9 Great Places for Cross Country Skiing in Duluth, MN This Winter (2023)

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While Minnesota winters can tend to drag on forever (and ever), there are plenty of activities out there to keep us busy.

And with so many of the best things to do covered in snow, we might as well still take advantage of them, but in a different way.

So pull your skis down from the garage rafters or pick up a rental and head out on one of these places to go cross-country skiing in Duluth, MN.

You’ll get exercise, views, and that fresh air that we all so desperately need in the middle of winter.

Cross Country Skiing in Duluth, MN

Below are some of the best places to go cross-country skiing around the northern Minnesota area of Duluth when the winter season hits, that all vary in difficulty.

1. Snowflake Nordic Ski Center

A woman glides down a cross country ski path through the tree line.

On almost 200 acres of land, just 10 minutes from downtown Duluth, cross-country skiers can get out and enjoy the winter weather.

There are 13 kilometers (8 miles) of groomed trails open and ready to be used after the snow has fallen and covered the ground.

Within the ski center, there’s a chalet to warm up in on those super chilly days, plus a place to get rental equipment and to have gear waxed.

If you have littles who want to get out and try skis, Snowflake offers a pretty great program to teach them all about it.

Each year for the past 26 years, they welcome beginner skiers to their KidSki program where kids can experience skiing in a fun and educational way.

To use the trail systems at Snowflake Nordic Center, all you’ll need to do is purchase either a season pass or a day ticket ($10).

Trails: 13 km/8 miles
Rentals: Yes
Use Fee: $10/day
Pass Required: Minnesota Ski Pass
Trail Map

2. Spirit Mountain

There are two different options for cross-country skiing at the Spirit Mountain Recreation Area.

Grand Avenue Nordic Center

At the Grand Avenue Nordic Center in Duluth, you’ll find 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles) of trails that are professionally groomed every single night.

With full capabilities to make snow in this area, you can always expect great skiing opportunities throughout the season.

A full chalet is featured here, so you can enjoy a meal that you brought from home or the restaurant, and warm up out of the cold.

Trails: 2.5 km/1.5 miles
Rentals: Yes
Use Fee: $10/day
Pass Required: Minnesota Ski Pass

Upper Spirit Mountain Nordic Trail System

The second option is the Upper Spirit Mountain Nordic Trail System.

Here, there are 22 km (13.6 miles) of trails that wind through the beautiful trees, just a few miles up from the shores of Lake Superior.

This is a double-track trail, allowing more skiers to use the trail at one time.

There is also a lane for skate skiing in this area of the trail system.

At the start of this trail, there’s a small building with only bathrooms and a spot to change clothes.

Trails: 22km/13.6 miles
Rentals: No
Use Fee: $10/day
Pass Required: Minnesota Ski Pass
Trail Map

3. Magney-Snively Park

A groomed cross country skiing trail in Duluth, MN.

About 20 minutes outside the center of Duluth, Magney-Snively Park is an area of over 700 acres with trails for hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.

A 13-kilometer/8-mile trail in the park is best for more advanced skiers because of the hills that you’ll encounter on it.

Rolling hills along this trail definitely make it more difficult.

There is a lane for classic skiing, as well as one for skate skiing, making it suitable for all types of skiers.

There are a few beautiful views along this trail, Ely’s Peak Overlook, and Bardon Peak Overlook.

Grab your sweetheart and head out for a cross-country skiing date night at Magney-Snively Park!

These views definitely make the Magney-Snively Trail one of the best places for cross-country skiing in Duluth, MN.

There also is a spur trail that connects it to the Spirt Mountain trails, but it’s difficult and has quite a few hills.

Trails: 13 km/8 miles
Rentals: No
Use Fee: No
Pass Required: Minnesota Ski Pass
Trail Map

4. Chester Park

This trail is definitely only for intermediate and advanced skiers, so beginners will want to stick to some of the other choices.

At Chester Park, skate skiers will get to enjoy 3 kilometers/1.8 miles of groomed trails.

The trails are only groomed for skate skiing, not for classic cross-country skiing.

Right next to the nordic skiing trail, there’s a lift-serviced alpine ski area called the Chester Bowl.

The area around the bowl is difficult, so should only be attempted by advanced skiers.

Trails: 3 km/1.8 miles
Rentals: No
Use Fee: No
Pass Required: Minnesota Ski Pass
Trail Map

5. Lester-Amity Ski Trail

A person cross country skiing down a snow-covered trail.

On the Lester-Amity Ski Trail, there are over 9 miles of groomed trails available that are suitable for skiers of all levels.

