A Blog About Skiing and Snowboarding on Northern Minnesota’s Iron Range
This weekend at the Ridge, we’ll play host to the Jeep Terrain Park Challenge.
The Jeep Terrain Park Challenge is a progressive grassroots program in its third year of promoting safety and responsibility at terrain parks.
We’ll host a safety clinic and competition for skiers and snowboarders here at Giants Ridge on Saturday (Feb 2) from about 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Continue reading ‘Jeep Terrain Park Challenge this weekend’
USASA boardercross and alpine events, brand new half-pipe, 100% of the trails are open. Listen for details.
Looks like Mother-Nature had her way with us this year. The Pepsi Challenge, originally scheduled for Saturday (Jan 19) has been cancelled due to the anticipated cold weather moving into the Iron Range area. Better luck next year.
Here’s the story from the local newspaper:
Pepsi Challenge cancelled
Bitter cold forces decision on cross country race
Mesabi Daily News
Last updated: Thursday, January 17th, 2008 12:06:37 PM
BIWABIK — The Pepsi Challenge Board has announced the cancellation of the 24th Annual Pepsi Challenge Cross Country Ski Race scheduled at Giants Ridge Golf & Ski Resort on Saturday. The event’s Kinderlauf race and food and beverage activities have also been cancelled.
The decision was made because of cold weather conditions and wind chill factors. “It would not be safe to put our skiers and volunteer workers on the course in these conditions,” said Deb Maki, Pepsi race coordinator.
There will be a $10.00 rebate to pre-registered skiers in the 24k & 48k races to be used for the 2009 Pepsi Challenge.
For additional information, call 800.688.7669, extension 3409, or email: pepsichallenge@giantsridge.com.
The Pepsi Challenge race, kid’s race, snow conditions and terrain park update. Listen for details.
The Pepsi Challenge cross country ski race will be held at Giants Ridge on Saturday (January 19th). The event marks the 24th year the Pepsi Challenge has taken place.
From the looks of the forecast this morning, Old Man Winter is also making his way to the event .
While we’ve have rather mild temps over the course of the season (so far), Saturday looks to be a different story! With expected highs barely breaking zero, it’s going to be chilly at the start of the race. Continue reading ‘Preparing for the Challenge – the Pepsi Challenge!’
In addition to the 60 km of cross country trails right at Giants Ridge, there are a few hidden gems scattered throughout the Iron Range that offer both unspoiled, spectacular scenery and some challenging cross country trails.
Most trails in the area are groomed for classical skiing only, though Carey Lake also offers skate-skiing. The U.S. Forest Service maintains and grooms many of these trails. A Minnesota Ski Pass is needed to ski most of the trails listed.
Big Aspen (Virginia)
North of Virginia, you’ll find several kilometers of cross country ski trails, located at Big Aspen. There are excellent trails here for beginner and intermediate skiers.
Laurentian Divide/Lookout Mountain Recreation Area (Virginia)
The Laurentian Divide Recreation Area serves as a trail head for Lookout Mountain hiking and ski trails. Sixteen kilometers of scenic groomed cross-country trails wind through and around the Laurentian Divide. The ski trail is groomed by volunteers and is funded for maintenance as a Grant-in-Aid trail requiring a ski pass.
Carey Lake (Hibbing)
Just outside of Hibbing you’ll find 22 km of trails near Carey Lake.
McCarthy Beach State Park
Just north of Hibbing, near Side Lake, McCarthy Beach State Park offers nine miles of cross country ski trails. As of 1/9/08, trail conditions are reported as excellent.
Mesabi Trail
The Mesabi Trail which stretches from Grand Rapids to Ely is also an option for cross country skiers. Though not groomed, the Mesabi Trail is accessible from nearly every community on the Iron Range during winter months, as well.
Planning to Ski the Range soon?
I’ve put together a short list of the most scenic places at Giants Ridge to pause and take it all in!
Squaw Valley
When you hit the downhill slopes at Giants Ridge, be sure to stop at the top of Squaw Valley, which overlooks both Wynne and Sabin Lakes. Click here for a sample of the stunning view.
2002
Check out the view from atop “2002”. From here, you can see for miles. If you look northward, you can even see Lookout Mountain – north of Virginia (this area was once a ski hill in and of itself). 25 km of cross country ski trails still exist at Lookout Mountain.
If you’re out on the cross country trails at Giants Ridge, be sure to check out these scenic spots:
Laurentian Ski Trail
Stop at the trailside shelter on the Laurentian Ski Trail. Here, you’re in the heart of the Superior National Forest. The view in each direction is pretty spectacular!
Near the Top of the Summit Trail
When you’re on the Summit Trail, be sure to check out the scenery that overlooks the beaver dam.
Be sure to check my blog again next week! In the mean time, check back for updated Iron Range snow conditions and ski reports.
