DULUTH, Minn. — The recent snowfall and winter temperatures are giving skiers the chance to get some final runs in before Spirit Mountain expects to close later this month. Sunday, Feb. 5, Duluth’s Cross Country Ski Club had its annual Youth Ski Festival at Spirit Mountain Chalet. Kids had the chance to participate in a “Fish Scale Frenzy” to see…
DULUTH, Minn.- While Olympic skiers took to the slopes in Beijing Sunday, some younger athletes tackled the slopes at Chester Bowl in Duluth, for the 54th Annual Kiwanis Alpine Ski Races. “To see the energy of all the kids out here ready go fast on their skis and snowboards so much fun,” said Dave Schaeffer, Chester Bowl Director. The 93…
DULUTH, Minn. — Many skiers around here grow up on the trails of Spirit Mountain or Mont du Lac, but one former Duluth native is taking her alpine talents to the 2022 winter Olympic Games in Beijing. Besides John Shuster, another Olympian with a Duluth connection walked the grand stage in Beijing. Katie Vesterstein, a division one alpine skier for…
DULUTH, Minn. — Chester Bowl has officially opened for the season on Wednesday. The popular ski hill opened this morning with the first people getting on the chair lift at 11 a.m. Members of Essentia Health were also there and awarded a $25,000 grant to Chester Bowl. This will allow them to plan for future infrastructure developments. “So to be…
DULUTH, Minn.- Wednesday night’s unprecedented December thunderstorm froze things to a halt at local outdoor hockey rinks like Duluth Heights, but proved beneficial to skiers and snowboarders. “Warm-ups and stuff like that have taken us out but not rain like that. Not rain where we’re getting thunderstorms and kids are running down in the middle of the night from the…
DULUTH, Minn. — The Hartley Nature Center in Duluth is gearing up for the winter season. “A lot of people have discovered the outdoors and really have embraced getting out on the trails and getting outside. It’s one of the things that are safely available to us,” Hartley Nature Center Executive Director, Tom O’Rourke says. While the center is scaling…
DULUTH, Minn. — The unseasonably warm days are adding a little concern about the longevity of this winter’s ski and snowboarding season. At Lester-Amity chalet in Duluth the warmer weather can ruin ski trails. The lack of frozen ground has not let the trails develop a consistent snowpack. It’s a mixture of conditions that are making some in the skiing…
DULUTH, Minn. — Chester Bowl will start making snow soon. The ski hill hopes to start making snow this Friday with the goal of opening up by December 18th or earlier depending on the temperature. Chester bowl has also upgraded its upper lift house at the top of the hill and added a new electrical system. Staff are excited to…
DULUTH, Minn. — Spirit Mountain officially opened for the 2021-2022 season on Friday. Typically each run will have three feet of snow, and the fake snow crews are making right now will last them through the end of the season. “I think that’s something that so many of us appreciate. That we were able to take a step and get…
DULUTH, Minn. — “Cross country skis, snowshoes, alpine skis and snowboards as well as all the equipment you would need to go along with those activities,” Ski Hut Owner, Dave Neustel says. “Typically the end of October, the beginning of November is when we start to pick up,” Neustel says. The owner of the Ski Hut in Duluth tells us…
DULUTH, Minn. — As the warm weather winds down ski hills in the area are making the transition to their winter season. “The winter transition really happens at the end of spring we start doing our annual chairlift maintenance we start planning for the upcoming winter,” Chester Bowl Programs & Operations Manager, Sam Luoma says. Right now, Chester Bowl and…
CABLE , Wis.- The 47th American Birkebeiner Ski Race, the largest cross-country ski race in North America and third largest in the world, began in a completely new way Wednesday. Skiers for each race started in waves over five days in Cable, Wisconsin. Participants who come from across the globe can still take part virtually if they couldn’t make it…
DULUTH, Minn.- Northlanders can go tubing, skiing, snowboarding and more for only $5, as Spirit Mountain is hosting “Spirit Loves Duluth Days” Wednesday and Sunday the 28th. They say it’s a low-cost way for residents to experience what Spirit has to offer, and their way to say thank you for the public’s help and patience during the pandemic. “To let…
LUTSEN, Minn. – It’s known as cabin fever, and this year, we may find ourselves letting it sink in earlier due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, many winter weather enthusiasts are embracing current restrictions and taking a trip up the North Shore. “If you would like an action-packed, nature-filled, beautiful landscape ski resort, come to Lutsen Mountains,” exclaimed Rhylee Octavion,…
DULUTH, Minn. – Chester Bowl is back open for business this winter and many families are taking advantage of all the activities the park has to offer. “The season has just been wonderful. People are excited to be out doing something active and social,” said Dave Schaeffer, Executive Director of Chester Bowl. Chester Bowl offers ski and snowboard lessons every…
