New $16.5M Snowmaking Operation At Giants Ridge

BIWABIK, Minn. — 74 new automated snow machines are now operating at Giants Ridge in Biwabik as part of a $16.5-million dollar investment there.

A small ceremony was held on Thursday, Dec. 5, to celebrate. The new snow-making system is weather controlled turning on and off automatically for optimal snow production based on optimal air conditions.

The 74 new snow guns are in addition to 23 snowmaking machines acquired in the fall of 2023 and the existing fleet.

“We went from a historical fleet of 35 snow making machines to now a fleet of over 100,” said the Director of Mountain Sports Benji Neff. “We are able to make more snow in more areas within the same time window. So the length of time it takes us to make snow across the mountain is significantly reduced.”

Besides the new snow machines, aging waterlines, hydrants, electrical wiring, and pedestals were replaced. The project was funded through state bonding and the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board.

District 3 State Representative Roger Skraba says Giants Ridge is about jobs, the economy and quality of life.

“It’s a regional project, we want people to come up here, tourism. It helps us. It’s an investment, but also being somewhat selfish – It also helps us that lives here,” said Skraba. “This is a quality of life thing”

Besides the snowmaking construction is underway for a new $11-million dollar pool and suana house across from the main ski chalet. The IRRRB has operated Giants Ridge since the 1980s.