Powder to the People: Skiing Near Grand Forks

Whether you’re looking for a way to stay active in the winter, wanting a fun, seasonal way to gather with friends or are simply looking for a way to fight cabin fever, skiing might be your solution! To the uninitiated, Grand Forks might not seem like “ski central” but a closer look and  a quick jaunt a little farther afield can yield great rewards as far as skiing is concerned. So grab your gaiter, tighten up your bindings, and keep your ski wax handy as we kick and glide through the winter landscape!

I can’t recall where, but I once heard the act of cross-country skiing denigrated as “strapping on the misery sticks”. This characterization, though humorously exaggerated, gets to an essential truth about cross-country skiing; it can be a challenge! I’ve found that it’s a challenge that yields great rewards, however. I have fond memories of gliding along trails near the Red River on a windless winter night under the light of a full moon where the only sound is that of the crunching snow under my skis, and a far-off snowmobile. Cross country skiing can be a peaceful solo experience or a group activity; an excuse for a weekend road trip, or simply a way to keep active on a weeknight during the winter. Fortunately, there are many options in and near the Grand Cities that you can take advantage of to access the sport!

If you’re new to cross-country skiing, checking out the Greenway is a perfect place to start! Classic skis can be checked out at the warming house at both Riverside and Lincoln Park. They are open on weekdays from 4pm – 8pm and weekends from 12pm – 8pm. Once you’re clicked into your bindings, there’s over eight miles of groomed trails that are at your ski tips. In Lincoln Park, there is a 1.25 mile loop that runs along the inside of Lincoln Drive. There is also a trail that is more than six miles long and runs the entire length of the Greenway. It starts at the Riverside Dam parking lot and ends at the 47^th Ave Greenway access. Maps and additional access information can be found here.

Another great option for cross-country skiing in town is Ray Richards Golf Course. The course features a nominal one mile loop that is meticulously groomed for both skate and classic skiing. Unlike the Greenway, skiing is only allowed on the groomed trails. When I went, the parking lot was sparingly plowed so plan accordingly!

Are you craving a little more rolling terrain than Grand Forks can offer? Turtle River State Park can help with that! Located roughly 27 miles west of Grand Forks, on U.S. Highway 2, Turtle River State Park has about four and a half miles of groomed ski trails. These trails will take you through woods, over a prairie and along the Turtle River. Though use of the trails is free, a parking pass is required to park at Turtle River State Park.

Near Fertile Minnesota, the Agassiz Environmental Learning Center offers great opportunities for cross-country skiing as well. With over eleven miles of trails and sand hills, this is a fun place to really immerse yourself in a winter wonderland. Far away from city life, you’ll feel like you’re the only person in the world out on these trails. During open hours, you can rent skis from their nature center. Check out their trail maps here.

Located on Little Sugarbush Lake in Callaway, MN this resort is a perfect option for a cross-country skiing weekend getaway. Maplelag Resort has a lot to offer. For starters, they maintain over 43 miles of ski trails. In addition, they have eight cabins that are available to rent, two of them being converted railroad cabooses. The resort also offers ski rentals for $25 a day. A ski pass is required to ski the trails at Maplelag. They offer a variety of pass types.

Detroit Mountain has been around for over fifty years. It is a staple in the downhill skiing community of northern Minnesota. They offer a wide variety of skiing and snowboarding opportunities. You can rent gear there as well. They have runs for all skill types, and an adventure park for snowboarders who want to hone their tricks. If you’re tired of skiing for the day, of want to take a break on your weekend trip, they also have tubing too!

Making our way to Bemidji, Minnesota, another great skiing getaway from Grand Forks is the Buena Vista Ski Area. This resort has been around for many a decade. A classic skiing spot for locals near and far, this is a must-see weekend or day trip for Grand Forksians. With over sixteen downhill runs, there are plenty of opportunities for fun!

Last, but certainly not least, Frost Fire Park is a fantastic option for a day trip or weekend trip to ski! Frost Fire is only open Fridays-Sundays, so plan ahead for a weekend of fun! Just west of Walhalla, North Dakota, it’s a bit of a trek from Grand Forks, but oh so worth it! They also offer snowshoeing rentals, ski lessons, multiple different events throughout the season, and a full-service bar and grill!

So snap into your bindings and bundle up. The slopes and trails await!