Get in the snow, be in the know: Info on Nordic and snowshoe trails on the Mesabi

Here on the Mesabi Iron Range, getting outside is an essential part of getting through winter! For many, Nordic skiing or snowshoeing is the best way to find fresh air, exercise and the beauty of winter, all in one!

Cross-country skiers enjoy the Nordic trails at Giants Ridge. Find groomed trails at Big Aspen, Carey Lake, McCarthy Beach State Park and Hoyt Lakes.

Rent Nordic skis and snowshoes from Giants Ridge, where there are 60 km of Nordic trails, including three km of easy, lighted trails. Loops range from four to 14 km, mostly are two-way, and two of the 10 loops are lift-served. Download a map here.

All the trails at Giants Ridge are groomed classic and skating. Rental packages range from $9 (children’s) to $39. Lessons are from $30 (semi-private) to $84 for a three-hour private lesson. Nordic lessons must be requested 48 hours in advance. Daily ski passes range from $10 to $17. Ages 6 and under ski free.

Skis can also be rented from the  Hibbing Parks and Recreation Department. The Carey Lake system in Hibbing includes 25km in five single-direction loops groomed classical-only or skate-only. Download the map here.

There are 32km of classic-groomed, looped trails at Big Aspen Recreation Area 11 miles north of Virginia. This site is located in the Superior National Forest, and managed by the US Forest Service. No pass is required to ski here.

Also in the Superior National Forest system, Lookout Mountain has 25km of trails four miles north of Virginia on Hwy 53. These two-way, single-track  trails are easy to explore and offer great views. A portion of this system is kept ungroomed for the adventurous. Find map and details here. 

Just over 3km of trails at Carey Lake in Hibbing are designated for snowshoeing/hiking and fat biking.

Snowshoe trails are also offered at Giants Ridge and range from easy to more difficult. A pass is required and ranges from $10 to $17 daily. Hiking is also permitted on the Lookout Mountain trails near Virginia. Request a map that includes 11 area Nordic trail systems, or call 218-749-8161 for more information. This winter, get out there!