Theodore Wirth is a winter sports-lover’s paradise with 25km of trails. Depending upon conditions, trails are groomed for both classical style and skate skiing. There are a range of trails from beginner to advanced. Call Theodore Wirth Chalet for details, 763-522-4584.
Hap and Judy Lutter Trails – Just outside of Wirth Chalet, the Back-9 includes the Hap Trail (lighted with snowmaking capabilities), the Judy Loop, a 2 kilometer advanced loop, and the Back-40/Prairie Loop – 2.5 kilometers of intermediate skiing. Trails vary from open golf course sections to wooded trails overlooking scenic Twin Lake.
The “Front-9” – Across the street from the main Chalet, the Front-9 includes 3 kilometers of gently rolling terrain with a spectacular view of downtown Minneapolis. The Front-9 connects to the South Wirth Trails via an easy path that takes skiers underneath Highway 55. Park at the main Chalet or at the Par 3 parking lot.
J.D. Rivers/Wirth Lake Trails – Off of Glenwood Ave., enjoy 4 kilometers of beginner to intermediate terrain. The J.D. Rivers section is mostly open with the “Jar Hill” section on the west side of Wirth Lake providing a wooded section around a small prairie area. Park at the Wirth Beach parking lot off of Glenwood Ave.
Eloise Butler/Erickson Trails – This is a unique wooded area bounded by Interstate 394 to the south, Glenwood Ave. to the north, Wirth Parkway to the west and the Bryn Mawr Neighborhood to the east. A 4 kilometer loop on intermediate to advanced trails takes skiers around the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and through the Bryn Mawr and Anwatin School grounds. Park at the Wirth Beach parking lot off of Glenwood Avenue; skiing starts across Glenwood from the parking lot.
Quaking Bog/Norm Oakvik Trails – Enjoy two distinct loops: a 1.5 kilometer intermediate trail to the north and a 2.5 kilometer advanced trail to the south. Wooded and remote-feeling, the Norm Oakvik Trails are reminiscent of skiing in northern Minnesota with stands of pine along the way. These trails connect directly to the Chain of Lakes, with a unique connection across Interstate 394 and through the Brownie Tunnel. Park at the Wirth Beach parking lot off of Glenwood and ski .5 kilometers through the Erickson/Eloise Butler trails to the Wirth Parkway road crossing, or ski up from the Chain of Lakes.
For more information visit the Wirth Winter Recreation Area website.
