New ultramarathon coming to Lutsen in 2025
Experience the Ultimate Cross-Country Skiing Adventure on Minnesota's North Shore
Lutsen, Minn. (January 13, 2025) - Visit Cook County is thrilled to announce the inaugural Ski North Ultra Marathon, set to take place on March 8, 2025. This premier event offers cross-country skiing enthusiasts an unparalleled opportunity to traverse the scenic landscapes of Minnesota's North Shore, with race distances of 22K, 46K, and a challenging 100K.
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 race begins and concludes at Cascade River State Park, guiding skiers through diverse terrains featuring birch, fir, cedar, and pine forests, with occasional wintery vistas of Lake Superior. The course predominantly features beginner to intermediate trails, with select advanced sections, and is designed for classic-style skiing.
"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. "Whether you're aiming for a personal best or seeking a full-day adventure on skis, this event caters to all levels of endurance athletes."
This event joins a series of long-distance marathon events in the area with the Superior Trail Races, Lutsen 99er mountain bike race, and the Le Grand Du Nord Gravel Cycling Classic all featuring a course with distances over 50 and 100 miles.
“We’re excited to have another long-distance event come to the area,” said Linda Jurek, Executive Director of Visit Cook County. “This event will be one of the longest cross-country ski races in the midwest with the most elevation change and epic scenery.”
The Norpine, Cascade, and Bally Creek ski trails are well known for their dramatic elevation changes. Ultramarathoners who sign up for the 100km distance will see an elevation climb of 3,707 feet over the 100km distance.
Following the race, participants, and supporters are invited to a post-race celebration at Up Yonder in Grand Marais, fostering community and camaraderie among skiing enthusiasts.
Event Details:
- Date: March 8, 2025
- Distances: 22K, 46K, 100K
- Start/Finish Location: Cascade River State Park, near Lutsen, MN
- Registration: Open now at Ski North Ultra
Early registration is encouraged, as spots are limited. For more information on the event, course maps, and preparation tips, please visit the official Ski North Ultra website. The event is also looking for volunteers, especially in its inaugural year. Join us for a memorable day of cross-country skiing, community, and the breathtaking beauty of Cook County's winter landscapes.
Visit Cook County, Minnesota
Visit Cook County encompasses the northeastern Minnesota communities of Lutsen, Tofte, Schroeder, Grand Marais, the Gunflint Trail and Grand Portage, commonly referred to as “the Arrowhead” and the “North Shore of Lake Superior.” Grand Marais, Minn., has earned several national accolades — most recently, it was named America's Best Small Lake Town by Travel & Leisure Magazine, USA Today’s Best Midwestern Small Town, and Outside Magazine’s The 16 Best Places to Live in the U.S. 2016. Rekindle your sense of adventure by exploring the Superior National Forest or paddling through the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Discover what makes the communities of Cook County, Minn. “Naturally Unforgettable.” Connect on social media using #donorthmn, Twitter @CookCoVisitors, Facebook, or Instagram @donorthmn. Learn more at VisitCookCounty.com.
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For more information and interviews, contact:

Kjersti Vick Marketing & Public Relations Director

Linda Jurek Executive Director
ASSETS
Official Press Release from Ski North Ultra (click here)
Course Map: