Cross-Country Skiing on the Iron Trail

Mother Nature’s backyard complete with the Superior National Forest and the hills of the Laurentian Divide provide a great backdrop for Minnesota cross-country skiing. Over 275 kilometers of Minnesota ski trails are found here and present a variety of challenges for skiers of all abilities. This is the largest and most well maintained and scenic Minnesota ski trail system. Due to the extensive tree cover along many of our trails, we are able to open our trails earlier and stay open longer than most other Minnesota cross-country ski trails.

It’s no wonder why the Iron Trail has become known as a cross-country skiers paradise and

their overnight destination of choice.Minnesota ski trails wind through tall forests of aspen, pine and spruce; along rivers and lakeshores; down challenging hills and across scenic ridge tops. Skiers may enjoy a glimpse of the abundant wildlife that live along the Minnesota ski trails. Warming shelters are located on some of the Minnesota ski trails. All trails are groomed for classical skiing with Giants Ridge and Carey Lake also offering skate-skiing. Giants Ridge also has three kilometers of lit trails for night skiing. Ski Magazine named Giants Ridge the top ski resort in Minnesota with its over 70 kilometers of high quality and scenic cross-country ski trails, 34 downhill ski runs and a great terrain park.

The United States Forest Service maintains and grooms many of the trails. A Minnesota Ski Pass is needed to ski most of the trails listed. Ski rental is available in many communities across the Iron Trail. Online you will be able to find snow conditions as well as winter lodging packages and specials, ski brochures and trail maps. We invite you and your family to wax up your skis and come, take advantage of our good nature! ™

Click here to order a free Giants Ridge Golf & Ski Resort Winter Brochure.

To request a Free Cross-Country Skiing Brochure visit our Free Vacation Guide section.

SKI TRAIL LOCATION KM PHONE NO.
Ashawa Cook 40 218-666-2766
Bear Head Lake State Park Soudan 15 218-365-7229
Big Aspen Virginia 32 218-229-8800
Bird Lake Hoyt Lakes 16 218-229-8800
Carey Lake Hibbing 15 218-236-8851
Giants Ridge Golf & Ski Resort Biwabik 70 800-688-7669
Howard Wagoner Tower 10 218-753-4070
Hoyt Lakes Hoyt Lakes 5 218-225-2344
Lookout Mountain Virginia 25 218-229-8800
McCarthy BeachState Park Side Lake 14 218-254-7979
Sturgeon River Chisholm 30 218-229-8800
Thistledew Togo 20 218-327-4240

For Iron Trail cross country trail conditions, click here.
For updated state ski trail conditions, click here.

For more information about purchasing a Minnesota ski pass, click here.