[1] The Spirit Mountain ski area held its grand opening on December 19–20, 1974.

[2] The idea was proposed by former Olympian George Hovland, who laid out the cross country trails,[3] with support from then Mayor of Duluth Ben Boo.

Local businessman Manley Goldfine served as Chairman of the Spirit Mountain Authority during its development.

In April 2011 they announced plans to add a zip line, miniature golf, and snow tubing[5] to expand operations and attract more visitors in summer.

[7] Additional improvements planned over the next ten years include chalet renovations, chair lift replacements, as well as RFID ‘pass inspection’ towers placed at the bottom of the most frequently trafficked chairlifts.