Cross-Country Skiing Along Minnesota's North Shore
The North Shore is a cross-country skier's nirvana. Hundreds of kilometers of trails traverse hillsides, lakeshores, river valley ridges, pine plantations, deciduous forests, and alongside beaver dams. Options are unlimited. You can choose trails based on their length, the type of terrain they cover, your level of ability, and whether you want classic (parallel tracks) or skating stride.
All the trails are groomed and trackset at least once a week from December through March.
A Minnesota Ski Pass is required on all trails unless otherwise noted. Daily, annual, and three-year passes are offered. An daily pass currently costs $5, annual passes are $15 and 3-year passes are $40. People under 16 or over 65 years of age ski free. You can purchase passes at trail centers and businesses, by mail or online.
Easy Trails
relatively level, with few hills, and relatively short in length
More Difficult Trails
often have rolling hills throughout and be quite lengthy
Most Difficult Trails
incorporate sharp turns and steep grades as well as extended lengths
Keep in Mind
~Do not ski alone
~Always let someone know your route & expected return time
~Carry a map of the system
~Know your limitations - folks tend to overdo it, so you may wish to ski several short loops rather than one "most difficult" trail |