Minnesota Ski Areas & Snow Report: The 2020/21 Season is Underway – 18 Locations to Ski & Play Now

Lutsen Mountains

Lutsen Mountains offers mountain skiing without the airfare with 4 mountains, 95 runs and a 1,000-foot vertical. Skiers and snowboarders enjoy terrain for all abilities from easy cruisers to backcountry terrain, two mountain chalets, the Midwest’s only gondola, and phenomenal views of Lake Superior. Terrain park features available on two mountains. Lodging facilities in the area, including ski-in/ski-out resorts and hotels, are available with lift-and-lodging packages on Lutsen.com.

Downhill skiers, snowboarders & tubers will find Buena Vista to be the area’s premier spot to enjoy their sport. Sitting astride the Continental Divide, there are 16 downhill runs, the longest (2,000 feet) boasting a 230-foot drop. The ski area features four chairlifts, a beginners tow, handle tow in the tube park, and a three-story chalet with warming fireplaces and cafe. Buena Vista is Celebrating 71years this Winter.

Giants Ridge

Giants Ridge is Minnesota’s Finest Ski Area, offering 35 downhill runs and the hottest terrain parks in the Midwest! You’ll enjoy breathtaking views adjacent to the Superior National Forest no matter what winter sport you choose, along with clean fresh air and peaceful quiet. A visit to Giants Ridge provides amazing connections to nature and the great outdoors. Your winter adventure starts here, at Giants Ridge!

Elm Creek Winter Recreation Area

Tucked away within the Three Rivers Park District in Maple Grove, Minnesota, the winter recreation area has everything for winter fun. The area features a lighted snow-tubing hill, beginner downhill ski and snowboard area and terrain park, and lighted cross-country ski trails, all with snowmaking. The area has a large lodge featuring outstanding food, equipment rentals, and the acclaimed Three Rivers Park District SnowSports Academy. Elm Creek is great fun for families and groups alike!

Chester Bowl

Chester Bowl is a beautiful 117-acre park in Duluth, Minnesota. In the winter the alpine hill, with a double chair lift and 175 feet of vertical drop, handles up to 960 skiers and snowboarders an hour. The park also features a 3km intermediate cross country ski loop with scenic overlooks of the city and Lake Superior.

Afton Alps

For 57 years Afton Alps has provided the Twin Cities’ families with one of the Midwest’s most sought after winter destinations. Nestled in the scenic St. Croix River Valley just outside Minneapolis and St. Paul, this sprawling resort provides guests with an unparalleled experience.

With nearly 300 skiable acres, there is enough terrain to challenge experts to beginners, day or night.

Buck Hill

952.435.7174

Year-round fun at Buck Hill!

Skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing within 15 minutes of downtown Minneapolis or St.Paul. Day or night, weekend or weekday.  Featuring the longest magic carpet in the USA with a covered bridge making learning to ski and snowboard easier and more exciting than ever. Whether you’re coming for fun or interested in one of our many award-winning ski teams or programs Buck Hill has you covered.

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Coffee Mill Ski Area

Coffee Mill, named after a historic navigational point along the mighty Mississippi, offers the best of coulee skiing with a unique “bowl” arrangement for convenient lift accessibility and protection from cold winter winds. Extra long slopes combined with high capacity chairs provide a skiing experience second to none. Modern snowmaking and daily grooming ensure great snow throughout the season.

Hyland Hills Ski Area

Located within Three Rivers Park District, Hyland, is 5 minutes from the Mall of America, south of I-494 & HWY-100 in Bloomington, MN. Known for some of the best snowmaking & grooming in the Midwest & its terrain park is full of progressive & innovative features. The 1,000-acre park reserve features extensive winter recreational activities including cross-country ski trails, snowshoe trails & a Nordic ski jumping complex.

Mount Ski Gull

Mt. Ski Gull has existed for 55+ years in the Brainerd Lakes Area. We have 11 ski runs, 4 lifts, a terrain park with a high speed rope tow, and one of MN’s largest tubing hills. Mt. Ski Gull’s chalet has a full rental area, food, drinks, and seating.

Mt. Ski Gull is a 501(c)(3), receiving no government funding. The ski hill relies primarily on fundraising and partnerships.  Our mission is to provide a challenging, fun, and healthy environment for our community!

Detroit Mountain Recreation Area

Winter FUN Starts Here! Located in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, Detroit Mountain offers a snowy platter of fun and explorable terrain with 21 runs, 2 terrain parks, 2 chairlifts, 2 high-speed rope tows, and 2 magic carpet. We cater to the first-timer, with a designated learning area featuring Terrain Based Learning™. Detroit Mountain’s Landslide Tubing Park offers 1,000 ft of excitement with 2 magic carpet.

Detroit Mountain is also home to lift-served mountain biking during the summer months.

Wild Mountain

Located in beautiful Taylors Falls (less than an hour from the Twin Cities), Wild Mountain offers great terrain spread over 100 acres in the beautiful St. Croix River Valley. With one of the largest snow making & grooming fleets in the Midwest.  We make excellent slope conditions regardless of the snow in your backyard. Lessons available for all ages and abilities. In addition to great skiing and snowboarding we also have snow tubing with one of the biggest snow tubing hills in MN.

Andes Tower Hills

“I never knew it would be this nice” is the phrase we most often hear as families discover the best-kept ski secret in the state of Minnesota. With three chairlifts, 15 downhill runs and two terrain parks, we have something for everyone. We also have four tubing runs and 15 km of some of Minnesota’s best cross-country ski trails. In addition, we have a full-service pro shop, grill, rental shop and ski school. So come, discover for yourself, your favorite winterplayground out west in Minnesota.

Mount Kato

Mount Kato Ski Area is located in the thick of the scenic valley that runs along the Minnesota River, just one mile south of Mankato. 19 trails and eight chairlifts make for a non-crowded experience for all skier abilities. Unwind in our large chalet with great food or enjoy flame-grilled food and your favorite beverage in The Lift Bar. Non-skiers can enjoy our snow tubing with a conveyor lift. Ski Great Snow at Mount Kato!

Spirit Mountain

From beginners in our Spiri tKids Programs on the bunny hill, to thrill seekers hitting up our diverse variety of terrain parks; Spirit Mountain in Duluth, MN is THE place to ski & board!  Plus, check out our snow tubing hill which operates Friday thru Sunday, and experience downhill, lift-served fat tire biking operations on Sundays.  Take a break between runs at the Riverside Bar and Grill or in the legendary Moosehead Saloon!  Your ADVENTURE starts here!

Welch Village

Located less than an hour from the Twin Cities and north of Rochester in the Cannon River Valley, Welch Village has 55 runs including the Back Bowl. We are one of the largest in the region, offering some of the best terrain, snowmaking and grooming, while remaining one of the favorites of Midwest skiers and boarders. Our Performance Center and two chalets add to the great experience of skiing or riding at Welch Village.

Mount Itasca

10 k groomed cross-country trails, biathlon range, 5 groomed Alpine runs and snowboard terrain park, Blizzard Bowl tubing, and six ski jumps including spectacular 70 m.

Grounds are open to the public year-round to hiking and biking except during groomed snow conditions.

Powder Ridge

Located just northwest of the Twin Cities, Powder Ridge is easily accessible from Interstate 94 or Highway 55. Our 15 trails sit high above the local landscape creating a panoramic view of the surrounding area. A large chalet with two food service areas and an adult lounge create a comfortable atmosphere to relax between runs. Snow tubing is available for non-skiers or boarders, and a terrain park with its own tow is a hit with our more adventurous guests.