Downhill skiing is one of the most fun winter activities! A total rush. Fresh air. Easy to learn. Perfect for the whole family. And of course, one of the snowiest (and yes, coldest) places in the United States has a ton of hill options for you whether you are a beginner or an expert. You can downhill ski in Minnesota no matter which part of the state you are in. Below are the 8 largest hills in terms of vertical drop:
Things to Note:
- COVID-19 Protocols: Check into different rules and regulations for the 2020-21 season. Chalets may be closed, mask requirements, etc.
- The lift ticket prices listed are for weekends. Make sure to check for cheaper rates during the week, night skiing, senior discounts, younger children, etc.
- The rental rates are based on the basic ski/snowboard packages. Check websites for high performance and other options. Also, note that helmets are typically an additional charge.
Ski hill details including vertical drop, longest run, and total runs are from the Minneapolis-St. Paul magazine.
Lutsen Mountains
NORTHEAST MINNESOTA: Lutsen
- The biggest downhill ski area in Minnesota—that gets some serious snow! Four interconnected peaks overlooking Lake Superior makes for a beautiful location on the North Shore and is an unforgettable experience.
- Vertical Drop: 1,088 ft.
- Longest Run: 10,560 ft.
- Runs: 95
- Lift Tickets: Adult (16+): $92/day, Child (6-15): $72/day, Tot (5 & under): $10/day. (Ski & Stay Packages offer the best value with savings on both lift tickets and lodging.)
- Rental Rates: Full Ski Package: $39. $33 Online. Full Snowboard Package: $48. $43 online.
- Where to Stay: Three on-site properties including ski-in, ski-out lodges. Eagle Ridge (highly recommend), Caribou Highlands Resort, and Mountain Inn.
- And don’t miss Papa Charlie’s for food, drinks, and live music 7 days a week.
Got a full weekend? Check out the 14 Best North Shore Road Trip Stops + North Shore Coffee Shops (Definitely don’t miss the one in Lutsen!)
Spirit Mountain
NORTHEAST MINNESOTA: Duluth
- Located in the Heart of the “Best Outdoor City in America,” Spirit offers incredible views of Duluth and Lake Superior.
- Vertical Drop: 700 ft.
- Longest Run: 5,400 ft.
- Runs: 22
- Lift Tickets: Adult (13+): $65. Youth (6-12): $49.
- Rental Rates: Full Adult Ski or Snowboard Package: $36. Youth: $31.
- Where to Stay: Mountain villas and nearby hotels.
- Don’t miss the Anchor Bar after your day of skiing. The best burger I have ever had and located in Superior, Wisconsin, just 5 minutes away.
Giants Ridge Recreation Area
Northeast Minnesota: Biwabik
- A four-season family resort, Giants Ridge is a great place to come any time of year, but you can’t beat winter! Plenty of natural snow and a Northwoods feel.
- Vertical Drop: 500 ft.
- Longest Run: 3,960 ft.
- Runs: 35
- Lift Tickets: Adult (13+): $54. Youth (7-12): $43. (Take a look at the website—lift tickets fluctuate quite a bit depending on the day of the week/time of the month.)
- Rental Rates: Full Adult Ski or Snowboard Package: $34. Youth: $24.
- Where to Stay: Hillside ski-in, ski-out lodge, Giants Ridge Lodging.
Coffee Mill Ski Area
Southern Minnesota: Wabasha
- Coffee Mill offers a unique “bowl” arrangement (coulee skiing) for convenient lift accessibility and protection from cold winter winds. It’s in a beautiful location next to the Mississippi River.
- Vertical Drop: 425 ft.
- Longest Run: 4,300 ft.
- Runs: 14
- Lift Tickets: Adult (13+): $37. Youth (6-12): $30.
- Rental Rates: Full Ski Package: $20, Snowboard Package: $32.
- Where to stay: Check out nearby hotels and places to stay.
Welch Village Ski Area
Southern Minnesota: Welch
- One of Minnesota’s biggest places to downhill ski. Welch, near Red Wing, MN, has a ton of runs and it’s one of the best places for beginners.
- Vertical Drop: 360 ft.
- Longest Run: 4,224 ft.
- Runs: 60
- Lift Tickets: Adult (13+): $64. Youth (5-12): $54.
- Rental Rates: Full Ski or Snowboard Package: $36
- Where to Stay: there are plenty of hotel options in Red Wing.
Make a weekend of it! Read Things to Do in Red Wing, Minnesota including shops, places to eat, and a winter hike.
Afton Alps
Twin Cities: Hastings
- Nestled in the scenic St. Croix River Valley, Afton Alps (owned by Vail Resorts) is newly renovated, conveniently located near the cities, and is great for both beginners and experts.
- Vertical Drop: 350 ft.
- Longest Run: 2,640 ft.
- Runs: 48
- Lift Tickets: Adult (13+): $64. Youth (5-12): $59.
- Rental Rates: Full Ski or Snowboard Package: $36
- Where to Stay: close to the city, you can find hotels in the Twin Cities or others in the eastern suburbs.
Buck Hill
Twin Cities: Burnsville
- Buck Hill is a city option that is known for providing a fun day outside during Minnesota winter. Live music, fire pits, hills for tricks, and more.
- Vertical Drop: 310 ft.
- Longest Run: 1,056 ft.
- Runs: 15
- Lift Tickets: Adult (13+): $47. Youth (5-12): $38.
- Rental Rates: Full Ski or Snowboard Package: $35
- Where to Stay: close to the city, you can find hotels in the Twin Cities or others in the southern suburbs.
Wild Mountain
Twin Cities: Taylors Falls
- A winter playground with a ton of snowmaking, Wild Mountain is only about an hour north of the cities. Another great spot for beginners with a ton of options for lessons.
- Vertical Drop: 300 ft.
- Longest Run: 5,280 ft.
- Runs: 26
- Lift Tickets: Adult (13+): $57. Youth (6-12): $44.
- Rental Rates: Adult (13+): $31. Youth (2-12): $25.
- Where to Stay: Check out some nearby hotels.
This is one of my favorite areas in all of Minnesota! Read Things to Do in Taylors Falls.
Other Places to Downhill Ski in Minnesota
I shared details on the biggest places to downhill ski in Minnesota, but this surely isn’t a full list. Here are some others that may be closer to you!
- Mount Kato Ski Area, Mankato
- Hyland Hills Ski Area, Bloomington
- Elm Creek Winter Recreation Area, Maple Grove
- Mount Ski Gull, Nisswa
- Detroit Mountain Recreation Area, Detroit Lakes
- Buena Vista Ski Area, Bemidji
- Mt. Itasca Winter Sports Center, Coleraine
Enjoy your time on the slopes!
It’s the #BestWinterEver
Now that you know where to downhill ski in Minnesota, don’t miss Where to Hike During Minnesota Winter, Where to Cross Country Ski in the Twin Cities and 19 Places to Snowshoe in the Twin Cities! The only way to survive winter is to enjoy it. (You can also grab the #BestWinterEver checklist for a fun list of activities to enjoy in Minnesota.)
