rider]

I think that you need to realize Buck that not everyone has the passion that you do for building. Personally, I've put in my time building around the area but again, not everyone feels the same. I'm not necessarily down with the Spirit = Lutsen analogy either. Sorry. Lutsen kicks Spirits butt hands down as far as terrain especially when all the lifts are open. I was just up at Lutsen and I forgot even with Moose being closed how much fun you can have up there. It is extrmely poorly run but it is what it is. If I had more time I'd head up to the U P but I don't. I'd probably give Spirit a go too but I'm not down with pushing my bike up the hills. I think once Spirit has made more of a name and opens their lifts, maybe I'll make it up there and maybe even help when I'm free as far as building. Heck, it is half as far too. You REALLY think Duluth is the coolest city in MN???? Might be the coldest :)


hey man, tons of the guys on this board have worked their asses off making the DH trail at spirit. We had no support from anyone, it was just a group of guys and our leader, the great Buck, that got it finished. I mean, you can't rag on a trail if you haven't ridden it... and as far as pushing the bike up the hill... It's not that hard to do, and it's pretty easy to shuttle people also. Spirit hs some HUGE HUGE potential and with your help more trails can be built. I'm going up there on wedensday to take pics of some possible FR trail routes, that's the next project Buck and the guys are taking up.

[Buck]

I think that you need to realize Buck that not everyone has the passion that you do for building. Personally, I've put in my time building around the area but again, not everyone feels the same. I'm not necessarily down with the Spirit = Lutsen analogy either. Sorry. Lutsen kicks Spirits butt hands down as far as terrain especially when all the lifts are open. I was just up at Lutsen and I forgot even with Moose being closed how much fun you can have up there. It is extrmely poorly run but it is what it is. If I had more time I'd head up to the U P but I don't. I'd probably give Spirit a go too but I'm not down with pushing my bike up the hills. I think once Spirit has made more of a name and opens their lifts, maybe I'll make it up there and maybe even help when I'm free as far as building. Heck, it is half as far too. You REALLY think Duluth is the coolest city in MN???? Might be the coldest :)


Hey cool man, nothing is meant as a calling out, Yeah lutsen does have some pretty gnar terrain, but have they let us utilize it? NO. Has spirit let us start to utilize what they have? Yes. Have you ridden the trail at Spirit? I'm guessing by your post NO. Yeah as far as outdoors go you can't beat Duluth, windsurfing, kayaking(whitewater and lake), surfing, rock climbing, back packing and hiking, snow shoeing, skiing(DH and XC)...etc....etc, if you are an outdoor person you can't beat Duluth, I am an outdoor person = cool city.

Now what does lutsen have to offer if you don't want to ride or ski? nothing, they are in bumfucnowhere.

L8R
Buck
PS: you have to hike or ride the UP to no lifts.

[soupboy]

I've only seen pics of what you guys have done at Spirit. Looks very cool...too cool for my aging scaredy pants. Is there anything you've built that works for the non full-face helmet/DC fork crowd? Last time I was there it was muddy swamp with no trails having the features you guys have taken advantage of.

I agree that Lutsen is awfully far for a weekend trip. During ski season I choose the UP over Lutsen 99.9% of the time - better snow, shorter drive.

What's wrong with having to pedal up the hill? I'm no climber, but on the day when Moose is arbitrarily shut down I've pedaled the long way to the top. Cleansing in the painful sort of way.

[devo kenivel]

first off, i wasn't really ripping duluth buck. it's a cool city just really cold. secondly, shorter drive to the UP? what jet are you taking? i need to get on it.

[soupboy]

is 5+ hours from the city depending on traffic, weather and the amount of lead in your foot. I can get to Hurley in 3.5 hours including a pit stop at the Moccasin Bar in Hayward for a pizza and two brewskies for $10 w/tip.

Marquette is a different story. I'd go to SoDak before Marquette. Girls with tats are neat.

secondly, shorter drive to the UP? what jet are you taking? i need to get on it.

[Thewavebb]

As far as skiing goes. Mt bohemia in the U.P is 7.5 hrs from me. Lutsen is 7 hrs from me. In most cases, Bohemia will rock the sox off Lutsen. I am all for deep snow so I choose Bohemia.

