Skiing with Kids: Best Cross Country Trails on the Iron Range

Discover the joy of cross country skiing with kids on Minnesota’s Iron Range this winter. Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn to ski or an experienced family ready to hit the groomed trails, the Iron Range has the perfect terrain for all skill levels.

Our Family’s Cross-Country Skiing Journey

My family fell in love with nordic skiing three seasons ago, and our passion for the cross country ski trails has grown tremendously every year. While my family of five can generate more noise than a pack of snowmobiles cutting through the wilderness, it’s mostly happy laughter and chatter that you’ll hear from us, with just a touch of whining and frustration from the younger kids.

Exploring Carey Lake: The Iron Range’s Hidden Gem for Family Skiing

We love the Carey Lake Trail system in Hibbing for cross country skiing with kids. Going at our kids’ pace, it’s the perfect match to their ability level, and when we have the luxury to go at our own pace, my husband and I feel like we get our exercise in as well. The groomed ski trails here have become Hibbing’s best-kept secret.

Southern Lights Trail: Perfect for Little Kids

More often than not, you’ll find us on the Southern Lights trail that can be accessed from the second parking lot (drive straight to the lake, hang a right and drive to the end of the road). What we love about this family ski trail is that it’s the shortest (about two miles), and it’s fairly flat. It’s one that our youngest can finish on her own. There’s a coziness to it, as well – like being wrapped in a winter wonderland blanket as you glide through the trees.

Highland Trail: The Next Step Up

The Highland Trail (also accessed off the second parking lot) is another nice trail for little kids learning to ski. This one has a couple of more challenging hills where kids can practice their downhill technique, but is still mostly flat, a touch under two miles long, and is one that the kids can get through with minimal whining.

Black Forest Trail: Where Older Kids Thrive

The magic happens on the Black Forest trail. This is my family’s favorite for cross country skiing with kids who are ready for more challenges. The hills can be a touch too much for our kindergartener, so my husband usually skis with her on the Southern Lights while I take my older kids on the Black Forest Trail. Our older two (third and sixth grade) love this trail for its bigger hills, changing terrain and the lights. The Black Forest Trail is a lighted trail and it’s completely magical—day or night. When you hit the black forest, you know it, and the trees are amazing! The Black Forest Trail is about 2.5 miles. Access it from the first parking lot, just off the intersection of Dupont Road and North Dublin Road.

This might be the year that we teach kids more advanced techniques as we take them on bigger loops and circle the lake on the Lakeview Trail (most difficult and about four miles) or even try exploring Carey Creek (more difficult and just under three miles). Whichever trails we explore this year, I know we are guaranteed to make more memories, meet friendly people and explore the woods without the worry of mosquitos!

Essential Tips for Cross Country Skiing with Kids

If you’re a beginner looking to start skiing with young kids, here are some tried-and-true ski tips we’ve learned along the way:

Getting Started

• For the very first time on skis, we’ve taken our kids to an open park to let them get the feel of wearing their ski boots and using poles. We make a small loop and let them practice for as long as they’d like. When they’re done, we’re done.
• Music helps keep the energy up. Sometimes we’ll stream the kids’ favorite tunes on our phones. This gets them focused on the songs and motivated to stay close so they can hear the music.
• Patience is key when teaching kids to cross country ski. We never go with a time schedule in mind. We know approximately how long it takes to do a loop, and try to schedule it so we have ample time to enjoy the experience.

Essential Ski Gear and Comfort Tips

• Snacks can be a huge motivator. Either on the trail or at the end with a mug of hot chocolate or both, kids love to have a little treat to keep them going. We pack a small snack in a little backpack. The backpack also comes in handy to stash hats or ski goggles if you get too warm while skiing.
• Headlamps are essential ski gear for our family. We all wear them when we go, so if it takes us longer than expected, we can still see the ski tracks, no matter what time the sun sets.
• For toddlers and kids as young as five, we’ve found great success using a ski trailer or pulk. When the littlest kid in the bunch gets tired of classic skiing, they pop their skis off and hop in the sled. This keeps everyone happy and moving on the trail.

Start Your Family Ski Adventure Today!

Getting into cross country skiing is a great winter sport for the whole family, and there are rental opportunities available through the City of Hibbing Parks and Recreation Department. The City rents skis as a courtesy to anyone interested in using the Carey Lake Trails.

Rental Information

• Ski Rental: $15 (includes $3 trail fee)
• Available: Weekdays and weekends until 2:45 p.m.
• Weekend rentals: Due back Mondays by 4:00 p.m.
• Season pass option: $20 (available at Hibbing Parks and Recreation)

Trail Information

• Trail maps are posted and available at each trailhead
• Find current trail conditions on the Skiwise trail map app
• Visit www.hibbingnordic.org for more information

Ready to Explore More Iron Range Ski Adventures?

While Carey Lake is our family’s favorite spot for cross country skiing with kids, the Iron Range offers an incredible 170 miles of adventure across 13 different trail systems! From the extensive network at Giants Ridge ski Resort to the peaceful trails of Big Aspen Recreation Area, you’ll find options for every skill level. Many of these trails feature warming houses, groomed paths for both classic and skate skiing, and easy access to local amenities. 

Check out our complete guide to discover all the amazing places you can ski in our region. After mastering Carey Lake’s family-friendly trails, you might be surprised how ready your kids are to tackle some of these other spectacular routes!