The rip and buzz of snowmobiles reverberates across the Northland’s frozen lakes and wooded trails every winter as people traverse the snowy countryside. Each February, that sound signals more than an epic ride—it represents a compassionate, united community. The annual Black Woods Blizzard Tour invites riders to come together to fight a disease affecting families locally and around the world.
The Blizzard Tour is the signature winter fundraising event of Never Surrender Inc., a Minnesota-based nonprofit that has been supporting people living with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) for more than three decades. ALS, formerly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative condition that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, eventually robbing people of their ability to move, speak, and breathe. There is currently no cure, and fundraising is essential to support patient services, research, and advocacy.
A fishing tournament in 1994 (now known as the Kolar Toyota ALS Fishing Tournament) was the first fundraiser started by Never Surrender Inc., and the snowmobile tour followed a few years later.
“The Black Woods Blizzard Tour started after four avid sledders rode their snowmobiles around Lake Superior in 1999 and raised awareness for local friends who had recently been diagnosed with ALS,” says Lisa Erikson, executive director of Never Surrender Inc. Randy Bannor, Larry Bannor, Greg Sorenson, and Dennis Nelson received $15,000 in monetary contributions toward the cause. Before the following winter, local businessmen collaborated and created the Black Woods Blizzard Tour, where 38 riders raised $46,000 their first year.
“Our participants are local snowmobile enthusiasts as well as riders from across the state who simply enjoy riding and raising funds for a really great cause,” Erikson says. This year is the 27th anniversary of the Blizzard Tour, and riders have raised more than $1 million annually to support the fight against ALS since 2020. What started as a grassroots ride has grown into the single largest snowmobile fundraising event in the world.
“Riders are equipped with fundraising tools to help them raise the money to participate, by selling raffles, collecting cash donations, and holding events,” Erikson explains. “We have a lot of riders who host events in their hometowns which raises awareness and funds at the same time.”
Behind the scenes, the Blizzard Tour is a collaborative effort even in the off-season. “A lot of dedicated volunteers and a few staff members working year-round plan this event,” Erikson says. A volunteer board spanning from Duluth to the Twin Cities meets monthly under the direction of board president David Kolquist. “We are lucky to have a returning crew of volunteers year after year that become a part of the Black Woods Blizzard Tour family.”
Financial support is also essential. “Never Surrender Inc. accepts monetary donations in addition to in-kind donations, which offset event expenses or add cash through our silent and live auctions,” Erikson says. “None of this would be possible without the kind financial donations from businesses and donors across the state and region.”
For riders, the experience is choreographed and memorable. “We have red carpet service from check-in to departure,” Erikson proclaims. The structured itinerary begins with check-in on Wednesday night, Feb. 11, and concludes with a celebration dinner and final fundraising presentation on Saturday, Feb. 14.
Riders depart Thursday morning from Black Bear Casino Resort in Carlton, heading north to Fortune Bay Resort Casino in Tower for an evening program and dinner. Friday’s ride leads participants to Superior Shores Resort on Lake Superior. “This is a fan favorite where they enjoy a great night of camaraderie and food at the Black Woods Bar and Grill location in Two Harbors,” Erikson mentions. On Saturday, riders return to Black Bear Casino Resort for a final meal and program to cap the unforgettable weekend.
“We want to give a final shout-out to all the trail clubs and groomers who work tirelessly to keep the trails safe and groomed,” Erikson says. “Without their support, this event would not be possible.”
The Black Woods Blizzard Tour represents a community united by hope and determination during some of the harshest conditions. As the tour’s motto, the message is clear—’never surrender.’
You don’t need a snowmobile to get involved—supporters can donate, volunteer, become sponsors, buy raffle tickets, or simply cheer riders on. To learn more about the Black Woods Blizzard Tour and other Never Surrender Inc. events, including how to donate, visit www.neversurrenderinc.org or email [email protected].
