Ski Resorts in the Northern Wilds
By Eric Weicht
Lutsen Mountains is the largest ski resort in the Midwest, with 95 runs spread over four mountains. | LUTSEN MOUNTAINS Despite an unusual start to the winter, ski resorts all along the shore are open and determined to provide guests with safe, socially distanced adventure throughout the 2021 season. The following are some of the world-class local ski resorts that we are blessed to have on the North Shore.
Spirit Mountain
Located in Duluth, Spirit Mountain is a classic North Shore ski resort that has been in operation since 1974. In addition to the 22 runs that are currently open and ready to ride, Spirit Mountain offers opportunities in snow tubing and fat tire biking for those looking to experience winter in a less traditional way. “Spirit Mountain has numerous runs that give it a feeling above your typical Midwest ski area,” says Jon Regenold, co-director of resort services at Spirit Mountain. “Plus,” continues Regenold, “each of those runs has an impressive vista overlooking the Saint Louis estuary and the city of Duluth—you just can’t beat that view!” 16
FEBRUARY 2021
There are plenty of great runs for skiers and boarders of all skill levels at Spirit Mountain. Four Pipe is long and wide and perfect for beginners looking for their first full run experience, Timber Cruiser is a “crowd favorite” with its multiple rolls and turns, and then Gandy Dancer, which is often used “by race teams and high-level racing events” according to Regenold, is ideal for those looking for advanced turns and good speed. “People should know,” adds Regenold, “that we are continuing to offer lessons through our Snowsports Center, both private and group, this winter which are available for anyone ages 3 and up.”
of their abilities on snow,” says Regenold. “We also offer Glow Tubing, which is when we light up the hill with multi-colored lights to give the experience a more magical feel.” For more information on happenings at Spirit Mountain, visit their website at: spiritmt.com.
Mont Du Lac
Just 15 minutes south of Duluth in neighboring Superior, Mont Du Lac Resort is another excellent North Shore ski hill that is open for adventure during the 2021 season.
And then, of course, there is the snowtubing.
Mont Du Lac is set in a beautiful cedar forest on a hill that was once sculpted by glaciers. In addition to their 10 runs, double chairlift, highspeed towrope, and conveyor carpet for the beginner’s area, Mont Du Lac offers skiers and boarders the opportunity to challenge themselves on a 10-acre “western-style” back bowl as well as on a terrain park with more than 20 features in rotation.
“Snowtubing is an opportunity for entire families to recreate in the winter regardless
Outside of its regular downhill offerings, winter enthusiasts can also have a blast
Spirit Mountain also plans to cater to the fat tire biking crowd this winter, holding three Sundays for fat tire bike lift service and hosting their annual Frosted Fatty event on February 20.
NORTHERN WILDS
cruising down the hill in Mont Du Lac’s “Outta Bounds” tubbing park, which is open Friday-Sunday each week this winter. Mont Du Lac offers great opportunities for skiers and boarders alike to develop their skills by taking lessons or by participating in one of their clubs or camps. Their alpine club and ski team, for instance, is perfect for youths ages 5-18 looking to “hone their skills, build self-esteem, and learn proper mountain etiquette in a team environment.” For more information on Mont Du Lac Resort, visit their website at: mdlresort.com.
Lutsen Mountains
Lutsen Mountains is the largest ski resort in the Midwest. With 95 runs spread over four mountains that boast an impressive 825 feet of vertical, Lutsen Mountains is the perfect destination this winter to find adventure in a safe, socially distanced setting. “Things have been going remarkably well this year,” says Jim Vick, director of sales and marketing at Lutsen Mountains,
