The Duluth XC Ski Club is responsible for grooming most of these trails and making them available to our community and visitors during the colder months. Below, we’ve highlighted some of our favorites.
Chester Bowl
Chester Bowl trail is a quick, yet beautiful, 3 kilometer loop. You can find both downhill and XC skiing at Chester Bowl, with ski races on most weekends January – February. According to their website, they try to remove as many financial barriers as possible, making skiing more accessible to everyone in Duluth.
Level: Intermediate
Trail length: 3k (no lights)
Grand Ave
Grand Ave Nordic Ski Trails are the newest trails in town, located at the bottom of Spirit Mountain. You can find a full service chalet with a restaurant and restrooms and 1.5 kilometers of the trail is supported by snow-making abilities.
Cost: $10 + tax per day
Level: Intermediate
Trail length: 2.5k
Hartley
After you ski the 5k loop, we’d recommend dropping off the skis and taking a hike up to rock knob to check out the view we all love in the summer and fall. It’s just as spectacular in the winter!
Cost: MN Ski Pass
Level: Beginner – Advanced
Trail length: 5k
Lester-Amity
Lester-Amity trail system offers a cozy chalet off Seven Bridges Rd. The trails are lit, which is a bonus as the days become shorter.
Cost: MN Ski Pass
Level: Beginner – Advanced
Trail length: 18k
Magney-Snively
Connecting to the Spirit Mountain trail, you can ski this longer trail and stop at two overlooks, Ely’s Peak and Bardon Peak.
Cost: MN Ski Pass
Level: Beginner – Advanced
Trail length: 14k
Piedmont
Piedmont ski trails offer a larger loop that’s less challenging, with a a couple added loops to give you more of a challenge.
Cost: MN Ski Pass
Level: Beginner – Advanced
Trail length: 5k
Snowflake Nordic Center
Snowflake Nordic Ski Center is a non-profit, offering trails for both classic and skate skiers. Free skiing for Olympians and kids under 5.
Cost: $10 daily pass
Level: Beginner – Advanced
Trail length: 15k
Spirit Mountain
The Spirit Mountain Nordic trails connect to Magney-Snively trails, giving you plenty of options. For an added treat, stop in your favorite Duluth cidery for a refreshing beverage after a day full of skiing.
Cost:
Level: Beginner – Advanced
Trail length: 20k
UMD Bagley Nature Area
Located near the University, you can ski here for free (classic skiing only).
Cost: Free
Level: Beginner – Advanced
Trail length: 2.7k
Or, hop on over the duluthxc.com to find more information on these trails and the organization’s initiatives in the city.
Need an XC ski pass? Click here to get your Great Minnesota Ski Pass.
Looking for a way to get involved with the local ski trails? Contact Duluth XC Club!
Need updates on trail conditions? Skip on over to SkinnySki.com.
