Grand Marais Ski Area

Quick Facts

Location:

Trailhead is at the Grand Sable Visitor Center parking lot

Significance:

The only groomed ski trails on the east side of the park

Amenities

4 listed

Information Kiosk/Bulletin Board, Parking - Auto, Parking - Bus/RV, Toilet - Vault/Composting

The park maintains more than 10 miles of tracked and groomed cross-country ski trails just west of the town of Grand Marais. These trails wind through a magical landscape of various forest habitats and topography. Since this region receives about 140+ inches of snow each year, skiing is one of the park's most popular winter sports. 

There are six interconnected loops within the Grand Marais ski area, ranging from 0.8 miles to 2.4 miles. Combine loops for a longer ski. Trails vary in difficulty, from Easiest to Most Difficult. 

Trails are designed for diagonal stride only - skating is not permitted. To avoid ruining groomed tracks, pets, snowshoeing, bicycling, and walking are not permitted on park ski trails. 

Location and Directions: From Highway M-77 just south of Grand Marais, take Newberg Road west 1 mile to the intersection with Alger County Road H-58. Continue straight 1/2 mile on H-58 to the Grand Sable Visitor Center (closed in winter) parking area, which is also the ski trail parking area. Vault toilet in parking lot is open year-round. Both Newberg Road and this short section of H-58 are plowed in winter. 

View and download the Grand Marais Ski Trails map. 

Safety:

• Trails junctions are marked with green posts. Maps are available at most intersections.

• Be alert at road crossings to trail loop D and between B & C. Watch for snowmobiles and vehicles!

• Watch and listen for grooming equipment when you ski.

• Heavy weekend use and alternating daytime thawing and nighttime freezing may turn snow-packed slopes into fast, icy runs.

• Be sure to let someone know where you are skiing and when you are expected to return.

• Dress in layers and anticipate changes in the weather.