Over the past few snow-filled Duluth winter seasons my husband and I have worked on instilling a love for outdoor time in our five year old. She saved up all of her birthday money last year and bought herself a top notch sled. That puppy is fast!
At first, she would only sled down the little rolling hills in our backyard, but as the season progressed, she tackled some of Duluth’s best sledding spots with all the adrenaline and glee her little self could muster. This winter, it’s time to up the ante.
Make Your Way to Mont du Lac
Have you got a family full of winter enthusiasts and thrill seekers, too? Mont du Lac Resort, located on the edge of Jay Cook State Park, is an all-seasons resort that can boast of unparalleled scenery and acres of natural beauty. In the colder months, they offer a plethora of activities and sports to keep families active and enjoying the great outdoors.
I know my daughters will want to spend all day on the Mont du Lac snow tubing hill. It’s got three lanes so tubers don’t have to spend the majority of their time waiting extra long lines; they get to zip down the hill to their hearts’ content and then use the tow line to help guide them back up to the top and do it all over again.
It might also be time to introduce the girls to skiing or snowboarding, and while they won’t be tackling Mont du Lac’s 320-foot vertical drop or the mogul runs, the gentle slope of the beginner hill will give them plenty of opportunity to practice the basics. They can also spend some time at the terrain park, where Mont du Lac has 20+ elements set up to appeal to adventurers of all skill levels. They truly designed their resort with families in mind.
Park It In The Lodge
I’m going to be the first one to admit that a day of skiing or tubing doesn’t sound like an ideal time for everyone, myself included. I love the outdoors, don’t get me wrong, but I love it best viewed from the inside of a big picture window looking out. Luckily for me and my fellow winter hermits, Mont du Lac has two fantastic and inviting lodges where we can park it for the afternoon.
The Base Lodge has a day room that overlooks the resort’s beginner hills so you can watch your kiddos practice while you sip a local craft brew or stuff your face with delish fries and pub food. If you prefer to be stationed at the top of the resort, head up to the Trophy Lodge, a stunning log building full of comfy chairs and stone fireplaces. Have the family join you at the end of the day for a hearty meal before you head back home.
Don’t Pass Up This Deal
Right now, Mont du Lac is running a stellar season pass deal. For $99, you can spend the winter enjoying all the resort has to offer. It’s a savings of over $250 dollars and comes with plenty of perks from food specials and cabin rental discounts to bring a friend days (friends of pass holders can get in for $5).
Passes make great Christmas or Hanukkah gifts that will keep the whole family outdoors and active all winter long.