Ski Trestle Ridge

Looking for a place to take the whole family for a winter adventure that is out of the ordinary but not too far away? 

Terrace Bay is a bustling, friendly little town with some of the best vistas along the spectacular Lake Superior North Shore. Before the snow flies, it’s known for its beautiful beach with a boardwalk, pavilion and retail shop, its waterfalls, its new craft brewery, hiking trails, and the iconic lighthouse. But it’s also the perfect destination for you and the family to beat the winter blues and make some memories. 

Terrace Bay’s Trestle Ridge Ski Hill is just the spot to start your experience. Located under a railway trestle and with impressive views of the local mill, the hill provides lots to see above and below. 

This is a very beginner-friendly course, one of the easiest in all of North America. With a 320-foot vertical drop, it ranks in the bottom 10% of overall difficulty in the continent. 60% of its trails are rated as “beginner” with the remainder being intermediate. There are eight ski runs to choose from, so there are lots of options for the whole family. 

It operates a terrain park, the largest, it says, between Lutsen and Sault St. Marie, with beginner and intermediate sized features. 

The hill also offers a fully equipped rental and repair shop, with a wide variety of skis and snowboards. Ski and snowboarding lessons are available with advance notice. Light snacks are on hand for purchase at the ski chalet.  Turn right off Highway 17 at Trestle Ridge sign to get there.

After a busy day on the slopes, everyone will be ready for some warmth, relaxation and great food, and Terrace Bay’s Drifters will easily fit the bill. Renowned for its Northern hospitality and its great Italian food, the Drifters experience is made for the whole family. After all, you’ve got to love a spot that offers a both children’s menu and adult beverages. The kids can sip a hot chocolate while looking over their dining options while the adults enjoy one of the restaurant’s wonderfully warming specialty drinks such as the Drifters signature coffee made with Tia Maria and light rum and topped with whipped cream. 

If your visit is during the March Break, you’re in for more treats as the community hosts its annual winter carnival, WinterFest. There are lots of family events such as bowling and a scavenger hunt. You can visit the maple sugar shack, go sliding and tubing, enjoy dog sled rides and fireworks. You can also warm up at the firepits on the golf course or one of the heaters outside the Slate Islands Brewery, where you can also enjoy one of their many tasty craft beers.  

And there’s more good news about Drifters: it also operates a motel with a variety of accommodations options including suites that can host the whole family and that include kitchens. 

Whether you stay for a day, a weekend, a week or longer, your Terrace Bay ski (and more) vacation will be one that is remembered as one of the best for years to come.