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The Wirth Winter Recreation Area is a seasonal part of Theodore Wirth Regional Park. While some activities require fees and/or passes, some activities, such as snowshoeing and cycling, are still free. The Loppet Foundation is responsible for running the winter recreation area.

Theodore Wirth Park Winter Activities

• Cross-country skiing
• Snowboarding
• Snowshoeing .
• Off-Road Cycling
• Snow Tubing .
• Sledding

Find a Theodore Wirth Park Winter Map Here.

Theodore Wirth Tubing

Tubing at Theodore Wirth costs $15 per 2 hours and is sold onsite first come, first serve. There are age and height restrictions to use the tow rope (see below). Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Snow is made at this hill even when, so tubing can be enjoyed even when sledding in other areas may not be available. Tubes are provided as part of the cost and outside tubes are not allowed.

Theodore Wirth Park Winter Activities for Preschoolers

Children under 5 or under 44 inches are not allowed to ride the tow rope and sledding is not allowed at the tubing hill. However, in 2018, a Kiddie Hill was added. Children too young for the tow rope can tube with an adult on this hill.

Families can also bring their own sled for free sledding on the tenth fairway of the golf course (the hill in front of the Chalet). Between 7am and 9pm daily when the snow cooperates. There is another sledding hill at Sunset Hill, which is a half-mile North of the Wirth Winter Recreation Area in Valley View Park

Theodore Wirth Park Skiing

Cross Country Skiing at Minneapolis Parks, including Theodore Wirth Park requires a Ski Trail Pass. Skiers can choose between a Natural Snow Pass and an All-Access Pass. The natural pass is for those only skiing when snow occurs naturally. An All-Access Pass allows the holder to use all groomed trails, including those with artificially created snow.  If you are planning to ski at Theodore Wirth, you’ll probably want to splurge on the All-Access Pass. Passes can be bought by the season or by the day.

Note: While an avid skier may want to purchase a ski pass for the park system closest to their home, to insure more snow time; hobby skiers may want to note that Minneapolis is the most expensive of the park systems that charge cross country skiers a trail fee. If you just want to ski once or twice a year, St. Paul is the best park system for doing that. It does not require ski passes and offers free cross country skiing at three parks.

Theodore Wirth Snowboarding – The Terrain Park

Snowboarding hours at The Terrain Park are offered Friday through Sunday, weather depending. Lift tickets cost $12 for 2 hours, and equipment rental and lessons are also available. For weather-related closures information, call 612-355-7757.

Theodore Wirth Chalet

Some good things to know about the Theodore Wirth Winter Area:

• The Chalet has concessions, including sandwiches, hot dogs, soup, snacks, beverages;
• It also offers Free Wireless Internet;
• If you forget or lose your winter gear, you can purchase hats and gloves at the Chalet;
• Group lessons are available for snowboarding and skiing.

The Caveman at Theodore Wirth Park

During the winter of 2020-2021, “The Caveman” was hidden along a trail in the Winter Recreation Area. Visitors could park at the Chalet lot and follow the trail along Basset Creek. However, made of ice, you had to catch him before the winter weather ran out. We hope to see a similar hunt in the coming seasons.

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