BIWABIK – Jill Karkoska will always remember her wedding day - and her late grandfather.

On August 13, Karkoska married Jason Hirsch at Giants Ridge.

Karkoska was married where her grandfather Ed Karkoska in the 1950s was among a group of skiing pioneers who with axes and borrowed equipment carved the original skill hill out of the mountain.

“We put out a memorial table of him,” said Karkoska. “We learned how to ski at a pretty young age up there. One of the memories I have of my grandfather is hanging out with him in the old ski patrol building.”

More memories will be made at Giants Ridge with the opening of the new Giants Ridge chalet.

Like Karkoska’s wedding reception, the stunning 34,000 square-foot center is already hosting some large celebrations. 

“The Great Room of the new chalet is booked every Saturday through October and also for some Fridays and Sundays,” said Linda Johnson, Giants Ridge managing director. “And we already have 18 weddings booked for the 2017 season.”

Karkoska and her wedding party of 206 were among the first to use the new chalet. 

“It worked very well,” said Karkoska. “The vaulted ceilings were really nice because you don’t feel so crowded and the set-up with the big front windows facing the ski hill is absolutely gorgeous.” 

The chalet also includes a rental shop, ticket area, gift shop, food court, and the already open-to-the-public “Burnt Onion Kitchen & Brews” restaurant.

Exterior amenities such as a fire pit and large concrete “skier beach”, are also ready to go.

A climbing wall will be completed by the end of October.

And construction on two new quad chair lifts will begin in the spring.

A portion of the former chalet along with a snow sports pavilion, are being used for smaller group meetings.

Natural rock and wood from the Iron Range are incorporated throughout the construction.

Together, the project creates a total of 42,408 square-feet of space, improves services, grows meeting space, and improves guest flow.  

“Before, everything was in one narrow building,” said Johnson. “What we wanted to do was to create the village concept, so skiers are able to spread out.”         

Over the years, Giants Ridge has become a popular, scenic setting for weddings, birthday gatherings, and family events.

However, the new chalet offers users more space, amenities, and food service than ever before. It also allows Giants Ridge to host larger groups and groups of varying sizes. 

“We were married at the 18th hole next to the Wacootah Grille,” said Karkoska. “And a double rainbow came out after the ceremony. It was amazing.”  

A 2016 THK Associates study shows Giants Ridge to have a $43 million economic impact on the local economy.

Fast Facts

What: Giants Ridge Chalet Grand Opening and Annual Season Pass Sale & Ski Swap

Where: Biwabik 

When: Friday, Saturday, Oct. 21-22, ribbon cutting, music, ski swap and season pass sale, complimentary barbecue, outdoor activities. Visit www.giantsridge.com for specific times. 

Who: Public is invited.

How: To schedule your special event at Giants Ridge contact Wendy VonWald at 218-865-8012 wendy.vonwald@giantsridge.com