Pincushion Ski Festival

Pincushion Mountain Trails

Come to Grand Marais to participate in the only ski race in Cook County, MN, and one of the oldest Nordic ski race events in the state. The North Superior Ski and Run Club has been building and maintaining the beloved Pincushion Mountain System for over 40 years. This racing event serves both as a huge annual celebration of their commitment to community running and skiing, and is also an important fundraiser for the club. The NSSRC plays a big role in Cook County youth programs. The club sponsors the popular Y-Ski program, providing equipment and instruction to young kids. The club also sponsors the high school Nordic ski team and hosts numerous competitive high school running and skiing events throughout the year.

The Pincushion Ski Festival and the Y-Ski Winter Carnival will be held at the Pincushion Mountain Trail System. There will be food, and warm beverages available for spectators and racers in the warming shack. Outside there will be music and a giant bonfire for roasting marshmallows. If you don’t have skis, there will be ski rentals available. There will also be pros from Stone Harbor Wilderness Supply on site to discuss skiing and waxing techniques. Y-Ski Carnival activities will include a family ski, a snow shoe trek on the new Pincushion segment of the Superior Hiking Trail, a sledding hill and more!

Schedule of Races:

10:00 AM:  Start of 30km Classic Ski Race
10:50AM:  10km Classic and Woody Ski Race
11:00AM:  10km Skate Race
11:15AM:  3km Competitive Kid’s Race
12:30PM:  Awards
1:00PM:   Y-Ski Winter Carnival Events
2:00PM:   Skijor Race