Avoiding the Crowds

December 20, 2011
While most Twin Cities ski trails will be crowded this season, we offer some general tips on how to avoiding dense populations.

Cross-Country Ski Rentals

January 11, 2010
Looking for cross-country ski rentals? We've put together a collection of links, both in the Twin Cities and around the region.

Trail/Park Fees

December 8, 2005
A rough breakdown on passes/fees you'll need for skiing at parks and trail systems in the upper Midwest.

Under the Lights

December 1, 2000
A review of some of the lighted ski trails in the area.

Trail Grooming Fundraising Efforts

March 31, 2024
A number of Midwest trail systems are currently fundraising to improve their trail grooming equipment.
Eau Claire Ski Striders - Raising funds for equipment upgrades at Eau Claire County Parks.
Madison Nordic Ski Club - Raising funds to replace grooming equipment at Elver Park.
North Star Ski Touring Club - Offering grants for Nordic skiing programs (deadline now Apr 8th)

Webinar: Climate Threats to Outdoor Recreation

March 16, 2024
University of Minnesota Climate Adaptation Partnership is hosting a webinar on Tuesday March 19th at noon with Ben Popp and Kristy Maki for their Adaptation in Action series. They will be discussing both how the Birkie was able to respond to this "winter" and still host an event, and also how the Birkie is planning on adapting to future climate change in an equitable way.

MPR: Twin Cities, much of southern Minnesota digging out from first major snowfall of the winter

February 15, 2024
Much of southern Minnesota woke up to a rare sight Thursday — rare for this strange winter, at least: a significant snowfall.

North Star Ski Touring Club Seeks Applications for Grant Fund Projects

February 8, 2024
Established with the goal of enriching and further growing the sport of Nordic skiing, this year's applications for donations from the North Star Grant Fund are due by April 2nd. Qualified applicants should submit proposals for Nordic ski related projects that will largely fall within the 2024 calendar year.

Bad to Worse

February 2, 2024
With some of the warmest temperatures of the season ahead, and indeed some of the warmest temperatures in decades, Mark Lahtinen shares how this winter stacks up against winters past.

It’s Just One of Those Winters

January 24, 2024
Continuing his coverage of this winter we're having, Mark Lahtinen adds to his insights from earlier this month with another round of number crunching.

Cook County: Discover Epic Cross Country Skiing on Minnesota’s Gunflint Trail

January 25, 2024
Winter has arrived, and the cross-country ski trails near the Gunflint Trail have opened after the first few snowfalls of the season. Visit Cook County invites skiers of all abilities to plan an epic cross country ski adventure in the northernmost reaches of the state.

Winona Nordic Social Fundraiser Jan 20th

January 15, 2024
St. Mary's University in Winona is hosting a Winona Nordic Social fundraiser on Saturday evening, Jan 20th. Come out and enjoy cocktails and Hors d'oeuvres, participate in the silent auction and support the ski trails grooming, snowmaking, lighting and maintenance.

More Brown Days

January 11, 2024
It's no great secret that this winter has been tougher than most when it comes to snow. Helping to make sense of it all is Mark Lahtinen who has the numbers on exactly where we stand compared to seasons past.