Remember: A Ski Pass Is Required To Ski Minnesota State Groomed Trails

There are plenty of terrific groomed ski trails in Minnesota state parks and state forests, but remember you'll need to first get a ski pass if you are 16 or older.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reminds everyone that the Great Minnesota Ski Pass is required to ski groomed trails across the state, which also includes grant-in-aid trails.

The pass is just $25 for a year (effective July 1 - June 30) and all fees go directly toward grooming trails in Minnesota's cross-country ski trail system.  You can also buy a $10 daily pass or save money by purchasing a three-year pass for $70.

The Great Minnesota Ski Pass is available in three easy ways:

1.  Buy it online.  You can click here to buy your ski pass online right now. You'll  need a driver's license or state ID, the last four digits of your social security number (for additional online authentication), and a credit card.  You will pay an additional 3% convenience fee, but you'll get a PDF of your license right away.
2. Buy it over the phone by calling 1-888-MN-LICENSE (1-888-665-4236).  Again, you'll need a driver's license or state ID, and a credit card.  You'll also pay the additional 3% convenience fee and you can expect to receive your ski pass via mail in about two weeks.  However, you can hit the trails right away as the selling agent will provide a purchase confirmation number you can write down and have  handy if you are stopped by trail enforcement.
3. Lastly, you can purchase your ski pass in person.  This can be done at the front desk in most Minnesota state parks or at any of the 1750 locations around the state that sell DNR permits and licenses.  You can click here to find a license location.

However you secure your Great Minnesota Ski Pass, make sure you sign it and carry it with you every time you go skiing. You can also take a picture of both sides of your pass and carry it on your phone.