Cross-Country Skiing on the Iron Range
Mother Nature's backyard complete with the Superior National Forest and the hills of the Laurentian Divide provide a great backdrop for Minnesota cross-country skiing. Over 275 kilometers of Minnesota ski trails are found here and present a variety of challenges for skiers of all abilities. This is the largest and most well maintained and scenic Minnesota ski trail system. Due to the extensive tree cover along many of our trails, we are able to open our trails earlier and stay open longer than most other Minnesota cross-country ski trails.
It's no wonder why the Iron Range has become known as a cross-country skiers paradise and their overnight destination of choice. Minnesota ski trails wind through tall forests of aspen, pine and spruce; along rivers and lakeshores; down challenging hills and across scenic ridge tops. Skiers may enjoy a glimpse of the abundant wildlife that live along the Minnesota ski trails. Warming shelters are located on some of the Minnesota ski trails. All trails are groomed for classical skiing with Giants Ridge and Carey Lake also offering skate-skiing. Giants Ridge also has three kilometers of lit trails for night skiing. Ski Magazine named Giants Ridge the top ski resort in Minnesota with its over 70 kilometers of high quality and scenic cross-country ski trails, 34 downhill ski runs and a great terrain park.
The United States Forest Service maintains and grooms many of the trails. A Minnesota Ski Pass is needed to ski most of the trails listed. Ski rental is available in many communities across the Iron Range. Online you will be able to find snow conditions as well as winter lodging packages and specials, ski brochures and trail maps. We invite you and your family to wax up your skis and come, take advantage of our good nature!
Click here to order a free Giants Ridge Golf & Ski Resort Winter Brochure.
To request a Free Cross-Country Skiing Brochure visit our Free Vacation Guide section.
| Ashawa | Cook | 40 | 218-666-2766 |
| Bear Head Lake State Park | Soudan | 15 | 218-365-7229 |
| Big Aspen | Virginia | 32 | 218-229-8800 |
| Bird Lake | Hoyt Lakes | 16 | 218-229-8800 |
| Carey Lake | Hibbing | 15 | 218-236-8851 |
| Giants Ridge Golf & Ski Resort | Biwabik | 70 | 800-688-7669 |
| Howard Wagoner | Tower | 10 | 218-753-4070 |
| Hoyt Lakes | Hoyt Lakes | 5 | 218-225-2344 |
| Lookout Mountain | Virginia | 25 | 218-229-8800 |
| McCarthy BeachState Park | Side Lake | 14 | 218-254-7979 |
| Sturgeon River | Chisholm | 30 | 218-229-8800 |
| Thistledew | Togo | 20 | 218-327-4240 |
For Iron Range cross country trail conditions, click here.
For updated state ski trail conditions, click here.
For more information about purchasing a Minnesota ski pass, click here.
Northeastern Minnesota's Iron Range is home to
Minnesota's #1 Ski Resort (SKI magazine):