From beginner to intermediate to advanced, there’s something for everyone, although a higher majority of them are intermediate.

The Lester-Amity Chalet is open 7 days a week during the ski season, giving you a place to warm up and take a break during the day.

A 4-kilometer/2.5-mile loop around the Lester Park Golf Course is the best place for beginner skiers to start.

4 kilometers are lit at night and in the morning, so you’re able to enjoy the trails even after the sun goes down or before it rises.

Trails: 15 km/ 9.3 miles
Rentals: No
Use Fee: No
Pass Required: Minnesota Ski Pass
Trail Map

6. Piedmont

For classic skiers only, the Piedmont Trail in Duluth offers 5.5 kilometers/3.4 miles of groomed trails.

As you make your way through the trees, you’ll be able to experience trails for beginners or advanced skiers.

There’s a 1.2-mile beginner-friendly loop right next to the trailhead that is great for practicing your skills or as a relaxing ride.

For something a bit more difficult, a large 2.8-mile loop is perfect for intermediate skiers, with a few overlooks of the river on the way.

Trails: 5.5 km/3.4 miles
Rentals: No
Use Fee: No
Pass Required: Minnesota Ski Pass
Trail Map

7. Jay Cooke State Park

A long, hilly cross country skiing trail through the woods in Duluth, MN.

For one of the most beautiful cross-country ski trails in Duluth, head to Jay Cooke State Park, just about 20 minutes out of town.

The trails start near the park office and you’ll have fantastic views of the St. Louis River during winter in Minnesota.

As you get further from the office, the trails start to get more difficult, so beginners should stay closer to the trailhead.

Only classic skiing is allowed here, as there are no groomed trails for skate skiing.

Many people also enjoy snowshoeing within the state park, as it’s allowed anywhere within the park, besides on groomed trails.

For more great snowshoeing in state parks, head up the beautiful North Shore, where you’ll find plenty more trails with great views!

Trails: 51 km/31.7 miles
Rentals: No
Use Fee: $7/day
Pass Required: Minnesota Ski Pass
Trail Map

8. Bagley Nature Center

This shorter trail is groomed for classic skiing and is located pretty close to the University of Minnesota Duluth.

Just 1.7 miles are available, part of it crossing the Superior Hiking Trail.

No rentals are available, and you also don’t need any sort of pass or fee to ski here, which is a great opportunity to try it out for free.

Some might argue that summer is the best time to visit Minnesota, but really, winter is so beautiful, especially on these skiing trails.

Trails: 2.7 km/1.7 miles
Rentals: No
Use Fee: No
Pass Required: No
Trail Map

9. Hartley Park

A few people cross country skiing on a trail through snow-covered trees.

Follow several loops that are suited for beginner, intermediate, and advanced skiers, over 5 kilometers/3.1 miles of trails.

The beginner trails start at the main North trailhead and the more difficult trails are accessible via a few spur trails.

There are multiple trailheads spread out along the trails, so you can choose where you start.

Each of the trails is groomed for classic skiing and is double-track, making it easy to return the way you came.

The beginner loop is perfect for families and those looking for something easier, while the outer intermediate loop is good for experienced skiers.

Trails: 21 km/13 miles
Rentals: Yes
Use Fee: No
Pass Required: Minnesota Ski Pass
Trail Map

Tips for Cross-Country Skiing in Minnesota

Make sure to get yourself a Minnesota Ski Pass before hitting the trail, as they’re required in most places for all people over age 16.
Download a map for the ski trails before heading out to ensure that you’re able to stay on track.
Use Skinny Ski to check trail conditions and learn more about the cross-country ski trails.
Always dress warmly because frostbite can set in quickly in Minnesota and the wind off of Lake Superior typically makes the air colder.

Where to Find Ski Rentals in Duluth

If you’re looking to get out and do some cross-country skiing but don’t have your own equipment, you’re in luck, because there are many places that rent.

Here are just a few of the best places to grab some rental gear for a day out on the trails.

Snowflake Nordic Ski Center — Get rentals here to be used with Snowflake Nordic Ski area.

Spirit Mountain — Available at the Grand Avenue Nordic Center, Duluth.

Hartley Nature Center — Rent cross-country skis that must be used within Hartley Park.

Continental Ski & Bike — Located right in Duluth, you can rent skis here.

Wrap-Up: Cross-Country Skiing in Duluth, MN

When the winter weather starts to hit Minnesota and snow begins to fly, cross country-skiers begin to get excited.

There are so many places to get out on the trail and experience some of Minnesota’s best winter activities.

These are some of the best cross-country ski trails in Duluth, MN to check out this winter season.