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Superior Tourist Information Center (STIC)

Ski Superior, Wisconsin: Downhill, Cross-Country & Winter Adventure

Posted September 22, 2026 by Gotta Be Superior
Two people in winter gear sit on a ski lift at the Lake Superior Ice Festival. One, in a teal jacket and black helmet, lowers sunglasses and looks at the camera. The other, in a yellow jacket and white goggles, smiles widely against the snowy backdrop.

Winter isn’t a spectator sport. 

Some people spend winter watching it happen. From behind a windshield. Through an office window. Curled up on the couch, scrolling through photos of other people outside. Meanwhile, winter is out there putting on a whole show.

As Wisconsin’s Winter Capital, Superior is the perfect place to get out in the snow. Bomb the hills at Mont du Lac. Glide through snowy, nighttime forests on lit trails. Let your dog tow you through fresh powder.

Truth is –  winter is a lot more fun when you’re in it.

Read on. 👇

Make Some Turns at Mont du Lac

A child and an adult in red winter gear ski down a snowy slope, overlooking a scenic landscape with winding rivers, forest, and distant hills under a blue sky at the Lake Superior Ice Festival.
Mont du Lac map - A trail map from the showing multiple ski runs, chair lifts, terrain parks, and labeled areas like Trophy Lodge and Outer Limits. Runs are color-coded by difficulty with a key and lift symbols included.
A group of five people in winter gear pose happily on a snowy ski slope at the Lake Superior Ice Festival, with some sitting on snowboards and others standing on skis, surrounded by snow-covered trees.
A snowboarder in mid-air performing a jump on a snowy slope at the Lake Superior Ice Festival, with trees in the background and a blue sky filled with scattered clouds overhead.
Six skiers in winter gear stand on a snowy slope, facing away and looking toward distant snow-covered mountains beneath a partly cloudy blue sky, capturing the adventurous spirit of the Lake Superior Ice Festival.
Skiers glide down a snowy ski slope under a clear sky, with ski lifts on the left and a lodge at the top of the hill—capturing the lively spirit of winter like the Lake Superior Ice Festival. Shadows from trees and poles stretch across the snow.
Four people in ski gear and helmets smile and pose together outside a building on a snowy day, with ski goggles and winter jackets, enjoying the Lake Superior Ice Festival at a scenic ski resort.

Mont du Lac Resort is one of Superior’s biggest draws, with ski-in lodging, two chalets, downhill runs, a killer terrain park, and tubing run. It’s winter done right.

  • 11 ski runs for beginner through advanced skiers and snowboarders
  • 20+ rotating terrain park features, including jumps, rails, and boxes
  • Night skiing and lit runs 
  • 10+ acres of tree skiing and mogul terrain
  • 320 feet of vertical drop
  • Located about 15 minutes from downtown Superior/Duluth
  • On-site lessons, rentals, lodging, dining, and tubing

No pressure. No pretension. Just a great day on the hill.

Mont du Lac

Ski Under the Lights

A large white wooden snowflake decoration hangs on a brown wall under warm string lights, with light snow falling in the scene—evoking the cozy spirit of the Lake Superior Ice Festival.
A person in a striped sweater holds a glass mug with a creamy drink, sitting near a warm, glowing fireplace—perfect for unwinding after attending the Lake Superior Ice Festival.
Two people cross-country ski at night on a snowy forest trail during the Lake Superior Ice Festival, wearing headlamps and winter clothing. Trees line the path, and a lamp post lights part of the background.
A skier descends a wide, snow-covered slope at night under bright floodlights during the Lake Superior Ice Festival, with tracks visible in the snow and trees lining the left side of the hill.
Two people are cross-country skiing at night on a snow-covered trail illuminated by several streetlights, surrounded by trees, enjoying the wintry magic of the Lake Superior Ice Festival.

Downhill

At Mont du Lac, the fun keeps going long after sunset. Ski and snowboard beneath the lights, with crisp air, glowing runs, and fewer crowds. It’s a completely different vibe – and arguably the coolest way to spend a winter evening.

One run turns into three. Three turns into, “Okay, one more.”

Cross Country Skiing

There’s something special about skiing through a snowy forest after dark. At the Superior Municipal Forest, lit trails guide you through towering pines and peaceful winter scenery that feels worlds away from the everyday. It’s quiet, beautiful, and surprisingly hard to leave.

