Mountain Message

Your source for the most up to date Spirit Mountain information

Latest Update

2 DAYS LEFT: Season Pass Sale Ends This Friday! Lock in your Spirit Mountain Season Pass before prices rise! Enjoy unlimited access all winter long, from first chair to last run, plus perks like buddy tickets, tubing discounts, and savings at partner resorts. Don’t miss your chance to ski, ride, and play for less this season. Buy yours today at https://spiritmt.com/winter/season-passes/

Past Updates

Spirit Mountain Reveals New Community Chosen Lift Name 

Spirit Mountain is proud to announce that its brand-new four-person chairlift will officially be called Highline, following a community-wide naming contest that drew nearly 2,000 votes. Inspired by the Northland’s rich history and Spirit’s tradition of tying lift and run names to local heritage, Highline reflects both the area’s logging legacy and the exciting new chapter ahead for the mountain.

The new lift is a major investment in Spirit’s future and will be ready to welcome riders this winter. Highline replaces the Summit and Gandy lifts, offering guests:

  • A longer ride reaching further up the mountain for expanded access
  • Improved comfort with padded seats and footrests
  • A quieter, smoother experience thanks to modern technology
  • Increased capacity with four seats per chair

Construction is well underway: the first towers are now set and sheave trains are being mounted, keeping the project on track for opening this winter season.

Weekend Update:

This is the last weekend of both peak fall colors and Spirit's summer operations. Paired with MEA weekend, a gorgeous blue sky forecast, and lot of great events, this will be a close out weekend for the books! Check out all of our events and operations updates below!

Weekend Operations:

Adventure Park:

Fall colors and blue skies are both in the forecast for the last weekend of the Adventure Park. We are expecting lots of visitors to soak up the fun. There may be wait times and we encourage people to come early on Saturday and Sunday (open 10am-5pm each day) or visit on the less busy days of Thursday and Friday. Our tip: Buy your tickets and fill out waivers online to save money and spend more time having fun!

Bike Trails:

(update as of 10am, 10/16/2025) A light spattering of rain is keeping the dust at bay and the trails hard packed, but not muddy. Leaves have been blown off (for now) and all trails are open and ready for riding. Check the details on the UMD/COGGS race below for additional information.

Riverside Bar & Grill:

Snag a burger, a beer, and some famous garlic parmesan fries and enjoy stunning fall colors all around. Our pro tip: This is the perfect spot to hang out and watch the ultramarathoners run the Wild Duluth Races (more info below).

Events this weekend:

Wild Duluth Races (Saturday and Sunday):

Duluth's ultramarathon foot race follows along the Superior Hiking Trail through town and crosses across Spirit Mountain. You can find our more about the routes, race lengths, and results at wildduluthraces.com.

UMD Cycling/ COGGS Mountain Bike Race (Saturday):

To close out the season, UMD and COGGS are teaming up to time the fastest laps on Spirit. All trails that are timed are also open to the public. Entry to the race is free with a Spirit pass or day ticket, but pre-registration is encouraged. There are two categories (beginner and advanced) that will be awarded. Beginners will ride Smorgasbord and Happy Camper while advanced riders will ride Smorgasbord and Monkey Business.

Next weekend:

Team Duluth Ski & Snowboard Swap (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday):

Team Duluth's annual ski swap takes place at the Grand Ave Chalet next weekend. Hours: Fri, Oct 24th, 5-9pm, Sat, Oct 25th, 10am - 2pm, Sun, Oct 26th, 10am - 12pm. Plus you can pick up your Spirit Mountain Season Pass on Saturday from 10am-2pm!

10/10/2025 Weekend Update

Gorgeous fall colors and temperatures in the 60s are in the forecast for a perfect weekend at Spirit. The Summit Express Lift is up and running for scenic rides through the fall colors and mountain biking down the hill. A touch of rain last night is keeping the dust down while making the trails great to ride.

Adventure Park: Open 10am-5pm Friday, Saturday, & Sunday! This is the second to last weekend before the park closes on October 19th so make sure to come visit before its too late.

Mountain Biking: Bike park and trails are open! A touch of rain last night is keeping the dust down while making the trails great to ride. Moonman is still closed.

Riverside Bar & Grill is open and serving up delicious burgers, local brews, and the iconic parmesan fries. Head on in from 11am-8pm on Friday and Saturday or from 11am-6pm on Sunday.

Operations Update: 10/5/2025 Spirit Express is closed for the day due to mechanical malfunction. No scenic rides or bike bark today. The adventure park and Riverside Bar & Grill will be open for regular hours.

10/3/2025 Weekend Weather + Events Update!

Peak fall foliage! The leaves are turning and gorgeous right now is a perfect time to get out for a ride, hike, zipline, or alpine coaster. The adventure park, scenic lift, bike park, and majority of trails will be open this weekend. enjoy the fall colors and grab a drink and bite to eat at Riverside Bar & Grill to cap off the perfect day.

Event Updates:

We have a couple great events occurring this weekend at Spirit!

  • Saturday, October 4th: Grand Traverse Race will be crossing through Spirit as runners make their way along the Superior Hiking Trail. Cheer the racers along when you see them!
  • Saturday, October 4th: Beargrease Fur-K Festival is the kick off to sled racing season being held at the base of Spirit at Riverside Bar & Grill. The event features a fun run, bike race, live music, and lots of fun.

9/26/2025 Weekend Weather + Events Update!

Blue skies and crisp fall temps in the 60s–70s make this the perfect weekend to get outside and soak up the Northwoods. Spirit’s Adventure Park, scenic chairlift, and bike park are all open. Come take in the fall colors, have some fun, and refuel afterwards at Riverside Bar & Grill!

This weekend also brings the Duluth Climbing & Fitness Boulderthon! Climbers will be bouldering at crags across Duluth, including the North and South Porcupine Crags near Spirit. Wrap up the Friday at the Riverside Bar & Grill afterparty—complete with a DJ, firepits, and plenty of stories from the crag.

Operations Update for Sunday 9/21/2925Bike Park Closed

The bike park is closed on Sunday due to muddy and slick trail conditions.

The adventure park, scenic chairlift, and Riverside Bar & Grill will be open as conditions allow.

Operations Update for Friday 9/20/2925Bike Park Closed

The bike park is closed on Saturday due to muddy and slick trail conditions. Our crew will be out inspecting, and we’ll share updates on weekend operations as conditions allow.

The adventure park, scenic chairlift, and Riverside Bar & Grill will be open as conditions allow.

Operations Update for Friday 9/19/2925Bike Park + Scenic Lift Closed

The bike park is closed on Friday due to heavy rainfall and strong wind gusts. Our crew will be out inspecting, and we’ll share updates on weekend operations as conditions allow. For the most recent updates, call guest services at 218-624-8500.

📢 Chairlift Naming Contest 📢 Cast your vote today for Spirit's new lift and you could win a season pass!

Spirit Mountain is getting a brand-new lift: a 4-person chair that’s quieter, safer, and comfier with new cushions and footrests. To celebrate this exciting upgrade, we’re asking YOU to help choose its name.

All of the name options honor Duluth’s rich logging, mining and maritime history, connecting the region’s past to the future of skiing and riding at Spirit. Cast your vote for your favorite and you’ll be entered to win a FREE 2025/26 Spirit Mountain Season Pass!

👉 Cast your vote here: Chairlift Naming Contest