How to Go Cross-Country Skiing in Minnesota
How to Go Cross-Country Skiing in Minnesota
If there's one thing that's synonymous with winter in Minnesota, it's snow. And if there's one thing Minnesotans love to do when it snows, it's ski.
Experience Minnesota's winter wonderland on cross-country skis / Paul Vincent
With more miles of cross-country ski trails than a trek from St. Paul to Los Angeles has, Minnesota is a destination for novice and pro skiers alike. Just ask Jessie Diggins, the Stillwater native who, along with teammate Kikkan Randall, became the first American woman to medal in cross-country skiing at the 2018 Winter Olympics.
But you don't need to be an Olympic athlete to participate in this fun and family-friendly winter activity. If you’re looking to try this popular winter sport, here are a few to tackle the trails like a pro.
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What is cross-country skiing?
Also referred to as Nordic, cross-country skiing is much different from the downhill variety. The skis themselves are much skinnier, and the boots click in at the toes, leaving your heels free as you glide.
There are also two distinct styles: Classic, or parallel skiing, is the easiest to learn; and skate skiing, which leaves V-shaped tracks, is more technical and often preferred by more experienced skiers. The skis and poles are slightly different for each style, and ski trails are groomed specifically for classic, skate or both.
Cross-country skiing at Theodore Wirth Park / Waqar Ahmad
Where can a beginner try cross-country skiing in Minnesota?
If you're new to the sport, there are several parks and ski areas that offer lessons and equipment rentals. The Loppet Foundation at Theodore Wirth in Minneapolis offers regular group lessons on weekend for both classic and skate skiing. The park offers 14 miles of groomed ski trails for beginner, intermediate, and advanced skiers using natural and manufactured snow.
In Maple Grove, the massive, 4,900-acre Elm Creek Park Reserve offers 11-mile cross-country loop during the day, or visit at night to explore three miles of ethereal, lighted trails. Like Theo, Elm Creek also offers equipment rentals, lessons and concessions. They have also made themselves virtually weather-proof by making snow when Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate.
Hyland Lake Park Reserve
The Three Rivers Park District offers over 80 miles of groomed cross-country ski trials at various locations throughout the Twin Cities including Baker Winter Trailhead (9.1 miles), Carver Winter Trailhead (11.3), French Regional Park (5.2 with 2.9 lighted), Hyland Park Reserve (9.5 with 5.3 lighted and 3.3 with snowmaking), Lake Rebecca (15.6), and more. Equipment rentals are available and can be reserved up to seven days in advance. A cross-country ski pass is required for skiers ages 12 and older and daily passes are available.
You can also find special events, including Winter Trails Day at Minnesota State Parks like Fort Snelling, and Free Play Snow Day at Three Rivers Park District parks in the Twin Cities area, including Elm Creek and Carver Park Reserve in Waconia.
The winter landscape at West Bearskin Lake on the Gunflint Trail
What are the best cross-country skiing trails and resorts in Minnesota?
Minnesota has more than 2,000 miles of dedicated trails to explore. The crown jewel among its many cross-country skiing destinations is the Gunflint Trail in far northeast Minnesota. You may already recognize it from summer trips to the Boundary Waters, and its splendor is just as impressive in the winter. Sub-divided into three 70 km trail systems, the Gunflint Trail cuts a well-groomed path through some of northern Minnesota’s most beautiful and remote wilderness.
You can also find groomed trails at Voyageurs National Park near the Canada border, and at several downhill ski areas, including Detroit Mountain in Detroit Lakes, Giants Ridge in Biwabik, Spirit Mountain in Duluth, and Buena Vista Ski Area in Bemidji.
Maplelag Resort
Just north of Detroit Lakes, Maplelag Resort is Minnesota’s premier cross-country skiing resort, with nearly 70 km of trails on the property. Groomed for classic (parallel), skate skiing and fat biking, Maplelag has something for every winter explorer.
At Glendalough State Park in central Minnesota, skiers can explore eight miles of gently rolling hills while getting an unbeatable look one of the last large tracts of undeveloped lakeshore in western Minnesota. For truly remote relaxation, cap off your cross-country trip with a magical night (or three) in the park’s rustic camper cabins or yurts, open all winter long.
Cross-country skiing on the Root River Trail in Lanesboro
Many of Minnesota’s state parks or forests offer groomed trails and rentals. Skiers 16 and older must have a Great Minnesota Ski Pass to ski on groomed trails in a state park or forest, or on state or grant-in-aid trails. The fee helps support Minnesota's cross-country ski trail system.
In southeast Minnesota, the 60-mile Root River State Trail system offers gorgeous and relatively easy skiing on a former railroad route beneath dramatic, limestone bluffs. The trail passes through nine small towns on its journey through Minnesota’s Bluff Country, including the state’s charming bed-and-breakfast capital, Lanesboro.
Use our lodging listings to find the perfect place to stay. You can also search for resorts that have trails and ski rentals on-site.
Find more ways to enjoy winter in Minnesota or try a new winter sport like fat biking, snowboarding or snowshoeing.