The winter of 2025–2026 may be remembered in North Shore history as “The blizzard winter.” When the March 13 storm arrived, it marked the third true blizzard of the season. That is remarkable. In the past 25 years, the North Shore has seen only four true blizzards total, and never more than one in any given winter.
This season’s first blizzard arrived just in time to mess with Thanksgiving, beginning Wednesday, November 25, 2025, and lingering into Friday. Heavy snow combined with strong northeast winds to produce blizzard conditions across parts of the North Shore. Snowfall totals generally ranged 8 to 14 inches across the Arrowhead, while winds gusted 40–50 mph,
The second blizzard, still fresh in our minds, blew in less than a month ago, beginning Tuesday, February 17, and wreaking havoc until the 19th. Snowfall totals reached 18 to 30 inches in parts of the region, while northeast winds gusted 50–60 mph, creating whiteout conditions and drifting along Scenic Highway 61, resulting in the highway being closed during the height of the storm.
The third blizzard of this season arrived late Thursday, March 12, as another powerful storm swept across the North Shore. Snow totals generally reached 10 to 15 inches, while north to northeast winds gusted 40–50 mph, producing blizzard conditions and drifting along exposed sections of Highway 61 and the Lake Superior shoreline.
What’s the Difference Between a Winter Storm Warning and a Blizzard Warning?
Not every big snowstorm is a blizzard. In fact, most aren’t. Snowfall alone doesn’t create a blizzard. It’s the wind and blowing snow that transforms a winter storm into something far more powerful, turning highways into white tunnels, piling snow into massive drifts, and reducing the world to swirling white.
The National Weather Service in Duluth defines a Blizzard Warning when sustained winds or frequent gusts reach 35 mph or greater and visibility is reduced to one-quarter mile or less for at least three hours.
2000-2025 Blizzard History
There were no official blizzards on the North Shore during the winters of 2000-2004. The next seven years there were four, with a twelve-year drought until the Thanksgiving blizzard last November.
January 21–22, 2005
A powerful winter storm swept across northeastern Minnesota, bringing blizzard conditions to the North Shore. Snowfall totals generally ranged from 6 to 12 inches across the Arrowhead, while northwest winds gusted 35–50 mph, whipping the fresh snow into blinding drifts and near-zero visibility along stretches of Scenic Highway 61.
February 26–27, 2009
A late-winter storm delivered heavy snow and strong winds across the Arrowhead. Snow fell in intense bursts with totals generally 10 to 18 inches, while northeast winds gusted 40–50 mph, creating near-whiteout conditions and massive drifting along the Lake Superior shoreline.
December 10–11, 2010
A powerful winter storm produced blizzard conditions along Lake Superior with 8 to 15 inches of snow across the North Shore. Northwest winds gusted 40–50 mph, blowing snow into deep drifts along shoreline ridges and exposed stretches of Highway 61.
December 20–21, 2012
One of the most memorable storms in recent years buried Duluth and the North Shore under 12 to 20 inches of snow. Winds along Lake Superior gusted 45–55 mph, creating widespread whiteout conditions and closing roads across the region.
Blizzards on the Shores of Lake Superior. The Thrill. The Aftermath. The Fun.
Blizzards along Lake Superior are unlike storms anywhere else in the Midwest.
During the storm, wind and waves slam into the cliffs and shoreline of Lake Superior, freezing instantly into thick layers of ice. Trees, rocks, and railings become encased in shimmering crystal.
When the storm finally clears, the shoreline reveals something extraordinary, ice cathedrals sculpted by wind, wave, and cold.
For winter sport enthusiasts, this year has been a gift after several recent winters that were barely a whisper. Deep snowpacks have returned across the region, and the winter recreation economy from Duluth to the North Shore and across Northwest Wisconsin is thriving
Downhill skiers and snowboarders are enjoying some of the best conditions in years at Lutsen Mountains and Spirit Mountain where consistent snow and cold temperatures have kept slopes and terrain parks in prime shape. Spirit Mountain’s tubing hill has also been running at full speed, drawing families from across the region.
Cross-country skiers are taking advantage of freshly groomed trails throughout the Northland. In Duluth, the Duluth Cross Country Ski Club trail system offers more than 90 kilometers of groomed trails winding through forests and ridges above Lake Superior. Along the North Shore, popular Nordic destinations include Sugarbush Trails near Tofte, the Pincushion Mountain trail system in Grand Marais, and the extensive trails at Bearskin Lodge on the Gunflint Trail region
Fat-tire biking has also exploded in popularity, and this winter’s snowpack has created excellent riding conditions. Riders are hitting groomed fat-bike trails at Spirit Mountain, the Lester Park and Piedmont trail systems maintained by the Cyclists of Gitchee Gumee Shores (COGGS).
Snowmobilers are finding some of the best trail conditions in years across the Arrowhead and Northwest Wisconsin. The North Shore State Trail running from Duluth to Grand Marais remains one of Minnesota’s premier rides, connecting with hundreds of miles of local club-maintained trails. Just across the bridge, Northwest Wisconsin offers another massive network. Douglas County’s trail system and the Bayfield County snowmobile trails connect riders to some of the most scenic forest routes in the region.
Trail-friendly restaurants and lodging are also seeing a strong winter boost. Along the North Shore, popular stops include Bluefin Bay Family of Resorts in Tofte, Larsmont Cottages near Two Harbors, and Cascade Lodge in Lutsen all welcoming winter recreation travelers. In Duluth, Fitger’s Inn, The Pickwick Restaurant and Pier B Resort with its Silos Restaurant provide easy access to the Lakewalk and trail systems with Lake Superior views. Across the bridge in Wisconsin, trail riders often stop at the Thirsty Pagan Brewing in Superior or the Delta Diner, and The Other Place in Iron River, are longtime favorites for snowmobilers exploring Northwest Wisconsin’s trail network.
April is Waterfall Season
For those feeling buried under these massive snowfalls, take heart.
Old Man Winter always loses his grip.
And when it does, something magical happens.
With this much snowpack stored in the forests and ridges above Lake Superior, the waterfalls from Duluth to Grand Portage are going to be spectacular. The Blizzard Winter will fade. But the spring runoff it leaves behind promises to be just as unforgettable. Set aside a couple of days for a North Shore escape next month.
We’ll be talking about this winter
Years from now, we’ll say, “Remember the Blizzard Winter?” Three true blizzards in a single season; from Thanksgiving to Easter, we were buried in snow!”
For those who shoveled it, drove through it, and watched Lake Superior turn cliffs into ice cathedrals, it’s a winter we won’t soon forget.
