Spirit Mountain is a top destination for winter and summer recreation
Spirit has come a long way since it opened as a ski hill in 1974. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, Spirit now offers snow tubing, camping, lift-served mountain biking, and an adventure park featuring a zip line, mini golf, a scenic chairlift, and an alpine coaster for summertime enjoyment.
Boarding is big at Spirit Mountain. Photo by Jeff Doty
Additionally, the Superior Hiking Trail, Duluth Traverse, and Duluth Cross City Snowmobile Trail all pass through the property, providing many other options for year-round enjoyment. For all of these amazing reasons, Spirit Mountain is considered a top destination for both winter and summer recreation.
“Spirit was built as a recreation area to allow people with many differing interests a place they can call their own,” said Tess Regenold, Spirit Mountain’s Director of Marketing and Programming. “And, we are proud of how Spirit not only meets the needs of these communities, but really fulfills them.”
Mountain Biking Trails are epic at Spirit Mountain. Photo from Spirit Mt Facebook Page.
Skiing & Boarding
Featuring everything from bunny hills to black diamonds, skiers and snowboarders of all ages and abilities can conquer their own unique challenges at Spirit. There are 22 named runs, which vary in difficulty. The hills at Spirit provide 700 vertical feet of fun, with 175 acres of skiable terrain. Lessons and instructors are available for beginners, too.
Ski Hills at Spirit are designed for all ages and levels. Photo by Amy Leigh.
And, if you like a side of scenery while you ski, you’ve come to the right place. Spirit Mountain Recreation Area is perched atop a glorious hill overlooking the city of Duluth, the St. Louis River, and Lake Superior.
Take in the incredible views overlooking St. Louis River and Lake Superior. Photo from spiritmt.com
Other Activities
Duluth’s splendid summers go hand-in-hand with Spirit Mountain’s Adventure Park and lift-access Mountain Bike Park. As noted, there are plenty of warm-weather activities to get your adrenaline pumping, including an alpine coaster, zip-line, mini-golf, jumping pillow and scenic chairlift rides. The Mountain Bike Park has trails for many abilities, and will be adding new trails and connectors this summer.
Spirit Mountain's Timber Twister has 3200 feet of track with speeds of up to 26 mph! Photo from Spirit Mt Facebook Page.
Zip through 700 feet of trees on the Timber Flyer. Spiritmt.com photo.
Additionally, Spirit is a great place to host an event. The on-site Skyline Chalet is a popular venue for weddings, celebrations of life, class reunions, corporate events, and other private gatherings.
There is also dining available. Guests can stop by the Riverside Bar and Grill year-round, or in the winter, can choose from quick service at the café or sit-down dining at the Moosehead Saloon.
Spirit Mountain is also home to plenty of fun events throughout the year, including the Atmore Memorial Slalom Race; Bike Duluth Festival; and an annual spring celebration called SMASH (Spirit Mountain Annual Spring Happening). Please visit Spirit Mountain’s website or Facebook page to learn more.
Lift-Accessed recreational and competitive Mountain Biking are dialed at Spirit. Photo from spiritmt.com
Spirit Mountain is a great place to catch some epic bird-watching, too!
If you’re just here for a visit, you’ll get the most adventure out of your stay by making your year-round accommodations directly on the property. Spirit has two on-site lodging options, including The Mountain Villas, which are a privately-run lodging facility, and the beautiful Spirit Mountain summer campground.
Good Times, Every Time
With so many options for recreation in every season, Spirit Mountain remains a top choice for outdoor adventurers.
“As Spirit continues to provide fun for so many, we believe one of the original mottos is just as true today as it was when Spirit first opened, which is ‘Good times, every time,’” Regenold said.
For more information, please visit spiritmt.com. Look for the most recent “Mountain Message” to receive the latest guest information.
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Andrea Busche is a Duluth + regional freelance writer and small business owner. She is credited with over 1,000 bylines in local print and digital publications, and has been a frequent contributor to Destination Duluth since 2017.
