Winter in the Northland is an invitation for skiers and snowboarders to get out and enjoy the fresh snow.

This past Sunday, November 26 Spirit Mountain opened up for skiers and snowboarders alike to enjoy the slopes.

Some recent warmer weather meant that Spirit Mountain would have to make their own snow to prepare for the opener, however, on Sunday, snow fell, and athletes came to the mountain with plenty of excitement.

“This whole week I’ve been super stoked,” said Lilli Regenold, who skied at Spirit Mountain on Sunday. “Knowing that we’re going to get to ski on Sunday, we were waiting for it for a while, so, super hype.”

“I was up all night just getting ready to ski,” said Henry Hoch, another Spirit Mountain skier. “I couldn’t sleep,” added Finley Worthington.

While there may not have been much sleep, there were plenty of skiers and snowboarders out on the chilly Sunday.

However, other than its proximity to Duluth, what makes Spirit Mountain the place to be?

“Obviously it’s super early season stuff, but it’s like, pretty impressive for how early it is,” said Regenold, who was also complimentary of the park crew.

“I would say being that it’s kind of a smaller mountain sort of thing, it’s very allowing for that, to hang out with people in your session and you get a nice view and everything,” said Owen Vandal, who snowboarded on Sunday.

Like any sport, there will be failed runs, especially for younger athletes. But according to Regenold, the key remains the same, in skiing, snowboarding, and in life.

“It’s a lot of dedication and practice and knowing that you are going to fall and then getting back up after you do that.”

Spirit Mountain is now open for the season, and their schedule can be found here.