Nestled on the edge of the Boundary Waters, it’s one of the best ski areas in the state. The biking can be epic as well.
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This state agency owned ski resort destination is one of few areas in Minnesota to provide lift service for “downhill” riding (which, in full disclosure, is not my jam) — which means for a premium ticket, the team there will send your bikes to the top of the ridge so you can armor up and essentially bomb a series of jump lines back to the base.
(Duluth’s Spirit Mountain also offers lift service for downhill riding).
But Giants Ridge — which at times may feel like the middle of nowhere — also does offer some of the more traditional “cross country” style mountain biking, as well as lodging.
Some trails to the south edge of the resort (which run close or parallel to the paved Mesabi Bike Trail) tiptoe close to a theme park feel, but meander north of Giants Ridge, into the area known as XC North Trails, and you’ll find climbs, descents, rocks, roots and moments of nature’s beauty as breathtaking as any bucolic scene in America’s national parks.
If you’re up for the nearly three-hour drive to Biwabik, I’d suggest it as an ideal weekend getaway for a family to provide some fun for every member: Easygoing rides for little Stryders in the morning and then whimsical singletrack and downhill for parents in the afternoons.
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