DULUTH, Minn.- The weather was perfect for opening weekend at Chester Bowl’s ski hill, the ski lifts and slopes alive for another season. Greg Benson of Loll Designs skis down the hill with their donation. New COVID-19 protocols involve masks being required in certain areas, and letting only members of the same household to ride ski lifts together. This year…
DULUTH, Minn- Spirit Mountain reopened Friday after months closed due to financial woes caused by both the coronavirus pandemic and past financial struggles, and Northland winter sport lovers couldn’t wait to get back on the slopes. “We get this every winter,” Co-Director of Resort Services Jon Regenold said. “This is normal every winter, skiers and boarders are ready to get…
DULUTH, Minn.- After months being closed due to financial woes caused by the Coronavirus pandemic, the slopes at Spirit Mountain were alive again as they reopened this weekend. Spirit Mountain reopened to season pass holders Friday. Like other businesses it looks different due to the pandemic. The chalet is only open for restrooms and tickets while people are encouraged to…
DULUTH, Minn. – The Northland recently experienced its first blast of winter weather, and while many aren’t yet welcoming the change of season, it has ski and snowboard enthusiasts thrilled to hit the slopes. The cooler weather is also kick-starting the snowmaking season at two recreational areas in the Twin Ports. “Here we are in October and we’re already seeing…
DULUTH, Minn.- Hundreds of experienced and novice skiers and snowboarders got their gear at the 49th Annual Team Duluth Ski Swap at Spirit Mountain over the weekend, keeping a nearly 50-year tradition alive. By Sunday only a few skis, snowboards and boots sat in the room at the Spirit Mountain Chalet. According to the staff of active Team Duluth skiers…
DULUTH, Minn. – Spirit Mountain is preparing for the 48th annual ski swap event. The resort will have hundreds of new and used equipment at the swap starting Friday and running through Sunday. The goal is to help people get excited for the winter season. “Helping kids get out in the snow. Skiing and snowboarding. Enjoying spirit mountain in the…
DULUTH, Minn. – Spirit Mountain is gearing up for the skiing season. The ski hill has opened up eligibility to purchase season passes for the winter. After shutting down for the entire summer season due to the pandemic, management says that they have a plan for the hill in place and are ready to re-open. “We’re really excited to be…
CARLTON, Minn. – Located just south of Carlton is one of the prime destinations for northland tourists in the wintertime. “We classic groom about fifteen miles of classic ski trails within the park,” Assistant Parks Manager, Ty Gangelhoff says. With additional fat biking and hiking trails, Jay Cooke state park offers something for all of your active adventures. “Kids love…
Superior, Wis. – The Duluth City Council has now approved 235–thousand dollars in emergency funding to help keep Spirit Mountain operating this winter. At nearby Mont Du Lac, the season is off to a much better start. Mont Du Lac in Superior opened earlier than usual this year, and the resort stayed open throughout the record setting snowfall Thanksgiving weekend. The…
DULUTH, Minn. – Chester Bowl began making snow Thursday morning. The ski hill fired up their guns with the expectation of opening on December 7th. Management says, the help of the volunteers makes this all possible. “There are two of us that are permanent staff at Chester Bowl. We rely so heavily on volunteers. 24 hours a day someone is…
SUPERIOR, Wisc. -Mont Du Lac has begun making snow at their ski resort in Superior. For the new season, the resort is putting in more snow guns and a larger snow making system which should be wrapped up later this week. All of these improvements gives the hill even more capacity. “We’re excited. We’re making snow right on schedule I…
DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend it’s estimated more than 8,000 people will pack into one Duluth Park to help celebrate the changing of seasons and support local businesses. The 35th annual Chester Bowl Fall Festival is scheduled to start Saturday, September 21 at 9:30 and go until 4:30 p.m. Organizers will make an official call around 6:00 a.m. Saturday if…
DULUTH, Minn.- The end of season numbers have come in, and it appears it’s been another successful one for Spirit Mountain. According to the resort’s General Manager, they’ll be rounding out the fiscal year with a profit of $180,000. This is a bit short of their $302,000 profit from the previous year. They say they’re happy with business despite the…
DULUTH, Minn.- Despite a lack of snow on lawns in Duluth, Spirit Mountain is still open for business, and is giving out daily deals. The sun was shining on the slopes still full of snow. Families soaked in what’s almost the end of the skiing and snowboarding season. It was all part of Spirit Mountain’s Community days through Thursday that…
DULUTH, Minn.- A part of Minnesota-Duluth’s campus turned into an extreme skiing event for a professional skier who took home Gold in the 2012 X-Games. X-Game Gold Medalist Tom Wallisch used the campus of UMD for some extreme skiing, being filmed for his YouTube page. Just Tuesday, Wallisch posted pictures from the photo shoot to his nearly 300,000 fans on…
