13 Best Ski Resorts in Minnesota (Downhill Skiing) 2024
Are you looking for the best ski resorts in Minnesota to hit the slopes and spend some time mountainside this winter?
Minnesota is known for its cold, snowy winters, making the state a fantastic place for downhill skiing and snowboarding.
Although there aren’t giant mountains in the state, Minnesota still has great hills that make for perfect places to hit the slopes.
I grew up in Minnesota and learned to ski here! I spend many weekends skiing in the winter and have visited many of these great resorts.
With so many of the best resorts located within a few hours of major cities such as Duluth and the Twin Cities, planning a ski vacation to Minnesota is made easy!
Best Ski Resorts in Minnesota
1. Lutsen Mountain
Vertical Rise: 825 feet
Number of Runs: 95 runs
Longest Run: 2 miles
Location: Lutsen
Rentals: Yes
Lutsen Mountains is Minnesota’s and the Midwest’s largest and tallest ski hill, right along Minnesota’s beautiful North Shore.
With 4 interconnected mountains and nearly 100 runs, Lutsen is rated for some of the best skiing and snowboarding in Minnesota.
Located in Lutsen, on the shores of Lake Superior, you will be met with the most beautiful views as you hit the slopes.
You’ll be surrounded by beautiful green forests and will see Lake Superior in the distance.
With 10 feet of average snowfall on the North Shore in winter, there is no shortage of powder days and great runs down Lutsen Mountain.
On top of all of the epic runs that you can check out, Lutsen has two terrain parks that will add a little adrenaline to your day.
Lutsen Mountain offers season passes before the season starts as well as daily lift tickets.
Where to Stay Near Lutsen Mountain
This beautiful ski lodge in Minnesota is less than a mile from the chair lift and offers beautifully decorated rooms that fit the theme of skiing. If you love to be the first person on the lift, this is the place for you!
👉🏻 Check prices and availability at Caribou Highlands Lodge here!
2. Giants Ridge
Vertical Rise: 500 feet
Number of Runs: 35 runs
Longest Run: 3,960 feet
Location: Biwabik
Rentals: Yes
Giant’s Ridge is the best ski resort in Northern Minnesota! With 35 runs for all different skill levels, ski and snowboard lovers will be in paradise.
Located in Biwabik, Giant’s Ridge is about 3 hours north of Minneapolis, making it the perfect weekend getaway.
The runs are serviced by 5 lifts, so there are many options to help lessen the wait time to get onto the chair, which is my favorite part about the resort.
Most of the runs are for beginner and intermediate riders. But, if you’re looking for something more challenging, there are a few black diamonds as well.
Giant’s Ridge is where I learned to ski and where I’ve started to learn to snowboard! It’s seriously so great for all levels.
There are two terrain parks at Giant’s Ridge, one for beginner and intermediate levels, and the other for more advanced.
Where to Stay Near Giant’s Ridge
Lakefront Giants Ridge Retreat
Book a stay at this beautiful lakefront home that is located right on Sabin Lake and is just minutes from Giant’s Ridge! It’s the perfect place to rest your head after a long day on the hill.
👉🏻 Check availability and pricing for the Lakefront Giant’s Ridge Retreat here!
3. Buena Vista
Vertical Drop: 230 feet
Number of Runs: 16 runs
Longest Run: 2,000 feet
Location: Bemidji
Rentals: Yes
Located in beautiful Bemidji, in between many lakes, lies Buena Vista Ski Area.
This is another fantastic ski resort in Minnesota for families to ski and snowboard, with beautiful views. When I visited last, there were many families teaching their little ones to ski!
Buena Vista has much to offer, with 16 runs, 4 lifts, and the resort extends across the continental divide!
All Buena Vista Ski Area has the capability to make snow. This allows for awesome powder days, even when there’s no snow!
There is also a terrain park at Buena Vista for the riders who like to have a challenge.
Where to Stay Near Buena Vista
Country Inn & Suites – Bemidji
The Country Inn and Suites is a good option, with breakfast included, and views of Lake Bemidji from the hotel! It’s just a short drive to the resort, which doesn’t offer any of its own lodging.
👉🏻 Click here to check pricing and availability for Country Inn & Suites!
