(Photo courtesy of Spirit Mountain)

Eric Chandler reports on his Shmotown blog that Duluth’s first cross-country trail system with snowmaking capability is expected to open in December.

Though parts of the overall Grand Avenue Nordic Center trail plan are a few years from completion, 2.5 kilometers of general cross-country trail will be open this ski season, with a 1.5-mile section ready for snowmaking. A separate 0.8k section of narrower trail will also open this year, limited to classic-style skiers. The new trail system is adjacent to Spirit Mountain’s downhill runs in Duluth’s Riverside neighborhood.

The new trail will be the first within 80 miles of Duluth to have snowmaking capabilities. In the past the closest has been Mt. Itasca Winter Sports Center in Coleraine. The trail will also be the third in Duluth to feature lights. Lester Park and Snowflake Nordic Center are the other lighted trails.

The cost to ski the trail will be $10 per day. A wide range of season passes can also be purchased.

On Sunday, Nov. 4, the Duluth Cross Country Ski Club is holding two events featuring Olympic gold medalist and native-Minnesotan Jessie Diggins. Both events are in support of the Grand Avenue Nordic Center.