No noise. No distractions. Just you, the snow, and the trail ahead.

Learn more about XC Skiing in Superior and Douglas County

Local Facebook Group

SkinnySki Trail Report Site

A person in winter clothing pulls a small sled through a snowy forest at sunset, with trees and sunlight in the background—capturing the spirit of adventure found at events like the Lake Superior Ice Festival.
Sunset shining through pine trees on a snowy hill during the Lake Superior Ice Festival, casting long shadows and creating a warm golden glow on the snow. The sky is clear with soft colors of dusk.
A person with a blond braid, yellow beanie, dark jacket, and red pants is skiing on a snowy path through a forest of tall trees during the Lake Superior Ice Festival, with another skier visible at the edge of the frame.

Find Your Stride

Fresh tracks. Quiet forests. Not every ski adventure needs a chairlift.

The Superior Municipal Forest offers miles of groomed cross-country trails winding through snow-covered pines and rolling terrain.

  • Nearly 28 km of groomed and lit trails
  • 4,400 acres of snowy forest to explore
  • Lit trails for night skiing
  • Trails for every skill level
  • The third-largest municipal forest in the country

No lift lines. No crowds. No notifications. Just fresh snow, quiet woods, and the satisfying rhythm of skis gliding across the trail. It’s the kind of winter experience that clears your head without even trying.

X-Country Skiing
A person wearing a red helmet and winter gear is skiing on a snowy trail through a forest at the Lake Superior Ice Festival, being pulled by a black and white dog under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.

Let the Dog Drive

Skijoring: part skiing, part teamwork, part controlled chaos.

Never heard of skijoring? Here’s the short version: you ski, your dog pulls.

Half cross-country skiing and half canine-powered adventure, skijoring is a favorite among dog owners looking to enjoy winter together. Fair warning: your dog may become the most motivated athlete in the partnership. That’s part of the fun.

Skijoring
A cozy log cabin and warmly lit wooden gazebo sit surrounded by snow and bare trees on a winter evening, capturing the peaceful, serene charm of a Lake Superior Ice Festival night.

Make It a Ski Weekend

More runs. Less driving. Why rush home?

Stay close to the slopes and turn your ski day into a winter getaway. Superior offers affordable lodging just minutes from skiing, dining, breweries, and other winter adventures.

Spend less time in the car and more time doing what you came here to do.

See All Lodging
Three people wearing winter jackets and gloves cheerfully clink glasses of beer together outside at the Lake Superior Ice Festival, with warm string lights and a snowflake decoration in the background.

Snow season is short. Make every day count.

Ski under the lights. Explore snowy forest trails. Let your dog lead the way on a skijoring adventure. Squeeze in one more run before heading back to the lodge.

Whether you’re chasing fresh tracks, carving downhill, or simply looking for a reason to get outside, Superior is ready when the snow flies.

Winter won’t wait around forever. Come make the most of it.

Ready to plan your trip?

Get lodging
A person wearing a yellow jacket, black pants, gloves, and a white helmet is smiling while sliding down a snowy hill on a black inflatable snow tube at the Lake Superior Ice Festival. Snow-covered trees are visible in the background.
A person wearing a helmet and winter clothes slides down a snowy hill on an inflatable snow tube at the Lake Superior Ice Festival, smiling with arms raised and legs in the air; evergreen trees stand in the background.
Three people are snow tubing down a wide, snowy hill at the Lake Superior Ice Festival, surrounded by trees on a winter day. The overcast sky and hill, bordered by fences and a blue hut at the top, create a festive winter scene.
Three people wearing winter gear and helmets are laughing and sliding down a snowy hill on large inner tubes at the Lake Superior Ice Festival, holding onto each other in a row. Snow-covered trees and a cloudy sky are in the background.

Winter Fun, No Experience Required

Not everyone in the group wants to spend the day carving turns — and that’s where snow tubing comes in.

At Mont du Lac Resort, you can race down groomed tubing lanes, laugh your way through fast-paced runs, and enjoy all the winter fun without needing any lessons or experience. Just grab a tube, hop on, and let gravity do the work.

Perfect for families, groups, and anyone looking to mix up their ski weekend.

Why you’ll love it:

  • Multiple groomed tubing lanes
  • Fun for kids and adults
  • No special skills required
  • Located right at Mont du Lac Resort

Sometimes the best run of the day doesn’t involve skis at all.

Outta Bounds Tubing Park

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