4. Afton Alps
Vertical Drop: 350 feet
Number of Runs: 50 runs
Longest Run: 2,640 feet
Location: Afton
Rentals: Yes
Afton Alps is one of the best ski resorts near Minneapolis, located only 30 minutes from the Twin Cities.
As part of the Epic Pass system, you’re bound to have an epic time on one of their 50 runs! (pun totally intended 😉)
When I lived in Chisago City, Afton Alps was my go-to Minnesota ski resort because of how close it is. Plus, it’s pretty great for being in Minnesota!
The terrain parks have been named “Minnesota’s Best Terrain Parks“. There are three of them, two of which are serviced through two ropes.
Afton Alps also has awesome night skiing, which makes it one of the best to visit after finishing up work for the day.
Afton Alps is a part of the Epic Pass system, owned by Vail Resorts. Riders can purchase a variety of Epic passes that allow for access to multiple resorts across the country.
Where to Stay Near Afton Alps
The Historic Afton House Inn is a great option for lodging, only 10 minutes from the slopes! It’s an adorable little hotel with affordable rooms and jacuzzis and fireplaces in some of the rooms, plus there’s a restaurant on site.
👉🏻 Check availability for the Afton House Inn by clicking here!
5. Spirit Mountain
Vertical Drop: 700 feet
Number of Runs: 22 runs
Longest Run: 5,400 feet
Location: Duluth
Rentals: Yes
If you’re visiting Duluth in winter, Spirit Mountain is another great option. I think that Spirit Mountain is one of my favorite resorts, plus it’s only an hour from my hometown.
With 175 acres of skiable area and 22 runs, there’s something for skiers of all skill levels.
Spirit Mountain is a great place for families to adventure in all four seasons! In the summer, there are other adventures to try out like an alpine slide.
This ski resort in Minnesota is located right in Duluth, so you don’t have to drive too far to reach it. Plus, you’ll have great views of Lake Superior.
The majority of runs are aimed toward beginners and intermediate skiers and snowboarders, but advanced riders can also find great runs to ride.
Spirit Mountain is a part of the Indy Pass system. If you’re a traveling skier, this is perfect for you! Purchase one pass and receive 2 full days at each participating resort.
Where to Stay Near Spirit Mountain
Pier B Resort is a fantastic resort, located on the shores of Lake Superior, only minutes from Canal Park and 15 minutes from Spirit Mountain. It features an outdoor hot tub, nightly s’mores, and great views.
👉🏻 Click here to check prices for Pier B Resort in Duluth!
6. Wild Mountain
Vertical Drop: 300 feet
Number of Runs: 25 runs
Longest Run: 1 mile
Location: Taylors Falls
Rentals: Yes
Wild Mountain, located in Taylors Falls, right on the Minnesota-Wisconsin border is a great ski resort in Southern Minnesota. It’s not too far from the Twin Cities.
With 25 runs and 100 acres of skiable land, everyone will love this beautiful place for skiing and snowboarding in Minnesota, just 45 minutes from the Twin Cities.
I love skiing at Wild Mountain because you get to enjoy amazing views of the river bluffs. It’s such a stunning resort!
Snowmaking equipment is available at Wild Mountain, allowing for longer seasons and great powder days.
Where to Stay Near Wild Mountain
Holiday Inn Express & Suites St. Croix Valley
Right across the border in Wisconsin is the Holiday Inn Express and Suites which offers free breakfast and a hot tub, perfect for relaxing at the end of the day. It’s about 15 minutes from Wild Mountain, so the perfect distance for a weekend trip.
👉🏻See prices and availability here for Holiday Inn Express & Suites.
7. Detroit Mountain
Vertical Drop: 164 feet
Number of Runs: 15 runs
Longest Run: 2,200 feet
Location: Detroit Lakes
Rentals: Yes
Detroit Mountain is located in Detroit Lakes and offers some of the best downhill skiing in Western Minnesota.
With only a 45-minute drive to Fargo, North Dakota, Detroit Mountain was one of my favorite places to go when I went to college in the Fargo-Moorhead area.
It’s also one of the few ski resorts in the western half of the state.
With 15 runs serviced by their 2 ski lifts, a day spent at Detroit Mountain surely won’t be a waste!
Detroit Mountain is another Indy Pass resort, along with Lutsen Mountains and Spirit Mountain.
