Minnesota Ski Resort Releases New Master Plan
Minnesota — The third-largest ski resort in Minnesota dreams of becoming even bigger.
Giants Ridge has seen major upgrades in recent years, including an extensive snowmaking project in 2024, the addition of a rope tow to the terrain park, and the announcement that kids ski for free this year. However, bigger changes appear to be on the horizon.
One major change is the search for a new operator. Minnesota’s Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation (IRRR) owns the ski resort, but is looking for a new operator. The current operator is Guest Services, Inc., which is a hospitality company and national parks concessionaire.
Recently, Giants Ridge released a Mountain Operations Assessment that was created in October 2024. Prepared by the SE Group, the plan analyzes what they can do to improve the guest experience. In layman’s terms, it’s a master plan. The plan includes two buildout phases: the “Upgrade Plan,” which covers the changes they want to make within the next five years, and the “Vision Plan,” which outlines longer-term goals.
The Mountain
Several lift replacements are planned in the near future. The Helsinki and Chamonix chairlifts would be replaced by a new detachable high-speed quad. The Innsbruck chairlift would start between the existing base terminals and end around the existing Helsinki top terminal. The Chamonix lift would be removed, and the Helsinki chairlift would be moved to replace the Calgary chairlift. They also plan a new conveyor lift for the tubing park.
In terms of the vision plan, the big idea includes a new terrain pod. The South Pod would add a few new (easy and intermediate) trails plus a new chairlift. While exciting, it’s the lowest priority in their Vision Plan. They plan to remove the St. Moritz and Greeley’s Way surface lifts, allowing the Cortina trail to extend and connect to the Sarajevo Express. They also plan a new beginner area, including a new chairlift and a few surface lifts.
For the Nordic terrain, lighting and snowmaking are proposed, which would increase the number of operational days.
Base Areas
Both base areas will be reconfigured to provide better spacing for guests.
In the North Hub, a new circulation route will reduce vehicle traffic for access and egress. Other improvements include a pedestrian promenade, ice ribbon/track, and outdoor ampitheatre.
The South Hub would see a new South Hub Guest Service Building. This would feature seating spaces and restrooms. There would also likely be parking and circulation improvements.
Summer
Currently, Giants Ridge is home to a golf course, a mountain biking park, disc golf, hiking trails, scenic chairlift rides, a climbing wall, and more. The Minnesota ski resort plans to further enhance its summer offerings.
These plans include a water feature around the ice skating rink, an outdoor ampitheatre, and a rock playscape. Meanwhile, the new tubing conveyor will serve a pump track, various flow trails, and a skills park.
Click here to read through the new master plan.
Image/Video Credits: Midwest Skiers, Giants Ridge
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