Avoiding the CrowdsDecember 20, 2011While most Twin Cities ski trails will be crowded this season, we offer some general tips on how to avoiding dense populations. Cross-Country Ski RentalsJanuary 11, 2010Looking for cross-country ski rentals? We've put together a collection of links, both in the Twin Cities and around the region. Trail/Park FeesDecember 8, 2005A rough breakdown on passes/fees you'll need for skiing at parks and trail systems in the upper Midwest. |
ABR to Ramsey Route Relay
February 22, 2021The Anderson Foundation conducted a demonstration event last Saturday, showcasing a proposed route that would run from ABR Trails into Miners Park and then east to Ramsey on the Iron Belle Trail.
NSSTC Grant Applications
February 15, 2021The North Star Ski Touring Club (NSSTC), based in the Twin Cities, is taking for applications for grants from the North Star Grant Fund. Grants are dedicated to Nordic ski related projects for the 2021 calendar year. Application deadline is March 31st.
Trail Closures at Wirth
January 29, 2021With a number of busy weekends on tap in the coming weeks, expect some trail closures at Theodore Wirth. Luckily, there are plenty of other good choices for skiing nearby!
Blue Mound State Park Master Plan Opposition
January 7, 2021Nancy Wiegand has put out the call for silent sport athletes to oppose part of the Blue Mound State Park Master Plan that would route a snowmobile trail through part of the park. She is calling on skiers to voice their concerns before the January 10th deadline.
Cook County: Socially Distant and Amazing Trails
January 4, 2021Visit Cook County invites all levels of cross-country skiers to kickstart a much-anticipated new year by enjoying over 400km of trails throughout Cook County, Minnesota. With an average of 120 inches of annual snowfall in the stunning Superior National Forest, the opportunities for adventure are endless.
Loppet Winter Solstice Ski Week
December 21, 2020The Loppet Foundation is offering a week of fun-filled activities at The Trailhead to celebrate the winter solstice and ski season. They are offering a theme-of-the-day promotion, encouraging folks to submit a photo to be entered in a drawing for a free snow tubing session or ski rental.
Cook County: Winter Adventure Awaits on Over 400K of Trails
December 14, 2020After a year of uncertainty and change, Visit Cook County is excited to open the 2020-2021 cross country ski season. Get out on the trails to relieve stress, enjoy the outdoors and get a little exercise. Visit Cook County invites cross country skiers to head north for an exciting holiday ski vacation.
Survey Input Sought on Telemark Development
December 1, 2020The American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation is requesting input from the community on plans for the Telemark Lodge property. Please fill out their short survey before the Dec 14th deadline.
ABR Expansion, Covid Plans
November 25, 2020ABR has again expanded their trail system, and added further amenities such as an electric car charging port. They've also developed an extensive plan for safe operations in the pandemic.
Trail/Park Fee Updates
November 5, 2020We've updated our annual guide on Midwest trail/park fees for cross-country skiing. Important changes this year: Washington County has instituted their own trail pass, Carver County has dropped their vehicle permit fees. Purchase your trail pass/permits to help support the trails you ski!
October Snow Musings
October 30, 2020Mark Lahtinen shares some numbers of the impact of snowmaking on the ski season, as well as how October snowfall reflect on the overall season historically.
Loppet: Snowmaking Loop open at the Trailhead
October 28, 2020With the unusually cold October weather, The Loppet Foundation opened a small snowmaking loop on Wednesday. Trail passes are now on sale!
Minnesota Bonding Bill Passes With Battle Creek Funding
October 16, 2020A record $1.9 billion bonding bill has passed the Minnesota legislature which includes $1.8 million in funding for development of Battle Creek Winter Recreation area. The bill text describes a maintenance building and commemorative marker for Olympian Jessie Diggins. Ramsey County states "the project is for snowmaking on a 2.5km loop and a sledding hill, and the accompanying support infrastructure" but further funding will be needed to complete the project. Watch for more details.
Grand Avenue Snowmaking Operations Endangered
September 27, 2020Duluth XC (DXC) has sent out notice that Grand Avenue Nordic Center snowmaking operations may be shutdown if Spirit Mountain does not receive financial support from the City of Duluth. DXC is asking area skiers to voice their support for continued operations by contacting Duluth city council members before their critical vote on Monday evening, Sept 28th.