Spirit Mountain, Duluth, MN

Spirit Mountain in Duluth, Minnesota is a ski mountain with a ski area for visitors. The mountain provides a top elevation of 1,320 feet and a base elevation of 620 feet. The skiable area is 175 acres with 22 runs. The longest run is 5,400 feet. The ski area was founded by the City of Duluth in 1974. Many supporters like Mayor Ben Boo, Olympian George Hovland and Manley Goldfine helped get the ski area created. The mayor supported the idea in the hopes of bringing more revenue to Duluth and it has since it was opened.

The construction of I-35 also helped the ski area become popular since it was a much needed road to reach Spirit Mountain. Spirit Mountain is considered the second tallest ski hill in Minnesota with 700 feet in vertical elevation.

Spirit Mountain is also known as the largest terrain park in this section of the United States. The park has jumps that range from 15 feet to over 60 feet. There is a halfpipe, numerous rails, boxes, and other jibs. The lift system contains 5 chairs, 1 ski carpet, 1 handle tow, and 1 rope tow. They can make snow if the snowfall during the season is not heavy enough. They also have night skiing with plenty of lights to make sure the runs are safe.

The resort and ski area provides cross country as well as downhill runs. The cross country map is quite extensive with plenty of loops and one very long trail around the ski mountain. Rates will vary each ski season, but one can expect adults to be $25 to $47 depending on nights, 4 hours, 8 hours, or the gold membership. Children range from $15 to $37 for the same type of packages. The night package is the less expensive since there are not as many hours to ski. A half day for peak times is $37 for adults. There are also discounted rates for certain times of the year. If a family is skiing a family package provides plenty of time on the lifts.

Rentals, lessons, and lodging are all available as part of packages and a stay on Spirit Mountain. When winter is over Spirit Mountain is not closed down and left unattended. Instead Spirit Mountain turns into a hiking area for summer guests. The ski lifts can also work in summer for certain programs and fun throughout the season. The trails around Spirit Mountain are easy to difficult depending on what the visitor chooses.

The main highway will bring visitors to Spirit Mountain, but there is also one other option. Skyline Parkway is a scenic drive through Duluth and up the coast. From the drive one can reach Spirit Mountain, as well as see it. It is a picturesque view, and one might wish to take a hike just to see the valley below near the rivers and Lake Superior that the Skyline Parkway follows. In autumn the leaves on the trees will also make the mountain a sight to behold.