It's hard to imagine, skiing four interconnected mountains

in one day. Lutsen Mountains are located on the shore of

Lake Superior, about two hours northeast of Duluth.

One thing you won't get at Lutsen is altitude sickness.

No, that won't happen here. However, you'll ski more

relaxed. The lifts are a little on the slow side. They're

the older two seats with a pole in the middle that travels

a little slower than the more modern quads. It gives you

time to relax, enjoy the scenery and get to know your

neighbor.

From Moose Mountain Summit Chalet, you can enjoy a

wonderful meal, sit outside on the wrap around deck and

enjoy the vistas of Lake Superior. On a recent evening

while attending our North American Snowsports Journalists

Association (NASJA) reception and banquet, I took a walk

outside just to watch the sunset and look over the Lake in

the distance, and noticed five white tail deer walking

across the trails below. Deer sighting are common all over

the resort.

Lutsen has 92 runs, eight chairlifts and the only gondola

in the mid west. The gondola was of special interest

because it came from Loon Mountain in New Hampshire.

Each of the four mountains offers different terrain,

challenge and appeal. The mountains total 1,000 acres, 92

runs and 986 vertical feet. Mystery Mountain has 10 runs

for a total of 632 vertical feet; Moose Mountain has 50

runs with a total of 986 vertical feet; Ullr Mountain,

seven runs with 506 vertical feet, and Eagle Mountain has

25 runs with 718 vertical feet.

Lutsen is 61 years old. It was founded in the 1880s by

C.A.A. Nelson, who arrived from Sweden, built a home and

rented rooms to pioneers. Later on, his grandson, George,

a member of the 10th Mountain Division, returned from World

War II. He had a vision of opening a year-round resort

capitalizing on the abundant natural resources.

Many additions have been added to Lutsen Mountains

including a new triple chairlift to Eagle's North Face

expert runs. The Plunge is a trail that is double black

diamond rated with a 90 percent slope. New condos and a

new spa also help make Lutsen Mountains the place to ski

and stay.

There is also a network of groomed cross country tails that

wind through the Superior National Forest. Other

recreational activities include snowshoeing, dogsled rides,

snowmobiling, ice climbing and hiking.

You won't go hungry as the area has many restaurants,

lodges, art galleries and gift shops. If you're looking

for entertainment, you gotta get to Papa Charlie's at the

base of the mountain. Great food, favorite beverages and

live entertainment, Papa Charlie's is a hot spot for aprè

skiing.

For additional information on a Lutsen winter or summer

vacation, log onto lusen.com. You'll find Lutsen a great

family destination on America's North Coast.

Ski and ride safely. Use your head and don't forget to

wear a helmet.