Photo Essay –
The Northern Edge.

There’s no denying that skiing is a deep part of our family’s lifeblood. These days, we almost exclusively ski in the Midwest. While our mountains here may be smaller, what they lack in vertical they more than make up for in accessibility and that intangible sense of soul.

My childhood was filled with a progression of NASTAR, USSA/FIS, and collegiate ski racing, which eventually led to years of coaching that took me across most of the Midwest. Throughout it all, the North Shore of Lake Superior kept calling me back, especially Lutsen. Lutsen feels expansive, with its four “mountains” towering over majestic Lake Superior. Our family’s joy is found in the quality time we spend here with loved ones.

The scenery along the shore is stunning, but for us, the magic lies in that warm Midwestern vibe—welcoming and unintimidating, unlike some mountain trips. As our photos show, skiing keeps us present in the moment together, whether it’s the thrill of the run or the cherished conversations on the chairlift. We’re learning and growing in the sport together, and fortunate to have grandparents who love to ski with their grandkids. Each of us enjoys skiing at our own level, and we’ve pushed ourselves, moving from groomers to steeps, moguls, glades, and working on our skills for those occasional powder days. One of the Great Lakes’ best-kept secrets is the lake-effect snow, and we’ve had the fortune of experiencing a handful of powder days in recent seasons. We treasure these moments and always look forward to our next skiing adventure along the North Shore.