For those wishing to enjoy winter’s solitude with Nordic skiing, the Grand Rapids area offers more than 212K of skiing on 19 groomed trails. Enjoy a variety of terrain for the beginner, intermediate and expert; both classic and freestyle techniques. Use the handy trail head locator and map to plan your outing.
Ski Pass Information
A Minnesota Ski Pass is required on all grant-in-aid trails. Some trails require a Great Minnesota Ski Pass which may be purchased at any electronic licensing agent. Funds generated by the sale of ski passes help local, county and state organizations maintain trails. Trails are maintained by the Itasca County Parks & Trail Department, Chippewa National Forest, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Trails & Waterways division, and the Northern Lights Nordic Ski Club volunteers. Your support to help maintain the trails is appreciated.
The Department of Natural Resources offers three ways for cross-country skiers to get the Great Minnesota Ski Pass. Cross-country skiers aged 16 and older must have a ski pass on most public ski trails.
- Purchase online
- Phone: You can purchase licenses by phone: 1-888-665-4236 (1-MN-LICENse). Call any time of day or night, seven days a week. This toll-free call provides immediate licensing by way of a license identification number, which will be issued at the time of the call. The license identification number is valid until you receive an actual license in the mail. All purchases must be made by credit card. There is $3.50 convenience fee per call.
- In Person: You can purchase a pass over the counter at any electronic ticket agent in the State system – anywhere you can buy a fishing license, you can also purchase a ski pass. In the Grand Rapids area that includes most convenience stores, L&M Fleet Supply, Glen’s Army Navy, Rapids West End Marketplace, and Reed Drug.
Ski Passes Cost $6.00 per person for a day pass, or $20 for a full season pass that is valid everywhere in Minnesota.
