The Ski North Ultra is an ultra-distance cross-country skiing event held along the North Shore of Lake Superior. Scheduled for March 7, 2026 (pending permit approval), this unique race offers participants a challenging and beautiful experience on classic-skiing-only trails.
Cross-country skiing. Source: Wikipedia
Race Overview
Ski North Ultra is an ultra-distance 100K cross-country skiing classic-only event along the North Shore of Lake Superior. This is a unique cross-country ski event. It is classic-skiing only and will be on a mix of double-track and single-track ski trails.
The race starts and finishes in Cascade River State Park, located four hours north of the Twin Cities. Participants will embark on a journey through interconnected trail systems, including the Norpine, Cascade River State Park, and Bally Creek trails near Lutsen, MN.
The course follows along ancient continental bedrock. Ancient glaciers from the north scoured the area several times, leaving the present Lake Superior basin. Rivers and waterfalls continue to exert erosive forces throughout the region today. The trails wind through a patchwork of conifers, mixed hardwoods, and conifer bogs, all within the Superior National Forest.
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Course Details
The trails are incredibly beautiful, and also very technical. State park skiing can mean narrow, sharp turns, and the terrain along Lake Superior can mean long, 20-30 minute climbs, and sharp, steep descents. The 100K race uses advanced courses. The 25K and 50K stay on intermediate trails, but please consider if this is the right fit for your skill level. This is a tough course.
Embark on the west side of Cascade River State Park, including the Pioneer and Deer Yard Loops. This beauty includes almost a complete tour of the Norpine Ski Trail system, and what a way to spend a day!
The Norpine, Cascade, and Bally Creek ski trails are well known for their dramatic elevation changes.
March snow conditions can be varying, and can also be the most wonderful time of year to enjoy skiing. The race starts and ends at Cascade River State Park.
The routes for the race use the Cascade River State Park trails, the North Pine trail system, and the Balley Creek trail system.
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Annual Birkebeiner Ski Race returned to Hayward, Wisconsin
Registration and Pricing
Price discounts and student pricing available. Early registration is encouraged, as spots are limited.
Here's where your fees are going toward:
- 32% coordination/travel
- 17% supplies
- 10% portapotties
- 10% grooming
- 10% racer/volunteer gifts (may eliminate these next year, or make them optional, tbd)
- 8% insurance
- 7% aid station food
- 6% permits
Grants from Visit Cook County, as well as sponsors - Finn Sisu, Pointed Home Real Estate - cover post-race food at Cascade Restaurant, Norpine membership, awards, transportation (thank you Finn Sisu van!), bibs, wax support, misc supplies (Tailwind, cardamom rolls) and additional aid station food.
Important Information for Racers
Skiing in Minnesota. Source: Explore Minnesota
What-Ifs
We're really crossing our fingers for a winter with average/above average snow, in which case, March skiing up north is the BEST. However, courses may be subject to change based on snow conditions and will be made in the best interest of the participant's safety and overall experience. In the case of extreme temperatures or conditions, we may adjust the start times and distances. The goal will be to put on the best race possible with the factors we are given. Partial refunds may be available in the case of a cancellation, which may need to occur if there is very low to no snow, or really horrible extreme conditions (block of ice, -20 degrees, etc). But I'm betting on a blue-sky day, with slightly crusty fast snow in the morning, softening mid-day, and speeding back up into the late afternoon.
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Aid Stations
- Aid Stations may have distances up to 12 km between them and some may be self-served.
- Aid Stations will largely be run by volunteers - some farther reaching ones (Bally Creek) have limited parking and may be self-serve/organized by a smaller group.
- You can expect water, energy drinks, and a variety of food/fuel options.
Road Crossings
Skiers will need to cross roads during the race and will be fully responsible for watching for any on-coming vehicles and making their own decisions upon when to cross.
Safety
Please use caution in general and remember it's fun to stay safe!
The Great Minnesota Ski Pass
All racers should have a Great MN Ski Pass ($10 Day Pass or $25 Season Pass), which gives you access to all state park and state forest ski trails. Please also remember to buy a State Park parking pass if you choose to park inside Cascade River State Park.
Race Inclusivity
I heard things like “My body’s never felt this way before” or “I’ve never skied trails like that before” or “I’ve never snowplowed in a race before.” I think for a lot of people, this was a totally different kind of ski event.
Volunteer Opportunities
Want to join the fun but maybe not ski that far? We would love to have you as a volunteer, and we'll have many roles to fill of varying commitments. Also seeking groups to help run aid stations.
"The Ski North Ultra is more than a race; it's an immersive experience into the natural beauty of the North Shore," said Race Director Allie Rykken.