Industry News
Spirit Mountain in Duluth, Minnesota, is asking the community to weigh in on a piece of local ski history. The resort launched a public contest this week to name its new chairlift, which is set to debut this winter.
The naming contest draws inspiration from Duluth’s mining, logging, and maritime heritage, reflecting the city’s deep connection to both industry and the outdoors. The winning name will be revealed ahead of opening day, when the new lift is expected to begin operating.
“Spirit has always been Duluth’s community hill, and this new lift reflects both our investment in the future and our respect for the past,” Spirit Mountain Executive Director told local news outlet WDIO. “We can’t wait to see which name our community chooses and to welcome riders to a better-than-ever experience this winter.”
The new four-person, fixed-grip lift replaces two of Spirit’s oldest chairs, Summit and Gandy, which date back to the 1970s and have carried skiers for more than 50 years. In addition to consolidating those lifts, the new chair will feature modern upgrades such as cushions and footrests, offering a quieter, smoother ride while improving circulation across the mountain.
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Spirit Mountain is one of Minnesota’s largest ski areas, with a vertical drop of 678 feet, 22 alpine runs, and a total of 175 acres of skiable terrain. Known for its variety, the resort caters to beginners and experts alike, offering everything from gentle groomers to one of the Midwest’s largest terrain parks and a super pipe. It also boasts a Nordic center with 13 miles of trails, 1.6 of which are snowmaking-equipped and lit for night skiing.
Beyond skiing and snowboarding, Spirit Mountain features tubing (including nighttime glow tubing), fat-tire biking, and on-mountain dining with sweeping views of Lake Superior. The resort is family-friendly, with ski and snowboard schools, accessible facilities, and summer adventure activities. Operating typically from mid-December to mid-March, day lift tickets are priced at $86 for adults and $70 for children for the 2025-26 season.
With the new chairlift ready to open and the naming contest underway, Spirit Mountain is inviting Duluth residents and visitors alike to take part in shaping the next chapter of their community hill.
