Downhill Skiing in Minnesota, US

Ski Areas and Resorts in the Twin Cities and Outstate MN

Oct 17, 2007

Lutsen Mountains Ski Area, Wiki Commons, Pub. domain

Looking for a place to ski in Minnesota? Here's a quick guide to resorts and ski areas near Minneapolis and throughout the state.

Downhill skiing and snowboarding in Minnesota? There are more places to ski and snowboard here than you might realize. Sure, it's not Vail or Breckenridge, but Minnesota does have its share of steep river bluffs and other hilly terrain. And, of course, thanks to extreme Minnesota winters, there's usually plenty of snow! At most locations, the ski season starts from mid-to-late November.

Here are some of the best places for downhill skiing in Minnesota.

Ski areas and Resorts in and Near the Minneapolis-St. Paul Metro Area

Hyland Ski and Snowboard Area. (8880 Chalet Road, Bloomington.) Located in the middle of the Twin Cities metro area (about five minutes from the Mall of America), this small ski area has a reputation for being a great place to learn. Call 763-694-7800.
Buck Hill. (15400 Buck Hill Road, Burnsville). Buck Hill is crowded and has a less than spectacular view of the freeway, but it's very conveniently located in the middle of the southern Twin Cities suburbs and is a favorite of locals looking for a fun afternoon on the slopes. Call 952-435-7511.
Welch Village Ski Area. (26685 County Road 7 Boulevard, Welch). Just 35 miles southeast of the Twin Cities in the Cannon River Valley and north of the charming town of Red Wing, this family owned operation is considered pretty challenging (at least my Minnesota standards) and is also a good place for beginners. Call 651-222-7079 or 800-421-0699.
Coffee Mill Ski Area. (99 Coulee Way, Wabasha). Located 75 miles south of the Twin Cities and on the Mississippi River, this resort has spectacular views of the river valley and the longest vertical drop in the area. Call 651-565-2777.
Mount Kato. (20461 Highway 66, Mankato). The flat rural countryside surrounding Mankato (80 miles south of the Twin Cities) seems like the last place you'd find a ski area with 19 runs, but here it is. Call 507-625-3559 or 800-668-5286.
Powder Ridge Winter Recreational Area. 15015 93rd Ave, Kimball). Located about 65 miles northwest of the Twin Cities (near St. Cloud), Powder Ridge is known as a great place for freestyle terrain. Call 800-348-7734.

Ski Areas and Resorts in Outstate Minnesota

Lutsen Mountains Ski Area. (129 Ski Hill Road, Lutsen. ) Located about 250 miles from the Twin Cities on the North Shore of Lake Superior, Lutsen offers spectacular views of the lake and the area, and is probably the most popular ski areas in the state among serious skiers. There are 87 runs, including imposing Moose Mountain. Call (218) 663-7281 or (800) 642-6036.
Spirit Mountain. (9500 Spirit Mountain Place, Duluth). Located 150 miles northeast of the Twin Cities in the scenic Lake Superior city of Duluth, Spirit Mountain is relatively inexpensive and is known as a good place for beginners, kids, and snowboarders, Call (218) 628-2891 or 800-642-6377.
Giants Ridge. (6325 Wynne Creek Drive, Biwabik). Located about 200 miles northeast of the Twin Cities in the Iron Range region of the state, this family-friendly ski resort offers 35 downhill runs and lots of cross country skiing as well. Call (218) 865-4143 or (800) 688-7669.
Buena Vista Ski Area. 19276 Lake Julia DR NW, Bemidji). Located 250 miles north of the metro area and on the Continental Divide, this family-run ski area has a fairly new tubing hill and two new terrain parks. Call 218-243-2213 or 800-778-7958.
Andes Tower Hills Ski Area. (4505 Andes Road SW, Garfield). Located 130 miles northwest of the Twin Cities and just outside of Alexandria, this 15-run ski area seems entirely out of place in flat northwestern Minnesota. It has a reputation for being a very friendly place. Call 320-965-2455 or 877-542-6337.