North Stars Ski Touring Club Our Passion Is Skiing

*** HOT NEWS ITEMS ***

Thanks From the Mayor of Minneapolis!

Thanks to all the North Star members who skied in, and volunteered for the City of Lakes Ski Loppet. This was the “Miracle on Snow”, an event that never could have happened if not for just enough snow and more than enough determination by several hundred volunteers. Pulling off the Loppet after the warmest January in history shows the strength of this event, and seeing so many new skiers, including young people, tells us it will be around for years to come. I look forward to skiing the Loppet with all of you again next year and hope I can come to more of the North Star's dry land trainings to warm up.
Mayor R.T. Rybak

Trip Report: Camp Hiawatha the last weekend in January

A warmer than averalge January did not prevent the North Stars from getting out and enjoying winter fun. Click here for a report and amazing photo. Will we all have to hearn how to ski on sand?

February 14th General Club Meeting

This month's featured speaker will be Courtland Nelson, Minnesota DNR State Park and Recreation Director. This is your opportunity to meet and ask questions of the man who oversees the management of Minnesota's 77 State Parks and Recreation Centers. Click here for more info on this great opportunity.

Electronic Message Board

The club's new electronic message board is ready just in time for the ski season. Click here for more details.

Lessons and Beginner Skier Events:

If you're a new skier or have concerns about not being able to keep up with other skiers, this is the program for you. Click here for a schedule of events designed to get skiers of all levels out enjoying winter including lessons for all levels of classical skiing.

Spring Banquet

It's time to make your reservation for this year's spring banquet. Click here to find out how.

Other Winter Events:

Winter in Minnesota offers all types of outdoor events to lure one out of hibernation. Check out this sampling of three very different opportunities for winter fun:

The non-profit organization, Backcountry Trail Patrol, host several events including Backcountry Winter Awareness Week Feb 11-18. Click here for more information on the valuable learning opportunities this organization offers.
The Gunflint Trail Association is sponsoring the second annual Winter Tracks Festival Feb 22-25. Events are free and take place at a variety of Gunflint Trail locations. Activities include skiing, snowshoeing, guided tours and hikes. Click here for more details.
Remember the days of pine tar, 3-pin bindings, knickers, and bamboo ski poles? If you have a desire to get out the old equipment, or just watch others, check out the Wooden Ski Rendezvous at Snowflake Nordic Center in Duluth March 18th starting at 10:00am. Click here to learn how to participate in this unique event.

Benefits of Becoming a Member

Enjoy a full schedule of outdoor activities locally and to exotic places. Some of our most popular trips are weekend get-aways to northern lodges, cabins, yerts, and for the really brave, quincys, snow caves, and tents. The upper midwest forest trails are some of the best in the country. Click on the Schedule tab on the left for more information on trips and other events. Members can:

Participate in an extended ski or hiking vacation. Past trip destinations include many areas in North America, Europe and Scandinavian countries. The following extended trips are being offered in 2006; Belize, Lone Mountain Ranch, Montana and Norway.
Attend informative meetings and programs on skiing, biking, and other non-motorized sports. Click on the Meeting & Event tab on the left for more information.
Enjoy the woods in fall on one of our trail clearing trips to prepare ski trails for the upcoming season as well as investing in the future of cross-country skiing and enjoying the camaraderie of friends. Click the Trail Development tab on the left for more details.
Participate in ski lessons, click here for details.
Access the club's electronic message board.
Receive our newsletter, the LOYPE (Norwegian word for ski trail), throughout the year.
Subscribe to the e-loype, our weekly electronic newsletter, for current news including schedule updates.
Socialize with other outdoor enthusiasts! We have activities geared to families, singles, older adults, and general membership.

Try us before joining by:

Attending a meeting or event, click here for a schedule.
Participating in a Day Trip, (Overnight trips are reserved for members.) Click here for a schedule.

To Join:

Complete and return the Membership Form or better yet, sign up at one of our meetings. it will be your best investment of $20 ever.
For questions about membership, e-mail Membership@north-stars.org.