As America marks its 250th anniversary, the America250 initiative invites us to celebrate the full story of the places that have brought Americans together in joy, competition, and community. At Giants Ridge, a proud member of the Adventures Unbound family, we are honoring Women’s History Month by celebrating the women who helped put this corner of Minnesota’s Iron Range on the map, on the slopes and on the world stage.

From the Classroom to the Podium

Before Giants Ridge became the destination it is today, two women were already working to make sure it belonged to everyone. In 1971, Nancy Countryman and Sue Kingman founded the Ski-Away Women’s Alpine School right here on these slopes, built on a simple but powerful idea that women learn best from other women. Their approach created something more than technique or speed, it created confidence, community, and a sense of belonging on the mountain that many female skiers carried with them long after their lessons ended.

On the competitive side, Giants Ridge earned its place in the international spotlight thanks in part to performances like the one delivered by Marjo Matikainen, the Finnish cross country skiing star who competed at a World Cup event held in Biwabik. Anchoring her relay team to victory and finishing third in the 10km individual classic, Matikainen brought world class competition to this Minnesota ridge and showed what was possible when elite athletics came to the Iron Range.

Hit the Slopes They Helped Build

This Women’s History Month, every run you take at Giants Ridge reflects the impact of women who believed this mountain should be shared, taught, and celebrated at the highest level. We invite you to come experience it for yourself. To learn more about how we are honoring the stories that shape America’s heritage, visit America250 at Adventures Unbound.