Minnesota Nordic Ski Opener

Save the Date: December 12, 2026

Celebrate the start of winter at the Minnesota Nordic Ski Opener!

Elm Creek Park Reserve
12400 James Deane Parkway
Maple Grove, MN 55369

Event Details

Our team has been monitoring weather conditions for Saturday and due to the forecasted temperature of -10°F, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the 2025 Skaði’s Chase. Registration fees will be refunded to all participants and will appear in 7-10 business days.

Still want to ski? We've got you covered! While the race is cancelled, the Minnesota Nordic Ski Opener is still on. Enjoy free activities, including:

Free Nordic Skiing Opportunities

Enjoy Free Nordic Skiing, Rentals and Lessons

Skiers of all ages and skill levels are invited to enjoy
free skiing, ski rentals and mini lessons.

Join Free Group Ski Opportunities

Check out the schedule for free group ski opportunities,
including the chance to ski with Goldy!

Try New Skills at the Kids' Area

At the kids' area, hosted by the Minnesota Youth Ski League,
young skiers can try out an obstacle course.

Nordic Market & Other Winter Activities

Explore The Nordic Market

Visit the Nordic Market to meet ski gear suppliers, resorts, retailers and ski clubs.

Visit The Elm Creek Chalet

After skiing, warm up in the Elm Creek Chalet with a hot drink or a meal.

All activities are held outside, both on and off the snow,
so be sure to dress for the weather.

Skaði’s Chase — CANCELLED

Cross-country skiers race along a snow-covered trail, with a bridge and spectators overhead. Colorful flags line the course and snow-covered trees surround the scene.

About the Race

Welcome winter with Skaði (pronounced "skaw-dee"), Norse goddess of skiers, in Skaði’s Chase Nordic ski race. Choose from 8K, 4K or 2K distances.

View or download the course map:

Skadi’s Chase Race Map 2025.pdf (5.76 MB)

The Minnesota Nordic Ski Opener is a proud participant in the Tour de Finn Ski Series.

8K Race — 8 AM

The 8K freestyle race starts at 8 AM with two classes: male skiers and female skiers (all ages).

The first 150 racers to register will receive a commemorative cloth bib.

4K Race — 8:40 AM

The 4K freestyle race starts at 8:40 AM with two classes: high school boys and high school girls (ages 14–18).

2K Race — 9 AM

The 2K freestyle race starts at 9 AM with three classes: middle school boys and middle school girls (ages 12–14) and a beginner class* (open to all).

*The 2K beginner race does not have awards for top finishers.

Registration Information and Fees

Registration is required to participate in Skaði’s Chase.

Race fees are non-transferable and non-refundable.

8K Race

$30 pre-registration (online registration closes at 4 PM on Friday, December 12)
$40 race-day registration (on-site, starts at 7 AM)

4K and 2K Races

$8 pre-registration (online registration closes at 4 PM on Friday, December 12)
$10 race-day registration (on-site, starts at 7 AM)

Awards – 10 AM

The prestigious Minnesota Nordic Ski Opener Loon Award will be presented to the top finisher in each category:

8K — male skiers and female skiers (all ages)
4K — high school boys and high school girls (ages 14–18)
2K — middle school boys and middle school girls (ages 12–14)

Random door prize drawings will also be awarded. All racers will be entered into the prize drawing.

Previous Race Results

FAQs

Pet Policy

The safety of event guests and dogs is the highest priority. To ensure everyone’s safety, we ask guests to follow the event’s dog guidelines.

Dogs are not allowed on snow, on shuttles or in buildings.
Dogs must be kept on a 6’ leash.
Owners must pick up after their dogs and dispose of waste properly.
Dogs must always be always kept under control.
Guests with aggressive dogs may be asked to leave the event.

Parking

When you arrive, Park District employees will direct you where to park.

Shuttle Service

Shuttle service throughout Elm Creek Park Reserve will run to and from the Elm Creek Chalet from 7 AM until 5 PM.

Overflow Parking

Overflow parking will be available, as needed, at the Maple Grove Parkway Transit Station (9870 Maple Grove Pkwy, Maple Grove, MN 55369), with bus transportation to the Chalet.