Where to Stay Near Detroit Mountain
The Lakefront Home in Detroit Lakes
Here’s an adorable home that sits right on the lake (lake views!!) and is only 10 minutes from Detroit Mountain! You’ll have amazing views and will have access to beautiful Little Floyd Lake.
👉🏻 Click here to see prices for The Lakefront Home in Detroit Lakes!
8. Welch Village
Vertical Drop: 360 feet
Number of Runs: 50 runs
Longest Run: 4,200 feet
Location: Red Wing
Rentals: Yes
Welch Village is another great skiing location in Red Wing, about 45 minutes southwest of the Twin Cities.
With 50 runs, Welch Village has a great ski area for people of all skill levels!
Welch Village has an epic terrain park that is open daily for riders to check out.
While Welch Village is a bit smaller of a ski resort in Minnesota, it’s still a great option for those looking for a great place to ski near Minneapolis.
Where to Stay Near Welch Village
The St. James Hotel offers beautiful, historic rooms and views of the Mississippi River from many of the rooms, and is only 20 minutes from Welch Village.
👉🏻 Click here to see the availability and prices for the St. James Hotel!
9. Mount Kato
Vertical Drop: 240 feet
Number of Runs: 19 runs
Longest Run: 2,100 feet
Location: Mankato
Rentals: Yes
Mount Kato is a great ski resort that’s located just 1.5 hours south of Minneapolis.
This resort offers some great skiing, for being located in southern Minnesota, with 19 runs and 55 acres of skiable area.
Mount Kato is open later in the evening, so you’re able to visit after work and still get some time in on the slopes. I love night skiing, so this is a major plus!
There also is a terrain park available for the more adventurous riders. For those who are braver than me, the jumps here are great!
Where to Stay Near Mount Kato
The Holiday Inn Express in Mankato has a huge pool and jacuzzi to spend time in after a day on the slopes. It also has a continental breakfast! It’s only 15 minutes from Mount Kato, so you won’t have to go far to get to the resort.
👉🏻 See prices and availability for Holiday Inn Express in Mankato here!
10. Buck Hill
Vertical Drop: 310 feet
Number of Runs: 16
Longest Run: 1,065 feet
Location: Burnsville
Rentals: Yes
Buck Hill is another fantastic location to visit if you’re looking to do some skiing within a reasonable distance of the Twin Cities.
With just a 30-minute drive south of Minneapolis, you’ll reach this ski resort located in Burnsville.
With 16 runs, most of them catered to beginners and intermediate skiers, you’ll be able to have fun all day.
There are multiple chair lifts that operate and run you back up to the top of the hill, so you don’t have to wait in line for too long.
I love visiting Minnesota ski resorts that have shorter lines so I don’t have to wait, so I love this about Buck Hill.
One of the best parts of Buck Hill is that they offer late-night skiing for a highly discounted rate, which allows you to stay later into the evening!
Where to Stay Near Buck Hill
Just 10 minutes away, the LivINN Hotel is the perfect place to call it a night, with free breakfast and access to nearby attractions like the Mall of America.
👉🏻 See prices and availability for LivINN Hotel here!
11. Mount Ski Gull
Vertical Drop: 298 feet
Number of Runs: 12 runs
Longest Run: 2,200 feet
Location: Nisswa
Rentals: Yes
Mount Ski Gull is found in Nisswa, not too far from the popular town of Bemidji.
Here you’ll find 12 different runs with a pretty even split between beginner, intermediate, and advanced options.
With this range of runs, this is the perfect place for skiing in Minnesota for just about anyone!
There also is a terrain park at Mount Ski Gull that has its own high-speed tow rope, so you can hang out at the park all day long!
On top of this, you can stay late for night skiing and enjoy the slopes for longer.
Where to Stay Near Mount Ski Gull
Book a stay at the Good Ol’ Days Resort in Nisswa to enjoy beautiful views and a great night’s rest after a long day of skiing. It has a private beach area and beautiful views of the lake.
👉🏻 Check pricing and availability for the Good Ol Days Resort here!
12. Hyland Hills
Vertical Drop: 175 feet
Number of Runs: 14 runs
Longest Run: 1,200 feet
Location: Bloomington
Rentals: No
Hyland Hills is a bit different than other ski resorts in this list because it’s instead just a ski area inside of a city park.
Found within the Three Rivers Park District in Bloomington, Hyland Hills still offers great skiing for all!