HAYWARD, Wis.- “It’s the Birkie, man!” The gun fires, and in one fluid motion the surge of skiers and skaters pushes off in Cable. “The day will go on to be talked about for years.” Main Street is lined with Birkie fans, the whole town of Hayward, and many others, lining the track with the sound of cowbells. “Your whole…
DULUTH, Minn.- The 3rd Annual Snowball Gala celebrated everything happening at the Grand Avenue Nordic Center, and Duluth Cross Country Ski Club. A silent auction, live auction, and more raised money for trail-building at the Nordic Center. Saturday night’s event focused on young skiers in the Northland. “This is all about kids,” said Sarah Grenberg, Event Chair. “We’re building these…
SUPERIOR, Wis.- The heart of the winter brings with it the annual Lake Superior Ice Festival. In conjunction with the festival, the city of Superior has made all of its cross-country ski trails free through the end of the festival on the 27th. Over 27 kilometers (about 17 miles) of groomed trails are wide open for use. They’re broken up…
DULUTH, Minn.-The flakes are falling, which means winter has officially arrived in the Northland, and no one is happier about it than the skiers and snowboarders of Spirit Mountain. Hundreds flocked to the popular winter destination on Thursday. Left and right, the “crunch” of boots trudging through snow, and the “choom” of snowboards wedging into the snow create a winter…
DULUTH, Minn.- With cold and snow beginning to move in, skiers and snowboarders are anxious to hit the hills at places like Chester Bowl in Duluth. But that sport, comes with a cost. Which is why hundreds packed Clyde Iron Works Thursday night, for the 11th Annual Skis, Suds and Slices fundraiser. Money raised will support scholarships for the ski…
DULUTH, Minn. — In this weeks Active Adventures we are talking with Spirit Mountain and why you need to plan ahead, Hurry, Hurry! Season pass sales are coming to an end, Jessie Diggins is skiing by the mountain and ‘snow making’ is about to begin! Categories: Active Adventures, Features, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News Tags: cross-country skiing, downhill skiing,…
DULUTH, Minn.-With spring coming upon us, skiers and snowboarders still have a small window to hit the slopes at the local hills. Spirit Mountain has been very busy lately as temperatures continue to rise. Staff at the facility said the brutal start to the winter with the cold temperatures, really kept people off the hills, but now Northlanders have been…
BEAVER BAY, Minn. -Trail conditions are getting better for cross country skiing and snowmobiling around the Northland. The recent stretch of cold and snow has been a big help after a dry start to Dec. The Cove Point Lodge in Beaver Bay is one place seeing more guests lately who have winter sports in mind. The Lodge is located near several…
DULUTH, Minn. – Snowfall this week has excited winter sports enthusiasts all over the Northland. Mont du Lac Resort is offering a special on season passes through the weekend. Season passes are priced at $99, which amounts to about $250 in savings. Passholder Perks include Passholder Tuesday – bring a friend for $5.00 (rental not included), 10% off cabin rental,…
DULUTH, Minn. – Winter is almost here and a local ski hill is ready to take on winter sports. Spirit Mountain offers winter kids programs for all ages and skill levels. There are varying winter kids’ programs from ages 4-12. There are Learn to Ski and Ride packages for ages 13 and up, as well as lessons starting at age…
DULUTH, Minn. – As the temperatures cool down many are starting to think about winter sports. The Chester Bowl Improvement Club offers a unique approach to renting out gear. They actually rent out gear for the entire season. To make things fair, they host a ski and snowboard lottery. That lottery is taking place on Tuesday, October 24. Officials recommend…
DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend is the 12th running of DXC’s Tour Duluth, a celebration of the ski trails in Duluth and all the people who make it all happen. Duluth Cross Country Ski Club members tell us the club had a very successful year in 2016. The club is hoping to celebrate that success with this year’s Tour Duluth…
HAYWARD, Wisc. – Over 40,000 people are expected to arrive in the Northland tonight in anticipation for the 2017 American Birkibeiner Race. With the recent warm week melting nearly all of the snow pack from this winter, trail conditions are on everyone’s mind. Right now only the north half of the trail from Cable, Wisconsin to Trailhead OO is possibly ski-able on…
A look at the skiing and snowboarding at Giant’s Ridge
New restaurants, like Burnt Onion, are open at Giant’s Ridge and now, not only can you have a quick bite to eat after a day on the slopes, you can actually have a nice sit down steak dinner. And now, people are frequenting Giant’s Ridge, and it’s not just for the skiing. Hungry skiers and snowboarders make their way to…
2 year old Twins, Nolan and Gabe are bundled up from head to toe, with little skis on their feet. It’s their first time being on the slopes, and they’re learning the basics of the sport. “Their dad is big into skiing, I’m terrible at skiing,” Erica Scott, their mom, explains. Many believe skiing is a great family activity, and…
