A crisp New Year’s Day dawns at Spirit Mountain, Minnesota, with overnight temperatures plunging to a brisk 2°F, setting the stage for a frosty but exhilarating day on the slopes. Spirit Mountain ski resort, located in Duluth, Minnesota, boasts 22 runs and 175 skiable acres.
Wind
Humidity
The current snowpack sits at 6 inches—significantly below average for this time of year, down over 40%—so expect thin coverage in less-trafficked areas. Groomers have been working overtime to keep the main runs in top shape, and while no fresh snow fell overnight, a light dusting of 0.11 inches is in today’s forecast, with 2 inches expected over the next five days to gradually freshen the terrain.
Despite the lean snowfall, Spirit Mountain remains a hub of winter excitement. Celebrating its 50th season, the resort is buzzing with activity—from lift-access fat biking to the ever-popular Timber Twister Coaster. Recent approvals of over $26 million in restoration funding promise major improvements ahead, including a newly named chairlift. The community is also remembering skiing legend and local Olympian George Hovland, whose legacy continues to inspire the slopes he helped shape. Whether you're carving turns, riding the coaster, or just soaking in the snowy views of the St. Louis River valley, Spirit Mountain offers a spirited start to 2026.
Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) shows how much water the snow holds. This is ideal for year-to-year tracking of real snowfall and water resources. Measurements from Embarass,Mn.
Snowpack depth measures how much snow has accumulated in the area. This is a key indicator of powder quality, trail coverage, and how epic your runs are going to be this season at Spirit Mountain.
Recent air temperature fluctuations at Spirit Mountain impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.
Some pertinent mountain ranges and mountain aspects of Spirit Mountain Ski Resort in Minnesota include:
1. The main mountain at Spirit Mountain, which has an elevation of 1,325 feet.
2. The Superior National Forest, which surrounds the resort and offers a picturesque backdrop for skiing and snowboarding.
3. The Spirit Mountain Alpine Ski Area, which features 22 runs and 3 terrain parks for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.
4. The St. Louis River, which flows through the resort and provides opportunities for activities such as fishing and kayaking.
5. The Mesabi Iron Range, located nearby, which offers additional outdoor recreational activities such as hiking and mountain biking.
The resort's best trails include the black diamond runs, Upper and Lower Angel's Flight, which offer a thrilling challenge for expert skiers. An interesting fact about Spirit Mountain is that it was originally established as an alpine ski area in the 1970s and has since expanded to include a terrain park, tubing hill, and zip line. For beginner skiers, the resort recommends starting on the gentle slopes of Moosewalk or Vagabond. The best apres ski bar is The Moosehead Saloon, which serves drinks and food while offering views of the slopes.
Night Skiing | Yes |
Lift Count | 8 Lifts |
Terrain Park | Yes |
Acreage | 175 Acres |
Established | 1974 |
Run Count | 22 Trails |
The ski area received 0" of new snowfall since yesterday.
Weather today, a chance of flurries before 8am, then a slight chance of snow between 8am and 11am, then a chance of flurries after 11am. cloudy, with a high near 6. west wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 15 mph. chance of precipitation is 20%.
Spirit Mountain is expected to receive up to 2.22" of new snowfall in the next 5 days.
Ski enthusiasts, take note: recent snowfall across the country has brought fresh powder to several beloved slopes, with a mix of weather patterns that could affect your plans in the coming days. In Washington state, Nohrsc Sawmill Ridge reported a modest 2 inches of new snow over the last 24 hours, with a substantial 170-inch base, despite the forecast of ... Read more