Downhill Skiing the North Shore

Long before cross-country skiers raced through the North Shore’s network of Nordic ski trails, downhill ski areas dotted the Minnesota shore from Duluth to Grand Marais. Four ski areas survive to this day, ranging from the homey and local to the grand and luxurious.

Duluth Area downhill ski areas

What these ski areas lack in terms of vertical elevation or gourmet food they make up for in easy access and friendly folks

Mont du Lac
Technically in Wisconsin. Mont du Lac is reached from far western Duluth. It offers 310 feet in elevation, one lift and 8 runs.

Spirit Mountain
Overlooking the scenic St. Louis River valley, Spirit Mountain offers 700 feet vertical drop, 22 runs and seven lifts.

Chester Bowl
For the bargain ticket of $5.00, family-friendly Chester Bowl offers 175 feet of vertical drop, one chairlift and two runs.

North Shore Downhill Ski Areas

Lutsen Mountains
The granddaddy of them all, both historically and in sheer size, Lutsen Mountains offers 980 feet vertical drop, 10 lifts and 92 runs.