Northern Comfort Bed and Breakfast is just a short 20 minute drive to Giants Ridge, northern Minnesota’s world-class recreation and ski destination. Plan a weekend getaway and spend your days on the slopes (or on the trails) and then come back to the farm and enjoy the wood-fired sauna before getting cozy in front of the fire.
Giants Ridge started in the 50’s as a labor of love for a group of families who wanted to downhill ski in their own back yard rather than trekking a few hours to the slopes nearer Lake Superior. In the 80’s the facility was purchased by our regional economic development organization and over the last 30 years has been expanded to include miles of nordic trails, alpine runs and two of Minnesota’s finest golf courses.
Today, Giants Ridge offers even more options to winter visitors. In addition to Alpine and Nordic skiing, Giants ridge offers rentals and trails for snowshoeing, fat bike riding, tubing and two snowboard terrain parks along with equipment rentals and lessons.
Alpine Skiing
Lift tickets $10-$54, full equipment rental $32 (as of January 2017) – lessons available
Thirty five downhill runs, lessons and equipment rentals available.
Tubing
$12-$15 per two-hour session (as of January 2017)
Snow tubing park fun – no special skills required!
Nordic Skiing
Full equipment rental $14, trail pass $10-$17 (as of January 2017) – lessons available
Giants Ridge offers 60 kilometers of well-groomed trails in the picturesque Superior National Forest. The trail system was originally designed for training by the US Ski Team and offers a variety of conditions for skiers of all ability levels. There are three kilometers of trail lit for night skiing and trails accessible by chairlift at the top of the mountain.
Snow Boarding in the Terrain Parks
Equipment rental from $12 (hourly) to $40 (daily) – lessons available
Giants Ridge has two snowboarding terrain parks for various levels of skill, as well as a small ‘beginners’ area for those new to the sport.
Snow showing
Shoe rental $14, trail pass $10 (as of January 2017)
There are five snow shoe trails, all accessible from the base of the mountain, that make for a great day of snow shoeing!
Fat Bikes
Rentals $75 for 24 hours or $40 for less than four hours (as of January 2017)
Giants Ridge was the first ski resort in Minnesota to open Nordic trails to fans of this popular new sport. Special bikes with tires that range from 3.5 – 7″ wide and lowered pressure ride the compact trails alongside skiers. A great way to enjoy Minnesota’s lovely winter days!
Dining
There are two restaurants at Giants Ridge, perfect to grab a bite before heading home to the farm!
The Burnt Onion, located in the chalet offers hip, higher end dining and a great beer and wine list. The Sleeping Giant, located in the Lodge hotel has a more casual vibe. Or check out Northern Comfort’s full list of dining options here. (Gilbert and Biwabik are the closest towns to Giants Ridge.)
Laurentian Divide Salon and Spa
Not a fan of the cold, but have a partner who is? Giants Ridge is a great place for both of you! Enjoy a relaxing massage and pedicure while your partner hits the slopes, then meet up for dinner at the Burn Onion perfect #DateWeekend!
