Returning from a Nordic ski resort in genteel decline …

This resort was in Northern Minnesota, along the Gunflint Trail. Could be anywhere though; every one we’ve visited in the past 15 years has had better days.

Lovely times when there is snow, but always with some melancholy. The world has moved on. There’s not enough consistent snow cover to sustain Nordic skiing in North America.

It was a beautiful sport – especially on narrower classic trails through woods. Our snowless winters feel longer for its passing.