Annual Minnesota Finlandia Ski Marathon canceled due to lack of snow

022223.N.BP.FINLANDIA 8.jpg — Skiers take off from the starting line of the Finlandia Ski Marathon in 2023 at Buena Vista Ski Area.

February 07, 2025 at 4:47 PM

BEMIDJI 鈥� For the second year in a row, the annual Minnesota Finlandia Cross Country Ski Marathon has been canceled due to a lack of snow.

The event, typically held in February, draws skiers to the Buena Vista Ski Area trails in Bemidji to participate in races of varying lengths.

"It has been a very low snow year with uneven coverage over most of the ski trails we use for the race," a release announcing the cancellation said. "After reviewing the course options available to us we鈥檝e found that despite the recent snowstorm we see that much of our snow was blown away by high winds that robbed our open fields and hilltops of the snow we鈥檇 need to connect the sections that are usable."

Without the ability to connect these trail sections, organizers are unable to host a race that meets safety standards and provides a quality ski experience, the release said.

Skiers who would like to tour and ski the west side 5K at Buena Vista will be welcomed with race day grooming on Saturday, Feb 15.

"Invite your friends out to ski casually with no timing or awards but to enjoy the beautiful scenery and challenging hills," the release said.