Minnesota Iron Range Cross Country Skiing: 170mi of Adventure
You’ll find serenity on our trails and we promise to keep them well-groomed and ready for you! Iron Range winters can be long and snowy, and we’ve adapted to make the most of them – there’s no better example of this than cross-country skiing. Plenty of classical and skate trails welcome skiers of all ages. In all, we have hundreds of kilometers of winding trails with (mostly) gentle hills and an abundance of northwoods scenery all around.
Here are some of the best trails to visit in MN this winter!
Premier Cross Country Trail Systems
Giants Ridge Resort
Giants Ridge leads the region with the most extensive trail system and complete amenities. The resort maintains 60km of expertly groomed cross-country ski trails, including a 3km lighted trail for evening adventures.
The trail system offers:
- Varied terrain for all skill levels
- Professional instruction for beginners
- Complete rental facility with modern equipment
- Expertly groomed trails for both classic and skate skiing
- Convenient access to lodge amenities
- Heated chalets along the trails
- Regular grooming updates
The resort’s location in Biwabik puts you minutes from the trails, with onsite dining options ranging from casual cafes to full-service restaurants. Whether you’re planning a full ski vacation or a day trip, Giants Ridge provides everything needed for a complete winter experience.
Superior National Forest Skiing Trails
Big Aspen Recreation Area
North of Virginia, Big Aspen Recreation Area’s 32km trail system takes you deep into Minnesota’s iconic northern forest. The trails here feature:
- Well-marked routes for different ability levels
- Regular grooming for classical skiing
- Multiple loop options for varied length outings
- Scenic overlooks of the surrounding forest
- Dedicated parking area with trail maps
- Warming shelter with restrooms
- Protected skiing through dense forest
These trails offer some of the most peaceful skiing in the region, with paths winding through old-growth forest and along frozen streams.
Lookout Mountain
The 25km trail system traversing the historic Laurentian Divide rewards skiers with some of the best views in northern Minnesota. Features include:
- Challenging uphill sections for experienced skiers
- Gentler loops for intermediates
- Outstanding viewpoints along the divide
- Well-maintained trail signage
- Regular grooming updates
- Parking at multiple trailheads
The elevation changes here provide excellent training opportunities for serious skiers while offering manageable options for recreational users.
Iron Range, Minnesota Community Trail Systems
Carey Lake – Hibbing
Carey Lake stands out as Hibbing’s premier winter recreation destination, featuring 24km of thoughtfully designed trails. The system includes:
- 3km of lighted trails for night skiing
- Wide, well-groomed paths ideal for learning
- Gentle terrain perfect for families
- Ample parking close to trailheads
- Regular grooming throughout the season
- Easy access from downtown Hibbing
The trail design here emphasizes accessibility, making Carey Lake an excellent choice for introducing new skiers to the sport or for quick training sessions after work.
Bird Lake – Hoyt Lakes
The 16km Bird Lake trail system offers a unique combination of natural beauty and convenient access. Highlights include:
- Trails connecting directly to town
- Views of the historic St. James Mine
- Mix of wooded and open terrain
- Well-maintained trail markers
- Regular grooming for classical skiing
- Easy access to local amenities
- Peaceful skiing environment
These trails let you combine a wilderness experience with easy access to Hoyt Lakes’ restaurants and services.
Trail Maps and Planning
Planning your skiing adventure is easy with our comprehensive trail system. We maintain detailed maps covering all 13 trail networks in the area, each marked with clear difficulty ratings and distance markers to help you choose the perfect route and never get lost on the trail. Get our map and get out there!
Trail Access and Passes
Before hitting the trails, make sure you have your Minnesota ski pass. Skiers 16 and older need either a daily or annual pass, available through the Minnesota DNR website or at select trailhead locations. Your pass fees directly support trail maintenance and grooming, helping keep our trails in top condition throughout the winter season. Senior citizens can enjoy reduced rates, while children under 16 ski free, making this an affordable winter activity for the whole family.
P.S. Check out our tips on planning a cross-country ski trip with kids.
You’re Never Far From Warm Amenities
Our trails feature plenty of rest areas but they’re also not far from lodging, restaurants and more. While you might feel like the only person in the world when you’re enjoying our cross-country ski trails, civilization is always close by. Find brand name hotels that welcome your loyalty cards, or vacation rentals if that’s more your style. We also have a selection of family run motels that are clean, accommodating and affordable. We even have one campground – Iron Trail Campground in Chisholm – that is open year-round.
There’s plenty of places to enjoy libations – BoomTown Brewery in Hibbing and Eveleth is our craft brewer in the area – and after all that skiing you deserve a treat at Canelakes Candies, the oldest (and best) candy store in the state.
And don’t forget, if you need a map, we’ve got ’em and we’d love to share!
