2025-12-15 09:53:24
Considering they’re all part of Canada’s close-knit surfer community, it’s no surprise that Robin, Jordan-na and Diana were all keen to try another cold-weather adventure – ice climbing the river bluffs of Southern Minnesota. Get inspired by their sporty winter trip from Minneapolis-St. Paul to Winona.
HIT THE SKI TRAILS IN MINNEAPOLIS
Just north of downtown Minneapolis is Theodore Wirth Regional Park, an essential stop for outdoor rec enthusiasts all year round. During the winter months, its lush golf course transforms into 20 miles of carefully groomed cross-country trails aimed at both competitive skiers and beginners. Theodore Wirth’s Nordic-style runs are so respected within the international community that it hosted the COOP FIS Cross-Country World Cup in 2024 — the competition’s first stateside appearance in two decades. “It’s just amazing to have access to it and to be able to go out and enjoy nature right near the city” noted Jordan-na.
URBAN CABIN VIBES
Get the full Up North experience while being surrounded by skyscrapers at the Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis’ Riva Terrace, which turns into a vibrant Nordic Village every winter. Be sure to book your fully insulated, meticulously designed (by the local menswear store MartinPatrick3) “cabin” ahead of time because they often sell out months in advance, and feature a playful multi-course menu of French onion soup, fondue, and Minnesota-shaped s’mores. Bring a few close friends or the entire family; five cabins seat up to four guests, and three have room for eight. “A rooftop patio but make it Nordic,” said Diana. What’s not to love?
REACH NEW HEIGHTS
Winona Ice Park is one of just five U.S. facilities devoted to the gravity-defying sport of ice climbing. The Winona-based Big River Climbing Guides offers courses to climbers of every age, skill and experience level at the park, and co-hosts a full-on Ice Fest alongside the Recreation Alliance of Winona and the city itself.
The ice climbing experience with Big River Climbing Guides left Robin drawing a direct love-of-the-sport line from Southern Ontario’s surfers to Winona’s ice climbers. “The ice climbing community was very much like the lake surfing community. Everyone was so welcoming” said Jordan-na. “It was an absolutely breathtaking view” exclaimed Robin.
Follow Robin, Jordan-na and Diana’s steps. Other stops along the way include getting caffeinated at Backstory Coffee Roasters inside the historic Duffy Flats in Minneapolis, the former home of an old paper company; shopping and lunch at the Midtown Global Market; curling at the St. Paul Curling Club; relishing in baked delights from Marc Heu Pâtisserie Paris; shopping heritage brands at Faribault Woolen Mill and Red Wing Shoes; eagle spotting at the National Eagle Center in Wabasha; a stop at the Minnesota Marine Art Museum; and filling up on Minnesota’s best burgers at King’s Place Bar and Grill in Miesville.
“It was an absolutely breathtaking view.”
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Winter Sports
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