You know how you are. Those first few downy-white flakes start to fall on a cold November day, and you get nervous because the ground hasn't frozen yet, and you're afraid they're just going to melt. What good are these few flakes going to do anyway? Get the driveway wet and maybe dust the grass a little?
But still, you wonder: "Can I get the sled out yet? Should I wax my skis? How thick is that ice?"
Yeah, we're kind of crazy for winter, but that's exactly why we live here in this beautiful, bountiful winter city. So put on your boots, grab your mittens and let's see what's out there.
Spirit Mountain offers some of the best downhill skiing this side of the Rockies, and it's right in our backyard. With over 175 skiable acres on 24 runs, a Big Air Terrain Park, two full-size half-pipes, a Freestyle Park, three beginner areas with instructional classes, cross-country ski trails and the best snowmaking and grooming equipment available, this massive Minnesota mountain is designed to please everyone.
If you're not a skier, look to Spirit Mountain for the world kickoff to the snowmobiling season. That's right: the Ski-Doo Duluth National Snocross, otherwise known as the largest ski mountain race on the planet. Every Thanksgiving weekend, we get big snow and bigger jumps -- all before a worldwide television audience.
ADVERTISEMENT
At Snocross, you can experience the high-flying style of the world's best snowmobile drivers as they push the limit-handlebar-to-handlebar-soaring over huge jumps, pounding through treacherous moguls and blasting around tight corners. Nearly 1,000 entries and over 35,000 fans flock to Spirit Mountain for this, the greatest event on snow. Don't miss it! Fabulous fireworks, generous indoor and outdoor viewing and a great new products expo round out the weekend's festivities.
It's the best snowmobiling you're ever going to see, but if you want to do some sledding for yourself, Duluth boasts more that 45 miles of groomed snowmobile trails within city limits. But if you want, you can venture out as far as you'd like -- 153 miles along Superior's scenic North Shore, in fact. Either way, you'll realize that this town was made for winter, and winter was made for you.
Take Winterfest for example. Winter in the Northland brings you everything from hockey, broomball and skiing to sled dog races and a horse-drawn sleigh and cutter parade. So why not do it all at Winterfest? You'll enjoy ski jumping competitions and even a lutefisk-eating contest.
In February, catch the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon, when 60 teams with 14 dogs apiece take part in the toughest race in the lower 48 states. Or you can try some great cross-country skiing, a fabulous winter zoo, countless other attractions or any other winter fun you can dream up.
This is a winter city, and winter's on its way -- how much luckier could we be? So get out, get going and enjoy all that winter in Duluth has to offer.
Terry Mattson is executive diretor of the Duluth Convention and Visitors Bureau.
