Cross-Country Skiing

The host site for World Cup cross-county skiing, Theodore Wirth offers miles of groomed and single-track ski trails. Whether you prefer skate style or classical skiing, you’ll enjoy the variety of ski options, from open sections with spectacular views of downtown Minneapolis to wooded trails overlooking scenic lakes.

North Wirth Park includes about 8 miles of groomed trail and includes a mix of beginner, intermediate and advanced trails, including snowmaking trails.

South Wirth Park also offers trails for all ability levels and features about 6 miles of natural snow trails.

A ski pass is required to ski at Theodore Wirth.  A Natural Snow Ski Pass is perfect for those skiers who ski on trails with natural snow only. This includes North Wirth and South Wirth Trails, except for the snowmaking/lighted areas (the Hap Lutter Snowmaking Loop, Judy Lutter Loop and the Twin Lake Trail.) An All-Access Ski Pass allows skiers to ski on all of the trails at Wirth, including the snowmaking trails, as well as other trails in the Minneapolis Parks trail system. Both day and season passes are available for purchase online.

After a day of outdoor play, be sure to grab a bison burger, grain bowl or Belgian waffles with chocolate and cream at Mill Valley Market, the Trailhead restaurant. With specialty coffee drinks, plus beer and wine offerings, the Market is the perfect apres-ski spot for hanging out with friends.

During the summer, Brookview is a fun, yet challenging, golf course. In winter, it becomes the perfect place for cross-country skiing! The City grooms a one-mile, multi-use, natural snow recreational trail that meanders through the golf course. The trail, with traditional cross-country ski grooves, opens when snow conditions are appropriate and is maintained through late February. Solar LED lights allow the trail to be used past sunset. The trail may also be used for skijoring, snowshoeing, fat tire biking and winter walking.

If you’re feeling hungry, stop by the Three One Six Bar + Grill. They offer sweeping views of the golf course, family-friendly food and a full bar with craft brews. Warm up by their outdoor fire pit with a cozy cocktail, such as their creamy chocolate mint cocoa made with peppermint schnapps.

Need to rent skis? Head to Hoigaard’s in St. Louis Park. They provide Rossignol rental skis for both adults and children. All ski rentals include skis, boots and poles. Choose from classic or skate-style skis. Rent by the day, the weekend, or the week! Hooigaard’s also has an excellent selection of cross-country and downhill skis for purchase, as well as snowshoes, snowboards and winter apparel.