Giants Ridge Golf & Ski Resort
Biwabik, Minnesota

Giants Ridge continues its maturation as a major four-season destination recreational sports facility. The acclaimed $6 million 18-hole golf course, designed by Lanny Wadkins, has played to nearly full capacity, with 50% of the golfers coming from out-of-state. The success of the original course has spurred the construction of a new 18-hole course, set to open in 2002. During the winter months, Giants Ridge suffered a modest decline in skier visits, due to poor snow years in 1999 and 2000. This has especially hurt the world-class nordic-trail system, as the cross-country facilitiy has no artificial snow making. Still, with 15% skiers coming from out-of-state, Giants Ridge is the only MASC facility that produces a significant out-of-state economic impact from daily individual users.
State Investment
$2.2 million (1987)
$690,000 (1998)

Current Financial Operation
A self-supporting operation of the IRRRB

Facility Specifications
500-foot vertical drop downhill ski area, six lifts, 34 runs
60 kilometers of international-caliber nordic trails
Lodge, restaurant, banquet facilities
Training Center (residence hall)
Championship 18-hole golf course

Estimated Economic Impact (1990-2000)
1987-1992: $17.006 million (annual ave: $2.834 million)
1993-1994: $9.302 million (annual ave: $4.651 million)
1995-1996: $8.901 million (annual ave: $4.450 million)
1997-1998: $12.935 million (annual ave: $6.467 million)
1999-2000: $11.220 million (annual ave: $5.61 million)
Total economic impact since opening (1987): $59.364 million

Estimated Users (1990-2000)
1987-1992: 691,770 (annual average: 115,295)
1993-1994: 274,000 (annual average: 137,000)
1995-1996: 261,000 (annual average: 130,500)
1997-1998: 285,000 (annual average: 142,500)
1999-2000: 254,000 (annual average: 127,000)
Total users since opening (1987): 1.766 million

Sports and Activities Served
Alpine skiing
Cross-country skiing
Disc golf
Freestyle skiing
Snowboarding
Golf
In-line skating
Mountain biking
Snowmobiling

Major Events Hosted (1999-2000)
Pepsi Challenge Cross-Country Ski Race
Giants Ridge Classic Marathon Cross-Country Ski Race
Pole-Pedal-Pant Triathlon
USSA Midwest District Cross-Country Ski Championship
NCAA Regional Cross-Country Ski Championship
NCAA Regional Alpine Championships
Minnesota State High School League State Nordic & Slalom Championships

Economic Impact



















For More Information
Giants Ridge Golf and Ski Resort
P.O. Box 190 Biwabik, MN 55708
218.865.4143 or 800.688.7669 218.865.7010(fax)
E-mail: holly@giantsridge.com
Giants Ridge Web Site: http://www.giantsridge.com