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. Between 2014 and 2020, the executive director was Brandy Ream.[1]
| Spirit Mountain | |
|---|---|
 Aerial view of Spirit Mountain. | |
| Location | Duluth, Minnesota |
| Vertical | 678 ft (207 m) |
| Top elevation | 1,298 ft (396 m) |
| Base elevation | 620 ft (190 m) |
| Skiable area | 175 acres (0.71 km2) |
| Trails | 22 skiing, 12 downhill mountain biking |
| Longest run | 5,400 feet (1,600 m) |
| Lift system | 5 Chairlifts, 1 Ski Carpet, 1 Handle Tow, 1 Rope Tow |
| Terrain parks | Large Big Air terrain park, Progression Park, Super Pipe, Bike park (summer), pump track (summer) |
| Snowfall | 90 inches (average) / 138 inches (record) |
| Snowmaking | Yes |
| Night skiing | Yes |
| Website | www |
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.
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. In 2012 the hill's original high-speed chairlift, the Spirit Express, was replaced with the Spirit Express II, and work began on downhill mountain bike trails during the following summer. A chalet on Grand Avenue at the bottom of the slope opened in 2013[6] and serves as the starting point for the Grand Avenue Nordic Center, which opened 2.5km of Nordic ski trails in 2018.[7] Additional improvements planned over the next ten years include chalet renovations, chair lift replacements, as well as RFID ‘pass inspection’ towers placed at the bottom of the most frequently trafficked chairlifts. Donations were requested before the 2023-2024 winter season, however these have yet to be installed. ‘Senior pass’ age requirements were adjusted from 62 years of age to 80 during the same season.
References
edit- ^ "Spirit Mountain hires new executive director". Duluth News Tribune. May 29, 2014.
- ^ "Bygones: News Tribune, Oct. 29, 1974". Duluth News Tribune. October 29, 2014.
- ^ "Skiing is life for Duluth's George Hovland". Duluth News Tribune. February 22, 2009.
- ^ Washington, Robin (April 6, 2009). "Manley Goldfine, Duluth entrepreneur, leaves legacy, and many good stories by News Tribune".
- ^ Hoglund, Alan (April 7, 2011). "Spirit Mountain plans to add three attractions". WDIO. Archived from the original on July 22, 2011.
- ^ Feb 12th 2013 - 12am, Steven Kuchera |. "Spirit Mountain's Grand Avenue Chalet opens". Superior Telegram. Retrieved 2021-02-01.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ "Grand Avenue Nordic Center". duluthxc-1. Retrieved 2021-02-01.
External links
edit46°43′10″N 92°13′05″W / 46.71944°N 92.21806°W
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