The Cross-Country Area
Located in Minnesota's Northeast, Giants Ridge Resort offers 63 kilometers (39 miles) of cross-country opportunities to its guests. Its ten trails are divided into six easy ones, three more difficult ones and one trail made for very experienced and skilled cross-country skiers.
While some of the trails were designed as training routes for the US Ski Team and other professional athletes, the resort has trails for beginners as well. The night trail is three kilometers (1.8 miles) long and lit every night from 4 to 8 pm.
Giant Ridge's trails lead you through charming and peaceful forest landscapes. Several small huts can be found along the trails and used for resting and warming yourself. Cross-country equipment is available for rent at the lodge near the trail's entry point.
More activities
Five trails are groomed especially for snowshoeing. A lane for snowtubing, including its own lift, can also be found at the resort. You can even go fatbiking, with the bikes of course being available to rent at the cross-country area.
Interesting facts
- Offering 63 km cross-country trails, Giants Ridge Resort is among the 10 largest Cross-Country Skiing Areas in the USA.
- The highest point of the track is 494 m above sea level.
- Snow coverage is usually best during February, offering an average snow depth of 122 cm at summit elevation and 75 cm at the base.
Videos
Dining along the Tracks
Burnt Onion Kitchen & Brews serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Come here after a long day in the snow to enjoy some tasty dishes made with seasonal ingredients.
Getting Here
The drive to Giants Ridge Resort is about 3.5 hours from Minneapolis via the I-35 N. You can fly into Minneapolis Saint Paul International Airport and rent a car there. Parking spaces are located directly at the resort.