Three Things to do This Winter on The Range

Make the most of winter with three of our favorite outdoor activities. We’ve chosen these three things to do on The Range for their affordability, and options to have guided outings or lessons, or explore on your own with your own gear or readily available rentals. Read on to plan your winter adventure on The Range!

Ski Under the Stars

Only three hours from the Twin Cities, Giants Ridge is a ski resort that feels cozy and expansive at the same time. On the edge of the Superior National Forest, Giants Ridge offers 30+ ski runs, lessons for groups and individuals, a high-speed lift, onsite dining and entertainment, and oh, yes, night skiing! Lessons and adaptive ski onsite.

If it’s Nordic skiing you prefer, find lighted trails in the wooded trails of Carey Lake in Hibbing, or the 3K lighted trail at Giants Ridge. Craving more? Big Aspen Recreation Area in the Superior National Forest is just north of Virginia, MN, centrally located on The Range.

Snowshoe in a Mine Pit

Redhead Mountain Bike Park is available for fat biking when properly groomed, but several trails are also open to snowshoeing. Explore a former mine pit as you wind around on these lovely trails that provide scenic overlooks and wooded terrain. Watch for guided snowshoe hikes with local outdoor groups.

The nearby Minnesota Discovery Center also offers guided snowshoe hikes, in their case through their sprawling 660-acre grounds. Rent snowshoes or bring your own, and plan to explore the MDC museum either before or after your hike.

Still looking for snowshoe trails? Snowshoe at Giants Ridge and find rentals and guided events, complete with dinner and a drink!

Tour the Terrain

Northern Minnesota is known for outstanding snowmobile trails – well-groomed, well-connected to towns and amenities, and super scenic. If you’ve never been here, you’re missing out. Thousands of miles of trails connect communities of The Range to the North Shore of Lake Superior, the Canadian border, and stunning trail systems in all directions.

Don’t have a snowmobile? Rent one from Lossing’s Motorsports in Babbitt. Get a driving lesson and guided snowmobile tour from their experts, and use another day of your trip to explore on your own.

Find the perfect place to stay from cozy vacation rentals and lodges to hotels with pools and a hot breakfast, or a clean and simple no-frills motel. We even have one campground that offers winter camping!

Add some entertainment to your trip with local music, festivals and unique activities happening all winter long.