Giants Ridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Giants Ridge |
|
|---|---|
| Nearest city | Biwabik, Minnesota |
| Vertical | 500 ft (152 m) |
| Top elevation | 1,972 feet (601 m) |
| Base elevation | 1,472 feet (449 m) |
| Skiable area | 202 acres (82 ha) |
| Runs | 35total - 30% beginner - 50% intermediate - 20% advanced |
| Longest run | 0.8 miles (1.3 km) |
| Lift system | 7 chairlifts 2 surface lifts |
| Terrain parks | 2 |
| Snowmaking | Yes |
| Night skiing | Yes |
| Website | Giants Ridge |
Giants Ridge is a popular ski area in Minnesota, United States. It's a fun place for skiing and snowboarding, located right next to Wynne Lake. You can find it in the middle of St. Louis County, just east of Biwabik, Minnesota.
History of Giants Ridge
Giants Ridge has been around for a long time! In 1959, the main ski hill was created. It had one ski run and a simple rope tow to pull skiers up the hill. The first building used as a warm-up spot was actually an old structure from a trailer park.
After being closed for a few years in the late 1970s and early 1980s, the IRRRB stepped in. In 1984, they decided to invest money to make Giants Ridge even better. Their goal was to create a great place for both cross-country skiing (Nordic) and downhill skiing (alpine).
Where is Giants Ridge?
Giants Ridge is located in a part of Minnesota known as the Iron Range. This area is in St. Louis County, which is in the northeastern part of the United States. It's specifically found just east of the town of Biwabik, Minnesota.
Ski Runs and Terrain
Giants Ridge offers a lot of space for skiing and snowboarding. There are about 202 acres (0.82 km2) of skiable land. The ski hill has a vertical drop of 500 feet (150 m), which means the difference in height from the top to the bottom of the hill.
To make sure there's always enough snow, Giants Ridge often uses snowmaking machines. There are 35 different ski trails to explore, and 7 chairlifts help you get to the top.
Besides the slopes, Giants Ridge has two main buildings called chalets where you can warm up and relax. These include the Burnt Onion Chalet and the South Chalet. There's also a Yurt, a restaurant, a grill, and a hotel for visitors.
Fun Activities
Giants Ridge isn't just for winter sports! It offers many activities throughout the year.
Here are some of the fun things you can do:
- Alpine skiing: Downhill skiing on groomed trails.
- Night skiing: Skiing after the sun goes down under the lights.
- Snowboarding: Riding a board down the snowy slopes.
- Nordic Skiing: Also known as cross-country skiing, where you glide across flatter terrain.
- Snow Tubing: Sliding down hills on a big inner tube.
- Snowshoeing: Walking on snow with special wide shoes.
- Fat Tire Biking: Riding bicycles with extra-wide tires designed for snow.
- Adaptive Skiing: Skiing programs for people with disabilities.
- Golf: During the warmer months, Giants Ridge has two golf courses. These are the 18-hole Legends course and the 9-hole Quarry course.