[devo kenivel]

i've heard boemia is supposed to be the Shhh!t so i'd love to check it out. got lucky though and hit lutsen after a foot and a half snowfall. too bad nothing was really steep enough to utilize it :(

[DM_rider]

i've heard boemia is supposed to be the Shhh!t so i'd love to check it out. got lucky though and hit lutsen after a foot and a half snowfall. too bad nothing was really steep enough to utilize it :(


Bohemia is the ****. I went last season with some friends, and the night before we got a foot and a half of fresh powder :crazy2:

[SpecHR55]

I've been to the 3-4 major places in the U.P. and I would have to say that Indian Head has the most people because its big and has a sweet park. But theres this one place called like Glacier I think? that had maybe 20 people skiing there and lots and lots of rock drops and long runs. I've been snowboarding for 8 years (im 15) and michigan actually has some sweet stuff, not like CO, UT, or Tahoe but its by far the best skiing in the midwest.:D

P.S. sorry for converting this into a skiing/boarding thread.;)

[Thewavebb]

Well snap... If you anybody wants to join me out to bohemia sometime I am game. What do you guys ride? I am on some 04 K2 public Enemy's. Some insane road trips out to CO this winter are in the works as of now and am always looking for some people to join up. If you have any free weekends just let me know and I'll try to make it happen. IF lutsen is your choice of pleasure, I do head up there when there is supposed to be snow since the parents own a cabin (and a fridge full of beer) near silver bay. I am so stoked for skiing in a month or so, even if its crappy man made stuff at first.

got lucky though and hit lutsen after a foot and a half snowfall. too bad nothing was really steep enough to utilize it :(
I was up there last January when they had a string of good dumpings like that. They had opened up there "backcountry" stuff and it was pretty fun as far as MN skiing goes.

[devo kenivel]

my board is some sort of elan i think. it's pretty bad ass. i got it free from a buddy who works in the industry so i don't know the make. my bike is a giant ac2 a little bit modified. i'm always down for a quick roadtrip. the only place i'm going for sure is utah. talk about the shiznit!!!

[Thewavebb]

I have a friend who works for the Airlines and he is scoring me some cheap tickets to join him out in utah for a few days this winter. I have been wanting to ski at The Canyons so bad. If you have a chance, hit up Tahoe. I went to Squaw over spring break last year and it was nuts.

[SpecHR55]

I have a friend who works for the Airlines and he is scoring me some cheap tickets to join him out in utah for a few days this winter. I have been wanting to ski at The Canyons so bad. If you have a chance, hit up Tahoe. I went to Squaw over spring break last year and it was nuts.

Squaw/and the Canyons is sweet, totally recommend both.

By the way does you friend work for NWA?

[Thewavebb]

Mesaba actually. He is pissed about whats going down with NWA not paying Mesaba for flights.

[redlinmi]

Ben, any recommendation on Heavenly? The ads in the fall ski mags are tempting. I have heard great things about the Canyons too. Hard to believe we will out there pretty soon on the boards. Can't wait. It will be time to scrape the summer wax off here in another month! :)

[Thewavebb]

If you have time, I recommend hitting up Squaw, Heavenly, Kirkwood and northstar. The snow is very wet out there and it takes till mid morning for it soften up from the night freeze. I was out there for 7 days and got worked just about every day I was there. We stayed at the slopeside Squaw valley lodge condos at squaw for a week. With the four of us, it ended up costing about 400 each for the week for lodging. Very sweet place, we would just ski up to the place take our skis off and walk 10 feet to our room. It was awsome, plus in the morning we were one of the first in line on for the Gondola to the top. There are shuttles that go to all the resorts pretty much so you just have to time it. I would spend at least a couple days at heavenly and at squaw. Both take a day just to explore, then a second day to hit up the favorite spots. If you ski, a mid fat to fat waisted ski is a must. I rode 80mm semi stiff twin tip ski out the and It was just fine, my buddy was on some 62mm race skis and he was having problems since it was super soft by mid afternoon.

[Craig]

Ben, any recommendation on Heavenly? The ads in the fall ski mags are tempting. I have heard great things about the Canyons too. Hard to believe we will out there pretty soon on the boards. Can't wait. It will be time to scrape the summer wax off here in another month! :)

Well, I'm not Ben, but I did hit up Heavenly this past season. We went the first week in April, and it snowed 3 feet the morning we arrived. We had the lifts to ourselves for 2 days prety much. I had a blast, and everyone was super professional, friendly, and helpful.

www.snow.com (http://www.snow.com) is where we got out deal on lodging and lifts. For two people, lodging for 3 days, 3 day lift ticket, was something like $240 per person. Our hotel was 100 yards from the gondola, but there was a shuttle that went to every hotel. The views are amazing there too.

[SpecHR55]

I think Heavenly is the best in Tahoe just for the size and the terrain parks that they offer.:D