Spirit Mountain (ski area)

Spirit Mountain is a ski area in Duluth, Minnesota. It was founded by the City of Duluth and was built in 1974. With a vertical elevation of approximately 700 feet (210 m), it is the second tallest ski hill in Minnesota. Since 2014, the executive director is Brandy Ream.[1]

Spirit Mountain
Aerial view of Spirit Mountain.
LocationDuluth, Minnesota
Vertical678 ft (207 m)
Top elevation1,298 ft (396 m)
Base elevation620 ft (190 m)
Skiable area175 acres (0.71 km2)
Runs22 skiing, 12 downhill mountain biking
Longest run5,400 feet (1,600 m)
Lift system5 Chairlifts, 1 Ski Carpet, 1 Handle Tow, 1 Rope Tow
Terrain parksLarge Big Air terrain park, Progression Park, Super Pipe, Bike park (summer), pump track (summer)
Snowfall90 inches (average) / 138 inches (record)
SnowmakingYes
Night skiingYes
Websitewww.spiritmt.com

The Spirit Mountain ski area held its grand opening on December 19–20, 1974.[2] The idea was proposed by former Olympian George Hovland, who laid out the cross country trails,[3] with support from then Mayor of Duluth Ben Boo. Local businessman Manley Goldfine served as Chairman of the Spirit Mountain Authority during its development.[4] It greatly increased winter revenues in the city. The extension of Interstate 35 stretching to Duluth was a major contributor to its initial success.

A view from the top of Spirit Mountain, looking northward to the St. Louis Bay.

Spirit Mountain is known for having a large terrain park. The park includes jumps ranging from 15 feet (4.6 m) to over 60 feet (18 m), and numerous rails, boxes, and other "jibs".

In the 21st century, Spirit Mountain has been renovating and adding to its infrastructure and attractions. An alpine coaster opened in 2010. In April 2011 they announced plans to add a zip line, miniature golf, and snow tubing[5] to expand operations and attract more visitors in summer. Work began on downhill mountain bike trails during the summer of 2012. Improvements planned over the next ten years include chalet renovations, chair lift replacement, and a chalet on Grand Avenue,[6] where a Nordic Ski Center is to open in 2017.[7]

References
  1. "Spirit Mountain hires new executive director". Duluth News Tribune. May 29, 2014.
  2. "Bygones: News Tribune, Oct. 29, 1974". Duluth News Tribune. October 29, 2014.
  3. "Skiing is life for Duluth's George Hovland". Duluth News Tribune. February 22, 2009.
  4. Washington, Robin (April 6, 2009). "Manley Goldfine, Duluth entrepreneur, leaves legacy, and many good stories". Duluth News Tribune.
  5. Hoglund, Alan (April 7, 2011). "Spirit Mountain plans to add three attractions". WDIO. Archived from the original on July 22, 2011.
  6. "Spirit Mountain Master Plan" (PDF). Spirit Mountain Recreation Area. June 30, 2008. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 24, 2012.
  7. "Cross-country ski club to host fundraiser". Duluth News Tribune. October 25, 2016.


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