Winter fun awaits you at the annual Pincushion Winter Festival Ski Races on February 18, 2023 at Pincushion Mountain Trails, about 2 miles up the Gunflint Trail overlooking Grand Marais. Registration is now open at pincushiontrails.org. Online registration is preferred making it easier for the race volunteers, but Pincushion Winter Festival Ski Races participants can register on the morning of the races between 8:00 and 9:00. The 10km classic, 10km freestyle, and 25km classic races and 10km tour begin at 10:00. There is also a woodie-ski division included. Free hats are available to the first 70 participants registered for the 10km and 25km races/tour.

They’ve been maintained as ski, running, and bike trails for about 30 years by a volunteer organization called the North Superior Ski and Run Club (NSSR).

Following the Pincushion Winter Festival Ski Races we’ll have bonfires, prizes and refreshments. Starting on 1:30 pm there are kid races (1/2km, 1.5km and 3km). The fun continues with 3km and 7km Skijoring races at 2:30. Spectators are welcome and participation is encouraged.

Location

Pincushion Chalet
1 Pincushion Drive
Grand Marais, MN 55604

Pincushion Winter Festival Ski Races Events:

Event Fees

About North Superior Ski and Running Club

The North Superior Ski and Running Club, Inc., (NSSRC) is a Minnesota member based non-profit corporation whose mission is to promote outdoor, silent sports for the lifetime enjoyment of all, especially young people. NSSRC has created and maintained the Pincushion Mountain Trail System in conjunction with the US Forest Service and Cook County. All work completed on this fine trail system was either volunteer or paid for from club proceeds. To this day, club members continue to volunteer their time and money to maintain and improve this tremendous trail facility.

NSSRC owns and maintains a Pisten Bully trail groomer, snowmobile ski trail grooming equipment, maintenance garage and warming chalet, as well as a waxing building at the Pincushion Trailhead. The 25 kilometers of trails include 2km of lighted trails and scenic overlooks of Lake Superior. In addition to grooming the trails for winter ski use, the club mows and maintains the trails for summer use. They also support Junior Ski Racing, a Youth Ski League for ages 13 and under, Cook County High Nordic Skiing, Cross Country Running, and Track teams, as well as numerous events at Pincushion.

NSSRC is the host of the Sawtooth International Ski Races and the Fisherman’s Picnic Trail Run/Walk held annually on the Pincushion Trail System. North Superior Ski and Running Club was recognized by the US Forest Service when they were named Outstanding Volunteer Organization of 1999.