WDIO, by Laurie Stribling
View Story
Plenty of people hit the slopes at Duluth’s Spirit Mountain Monday, but the fresh powder wasn’t the only reason. Their brand new chalet made a debut with an access on Grand
Avenue in Duluth’s Riverside neighborhood.
“It is a big day, long awaited,” Spirit Mountain Executive Director Renee Mattson said. “This is really going to be a nicer location for locals.”
Mattson said the new building has always been part of the ski hill’s master plan because of the convenience it would bring. The new chalet offers the same services as the main chalet off the freeway, but is closer to people living in town.
“We use to park down here last year, but now with the new chalet, it’s even better,” snowboarder Joe Faupel said.
Inside the building, visitors can rent equipment, buy tickets and eat at the bar and grill. Many people there Monday were excited about the new space.
“It’s very nice,” young Audrey Olson said. “I would go here more than the other places.”
Olson and her friends had the day off to enjoy the chalet because Duluth Schools canceled class.
“We’re seeing a lot of kids out here,” Mattson said. “We’re happy Duluth Public Schools closed. That was good for us.”
The bar and grill at the new chalet will be open seven days a week, all year long.