Heading out on Superior’s cross-country ski trails this winter season could cost a little bit more.
Superior’s Parks and Recreation Commission approved increasing the cost of season passes Thursday, Oct. 28.
Residents will see a $5 increase and nonresident users will see a $10 increase in the cost for seasonal passes. For residents, the new price is $30 with seniors paying $25, and nonresident fees go to $40 and $35 for seniors.
Daily passes remain at $5 for residents and nonresidents alike, and children 15 and younger can still ski for free.
“I don’t think they’ve been raised since I’ve been here, and our grooming quality has definitely increased,” said Linda Cadotte, parks, recreation and forestry director. “Our costs have increased as a result.”
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After reviewing rates charged at other cross-country ski trails in the area, commission chair Keith Kern proposed raising the price of seasonal passes by $5 across the board.
“We’re never going to break even on cross-country ski trails,” he said. “It’s an amenity the city offers where we continuously lose money, but it’s an amenity to our taxpayers and could bring in possible tourism to our area.”
Commissioner David Kroll said if the trails are well maintained, people won’t mind paying a little more.
“I wouldn’t mind even more than $5,” said Commissioner Gene Rosburg, who amended the motion to increase the fee $10 for all seasonal passes.
Commissioner Elizabeth Noren proposed raising the rates for residents by $5 and charging nonresident trail users $10 more for the season. Both proposals failed.
The proposal will go to the Superior City Council at its Nov. 16 meeting.
