Note:
FY2021 Cross-Country Ski GIA Funding Update
Cross-Country Ski GIA Program Changes and Account Status for the 2020/2021 Season (367 KB)
FY2021 Cross-Country Ski GIA maintenance and grooming grants
Program purpose
The cross-country ski GIA program supports the maintenance and grooming of cross-country ski trails.
Great Minnesota Ski Pass
Funding for the cross-country ski GIA program comes from revenue associated with the Great Minnesota Ski Pass. The ski pass is required on all ski trails receiving funding from the ski GIA program.
- Ski Pass Poster (2.5 MB) - Consider posting this at trailheads where the ski pass is required.
Eligibility
Grants are awarded annually for cross-country ski trail maintenance and winter grooming. The program is not currently considering funding for capital improvement projects or adding new trails into the GIA program.
Eligible grant recipients
Local units of government—such as counties, cities, and townships—are eligible grantees. Many local units of government act as a sponsor for private trail organizations, such as ski clubs.
Level of assistance
Cross-country ski GIA program grants are reimbursed through a performance benchmark to set up the ski trail at the beginning of the season and through hourly grooming reimbursement rates. 40% of the grant is reimbursed to set up the trail through the performance benchmark, and the remaining 60% of the grant is reimbursed based on the number of hours groomed and the established grooming rates, found in the program manual.
General information
This program was created by the State Legislature in 1973. There are currently about 700 miles of ski GIA trails participating in the program. Demand greatly exceeds funding availability.
- Cross-country ski trail grant-in-aid program manual (updated 03/2015)
Program forms
- Maintenance and grooming application
- Trail maintenance performance benchmark
- Trail grooming reimbursement form
- Ski grooming log
- Trail sign order form
Contacts
For information about the program, contact your local Minnesota State Parks and Trails area supervisor.
Related DNR programs
- Federal recreational trail program
- Off-highway vehicle grants-in-aid
- Outdoor recreation grant program
- Snowmobile grants-in-aid