The 2026  WINter Carnival

will Be at the 

Giant's Ridge Recreation area,

Jan. 02-04, 2026

Welcome Winter Carnival Registrants!

The SkiHawks are happy to partner with the  to assist all  clubs to register for the 2026  Winter Carnival.

REGISTRATION OPENS 0N OCTOBER 10, 2025

Your Winter Carnival Weekend at

Giants Ridge Includes:

• Renewing relationships with all of your  affiliated club friends and making new friends. 

• Round trip coach bus from the 3M center in Maplewood. 

• Two nights of ski in - ski out lodging at the Lodge at Giants Ridge

• Welcome gathering after Friday's arrival at Neighbors BBQ in the Lodge.  Two Friday drink tickets will be provided.

• Two-day lift tickets, Nordic skiing or snowshoeing are available. See detail below.   

• Saturday afternoon trail side wine and cheese party. 

• 
  Buffet dinner on Saturday night.  
• Two bars and restaurants are on site.
• Access to the indoor heated pool, hot tub, and exercise room level of the Lodge. 
• For those who wish to be pampered, a new luxury spa was just completed adjacent to the Lodge.

Registration closes on Dec. 9th, 2025 

Winter Carnival Details

Trip Costs:

• Your final trip cost will be dependent upon the options you choose for transportation, lodging, number of roommates, lift tickets, or if you are XC Skiing or Snowshoeing.  Please refer to the charts below. You will choose your options during the registration process and totaled prior to completing your registration. 

• The Base Price includes bus transportation costs.  Once the bus reaches its 54-person capacity, a $30 discount will be given to those required to self-driver. 
• If you are looking for a roommate or mates, we can help you out.  There will be a box to check while registering.
• A single occupancy option is not available due to the number of rooms allocated.  This option may be available at a later date.
• Book early to assure your spot. A $300 deposit is all that's needed at registration. The remaining balance will be due 12/09/2025. If you prefer, you may also pay in full at registration. 

Lodging: 

• 1 Bedroom Suite - Sleeps up to 4 with a private bedroom with 1 king bed, and a futon, murphy bed or pullout sofa in the common area, plus a kitchen and 1 bath. 

• 2 Bedroom Suite - Sleeps up to 7. Includes a private bedroom with a king bed, a private bedroom with 2 queens and either a futon, murphy bed or pullout sofa in the common area, plus a kitchen and 2 baths.

• 3 Bedroom Suite - Sleeps up to 8. Includes one private bedroom with a king bed, and private bath, one private bedroom with a king bed, a large, jetted tub, and a shared bath, and one private bedroom with a queen bed and double futon.  and either a futon, murphy bed or pullout sofa in the common area, plus a kitchen and 2 baths.

• Additional lodging detail can be found here.

• All other lodging will be assigned on a first come first served, based on the date and time of your paid registration.
• Please be sure that your chosen roommates register promptly.
• If you want to attend, but do not have a roommate, we will try to find a spot. Signup for your preferred lodging option and let us know on your registration that you are looking for a roommate.  We will do our best given availability, but there are no guaranties. Your final cost will be dependent on available lodging.

Bus Details:

• The bus will be FULL, so pack lightly.  Please, no big coolers under the bus.
• Bus will depart from the campus of 3M Center in Maplewood, Mn, just off the intersection of I94 and Century Ave. Follow this link for DIRECTIONS.

• The area reserved for us is in the northeast corner of the 3M Visitor Parking Lot, across from the 3M Abrasive Systems Division building, as identified by the red location marker in the Google Maps link. You should see the bus. 
• Carpools can also meet at 3M 
• Details on Sunday's return will be announced once finalized.   

Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoeing:

• Cross country ski details can be found here.

• Snowshoeing details can be found at here.   

 Winter Carnival Guidelines & Cancelation Policy:

• Membership in a MSC affiliated club is required to participate in the Winter Carnival. All registrants must be in good standing with their respective clubs as of the date of their registration. Membership will be verified.

• The MSC Winter Carnival Liability Waiver, located here, must be accepted to participate.  Acceptance will be made during the registration process. 

• The MSC Cancelation Policy will be in effect upon registration. The policy and other Winter Carnival Guidelines can be accessed WINTER-CARNIVAL GUIDELINES-2026-7.pdf, as well as during registration.  

• If you have questions about Winter Carnival, concerns or need to change or cancel your registration, please contact your club's trip leader.

3M:  Gary Heaser, gjheaser@mmm.com

SkiHawks:  Greg Grebinowski.  g.grebinowski@comcast.net  651-230-2367

Sitzmark:  Steve Palmer, sep1407@comcast.net

Traverski:  Lee Olson, quarkrunner@gmail.com

Other Clubs:  Jerry Schuster, jeschus@usjet.net 952-888-2860

Contact Greg Grebinowski at the above email or phone / text with any registration and payment issues /questions.

Your Winter Carnival Team

Chris Mickman - Chair

Gary Heaser - Planning and Support

Greg Grebinowski - Trip Administrator

Ready to Go?

To get started, click the button below. Once registered, make your payment online via credit or debit card. Be sure to follow the payment instructions at the end of the registration process. 

I want to go to the MSC Winter Carnival