There are two terrain parks within the ski area, each of which is serviced by the main lifts.
Then there are 14 different runs that vary in difficulty, but each one is just as fun as the last.
Plus, since this resort is in Bloomington, you’ll be within a short distance of other fun attractions such as the Mall of America.
Where to Stay Near Hyland Hills
When you’re done skiing for the night, check out the La Quinta by Wyndham. We’ve stayed here many, many times and have always had such a great experience! It features a free breakfast and a pool.
👉🏻 See pricing and availability for the La Quinta by Wyndham here!
13. Coffee Mill Ski Area
Vertical Drop: 425 feet
Number of Runs: 10 runs
Longest Run: 5,000 feet
Location: Wabasha
Rentals: Yes
Found in Wabasha, Coffee Mill Ski Area is a little under 2-hour drive from Minneapolis, and just under an hour from Rochester.
Here you can access 10 runs that are spread out over 28 acres of skiable land, which are great for people of all skill levels.
There are a few of each level, so everyone from beginner to advanced will have something to ski.
With 3 lifts servicing the land, you can be sure that you won’t have to wait very long to get back to the top of the hill.
Where to Stay Near Coffee Mill Ski Area
This beautiful Historic Wabasha House is found downtown, just a short drive from Coffee Mill Ski Area. It features a patio, a full kitchen, and a private home to enjoy after a day on the hill.
👉🏻 See pricing and availability for the Historic Wabasha House here!
When is the Ski Season in Minnesota?
We get a lot of snow here throughout the winter in Minnesota, so our ski season is pretty great!
Most resorts start to open up in December and typically stay open through March, but this can change from year to year and resort to resort.
I’d recommend calling the resort you plan to visit to make sure that they’re open!
Where to Go Night Skiing in Minnesota
Looking for a downhill ski resort that offers skiing for those nights after work? Here are a few of the best places for night skiing in Minnesota.
Afton Alps is one of the best ski resorts in Minnesota. They’re open until 8:00 pm with lighted runs. Being so close to the Twin Cities makes this resort perfect for night skiing
Another fantastic ski resort to night ski in Minnesota is Buck Hill. From 7:00 pm until 9:00 pm, you can ski for just $20!
Spirit Mountain in Duluth also is open every night until 8:00 pm. There’s a $20 discount on lift tickets for night skiing!
Does Minnesota Have Good Skiing and Snowboarding?
Although Minnesota doesn’t have the fantastic mountains that ski havens such as Colorado and Washington have, there still is a great ski season!
Minnesota has no shortage of snow in the cold seasons and makes the best of it by grooming ski hills throughout the state for skiers and snowboarders to enjoy.
Being located in the midwest, people are surprised by some of Minnesota’s ski resorts.
While the runs may be shorter and less intense, YES, Minnesota does still have good skiing and snowboarding!
Plus, the lift tickets are more affordable than a lot of other more popular ski areas!
FAQs
The biggest ski hill in Minnesota is located in Lutsen, Minnesota, with the highest peak coming in at 1,088 feet! Lutsen Mountains is the largest ski resort in Minnesota and the Midwest and boasts that they are “the Midwest’s only true mountain ski area experience.”
The best conditions to ski and snowboard in Minnesota are usually in January and February. The opening and closing dates of these ski resorts highly depend on the weather and snow conditions.
There are many ski resorts within just a short distance of Minneapolis and St. Paul.
Afton Alps Ski Resort comes in as the best ski resort near Minneapolis. Only a 40-minute drive and you’ll arrive.
There are many ski resorts around Minnesota. From small hills that can’t even be considered a resort to large areas like Lutsen Mountains, there are plenty of options.
The closest and best ski resort in Minneapolis is Afton Alps, which is just a short drive away and features great skiing.
Lutsen Mountain is the best ski resort on the North Shore for skiing and snowboarding.
Wrap-Up: Minnesota Ski Resorts
Skiing and snowboarding are some of the greatest ways to beat the cold during Minnesota winters.
From runs for beginners to intermediate, or advanced riders, there’s a huge variety of resorts all over the state to check out and spend a day or two at.
My personal favorites are Giant’s Ridge and Lutsen Mountain. So pack your bags for Minnesota and head out to the slopes!
More Things to Do in Minnesota in Winter:
