Fundraising for Grand Avenue Nordic Center nearing goal; Snow Ball gala takes place Saturday
The Duluth Cross-Country Ski Club hosted a snowshoe event on the future Grand Avnue Nordic Center trails on Jan. 20. (Photo courtesy of Duluth Cross-Country Ski Club)The Duluth Cross-Country Ski Club is hosting its third annual Snow Ball gala fundraiser on Saturday — an event likely to mark the finish line for the club's $500,000 fundraising effort for the Grand Avenue Nordic Center to be built at the base of Spirit Mountain.
The club is 91 percent of the way toward the $500,000 goal, club president Annalisa Peterson said. The city of Duluth also pledged $1 million toward the project.
"We've been pleasantly surprised," Peterson said. "It has been really cool to see the community come together and make that happen in a pretty short amount of time."
The plan for the Nordic Center includes 3.3 kilometers (2.5 miles) of lighted cross-country ski trail with snowmaking capabilities, starting at the existing Grand Avenue Chalet. A connector trail will also be constructed, linking the new trail to the 20 kilometers of existing trail at the top of Spirit Mountain.
The next closest cross-country ski trails with snow-making capabilities are at Mt. Itasca Winter Sports Center near Coleraine and on several trails in the Twin Cities. With the chalet located at the trailhead, the center will be able to host large groups and events, Peterson said.
"What really makes this project important and special for the city of Duluth is the snowmaking," Peterson said. "We don't have that option nearby, so that's its unique feature."
With fundraising almost complete, Peterson said she expects the trail to be ready by this fall, ahead of next winter's ski season. The project is currently awaiting bids for its construction.
The main mission of the Snow Ball, taking place from 5-9:30 p.m. Saturday at Greysolon Ballroom, is to raise funds for the Nordic Center through ticket sales and a silent and live auction. It also will feature a dinnertime program and awards ceremony, and guest speaker Tyler Fish of Ely, who completed the first unsupported, unassisted American expedition to the North Pole on skis.
"The event is a chance to help keep skiing strong and make it the best it can be in Duluth," Peterson said.
Early registration can be completed online at www.duluthxc.com/snowball; it closes at 11:59 p.m. Thursday. Tickets are $80 per person. Tickets will be available at the door in limited supply for $100.
Snow Ball awards
The following people will receive awards at the Snow Ball gala on Saturday:
• George Hovland Award for Lifetime Achievement in Cross-Country Skiing: Antonina Anikin
• Duluth Cross-Country Ski Club Volunteer Award: Dave Johnson
• Charlie Banks Award (Outstanding Coach): Chad Salmela
• Patrice Jankowski and Mark Herman awards for top-performing Northland female and male skiers: TBD