Minnesota’s Best Cross-Country Skiing Trails

“Whether you are recreating because you want to be outside in the winter, commute to work or race in the elite wave of the Birkie, skiers are all out there because we love it,” says Alayna Sonneson, a Minnesota native and four-time champion of the American Birkebeiner. “This is unique to our area of the country. You can’t go just anywhere with snow and find people who are crazy for cross-country skiing.”

The following guide breaks down some of the best trails for beginner, intermediate and advanced skiers throughout the state. To make the most of your visit, be sure to check trail reports on SkinnySki.com or snow condition and status updates over at the Department of Natural Resources. The DNR also has details on daily and annual ski passes that support ongoing trail maintenance efforts. 

BEGINNER 

New skiers should avoid hills and find short loops to focus on their stride. Be aware of current conditions before heading out for your first time; well-groomed trails improve your ability to learn.

“Join a group of skiers at your same level,” adds Endurance Adventures owner Kim Rudd, who offers guided trips for adults. “It takes years to learn technique, so doing it with other people and taking lessons at local parks and ski clubs will help the most.” 

Elm Creek Park Reserve, part of the Three Rivers Parks District, has more than 10 miles of fairly flat trails groomed for classic and skate skiing. The park has the ability to make snow , ensuring a longer ski season. Three Rivers cross-country ski pass required. 

The central and upper areas of the Gunflint Trail offer more than 80 miles through the northwoods managed by local resorts and groomed for both classic and skate skiing. Experience rolling hills and seclusion in nature. Trail ticket from lodge required.

Ski through woods and meadows at Itasca State Park near the shore of Lake Itasca and the headwaters of the Mississippi River. There are nearly 13 miles of trails through Minnesota’s first state park groomed for skate and classic skiing. Minnesota ski pass required.

Vasaloppet Nordic Center in Mora Minnesota has around eight miles of trails for skate and classic skiers of all abilities. The trails host the annual Vasaloppet USA, a race and cross country ski event named after a competition in Sweden. The center has snowmaking equipment for early season skiing. 

Nestled along the St. Croix River is William O’Brien State Park, which has a variety of easy trails through the woods and some good hills. The 2.4-mile Wetland Trail Loop is relatively flat and straight for new skiers. The park has more than 10 miles of trails groomed for skate and classic skiing. Minnesota ski pass required.

INTERMEDIATE

As you improve in your skiing ability, you’ll feel more confident to take on more difficult trails with steeper climbs, sharper turns and bigger downhill runs.

The Banadad Ski Trail  is part of the Gunflint Trail in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and has about 25 miles of single-track classic cross country ski trails. You’ll find easy skiing between the area’s resorts. You might even see a moose. Minnesota ski pass required.

Buena Vista Ski Area in Bemidji has rolling hills for ideal skiing terrain and scenic view of lakes and forest on about 15 miles of groomed trails. The trails are home to Minnesota Finlandia, “the Nordic festival of the north” that includes a 50 kilometer ski race. Minnesota ski pass required.

Sugarbush Trail in Tofte has a vast system of trails through the forest groomed for both skate and classic skiing. Challenging segments are worth the mountain and Lake Superior views. Minnesota ski pass required.

Woodland Trails in Elk River has rolling hills through the woods on about 10 miles of trails groomed for skate skiing in interconnected loops. Twists and turns make these trails particularly fun to ski. Minnesota ski pass required.

ADVANCED 

If you want to level up your skiing, you’re going to want to find hilly trails that will require physical strength and even stronger technique. Sonnesyn, who has competed in the World Cup circuit and currently trains with Team Birkie, suggests seeking out tricky conditions to make you more agile and confident on skis.

“You would think you want pristine conditions,” explains Sonnesyn, “but you will become an expert the more you train on varying conditions.”

Battle Creek Regional Park in Saint Paul has some significant hills, twists and turns on trails groomed for both skate and classic skiing. The park has its own snowmaking equipment. Ramsey County ski pass required.

Giants Ridge in Biwabik boasts more than 40 miles of trails originally designed as a center for the U.S. ski team athletes. This is a place to challenge yourself. With a decent amount of uphill treks and technical downhills, it’ll test your skills. Giants Ridge ski pass required.

Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve in Savage will keep you on your toes through thick woods with the many turns, steep uphills and corresponding downhill runs. Nine miles of trails are groomed for classic and skate skiing. Three Rivers ski pass required.

Theodore Wirth in Minneapolis has challenging trails mixed in with easy terrain groomed for both skate and classic skiing. Ski the same trails as the world’s elite athletes; the park hosted the FIS Cross Country World Cup race in February 2024. Loppet/Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board ski pass is required.

Find out more about winter sports in Minnesota.