Perhaps the most popular wintertime activity for North Shore residents and visitors is alpine skiing and snowboarding at Lutsen Mountains Ski Resort. This family-owned and operated resort has been a North Shore staple since 1948! It’s a place where locals and visitors test their skiing and snowboarding skills with Lake Superior sweeping along the background. The resort is mid-America’s largest and tallest ski destination with runs and activities for all ages and skill levels.
Come On Up to Lutsen Mountains!
Whether you’re an avid skier/snowboarder or just starting out, Lutsen Mountains Ski Resort has something for everyone! Combined with great dining options and live entertainment, it’s no wonder that Lutsen is mid-America’s premier ski destination. Don’t miss out; come on up and check it out for yourself!
Gear up for an exciting ski season at Lutsen Mountains! Save on lift tickets by purchasing online in advance and make the most of your Lutsen Mountain adventure this season!
Renting Equipment
Renting ski equipment is easy, and several options are available for all skill levels.
Lutsen Mountains offers rental packages for beginners to advanced skiers and snowboarders, as well as equipment for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
The Lutsen Ski Rental and Pro Shop also provides a variety of gear, including ski blades and snowshoes.
For additional options, Sawtooth Outfitters in nearby Tofte offers equipment from top brands and fast ski and snowboard tuning services, ensuring you’re ready for a great day on the slopes.
Mountain Stats
Lutsen Mountains Ski Resort reaches a vertical rise of 1,088 and features 95 runs designed for all skill levels. From the beginner run Big Bunny on Ullr Mountain to The Plunge on Moose Mountain. Whether it’s your first time skiing or your 500th, Lutsen Mountains is meant for you! Runs included groomed, tree runs, moguls, and more. The longest run at Lutsen Mountains Ski Resort is about 2 miles long!
There are over 1,000 acres of skiable area spread out along four mountains: Ullr Mountain, Eagle Mountain, Moose Mountain, and Mystery Mountain. Mountain hopping is encouraged!
The area receives an average of 120″ of snow annually. And for the early season runs, and low snowfall years, Lutsen has the ability to cover 231 acres of runs with snowmaking. So, no matter the weather, the resort usually opens in mid-November and wraps up the season in April. Some years, even May!
There are 8 total chairlifts with a lift capacity of 10,000 riders per hour! Because of this, many skiers/snowboarders report that the chairlift lines at Lutsen are considerably shorter than other major ski resorts.
Throughout the season which runs are open depends largely on the amount of snowfall the area has received. Usually, by mid-December until April all runs and lifts are open. Early and later in the season, some may become unavailable, depending largely on snowfall. Check out the Conditions and Trail Map to see what is currently open.
The Lutsen Mountains Ski Resort Experience
Because of the wide range of runs, you could spend an entire week at Lutsen and likely not do everything. Plus, you get access to the Summit Gondola, which is also a popular summertime experience! The gondola connects skiers and snowboarders to Moose Mountain, which features some of Lutsens’ longest runs.
Of course, the ski experience isn’t all about skiing! Lutsen Mountains also offers three unique dining experiences. Grab a bite to eat between runs at Rosie’s Cafe, located in the main Scandinavian Chalet. Rosie’s Cafe is named after longtime Lutsen resident and Lutsen Mountains employee Rosie Somnis, who passed away in the summer of 2021. Want a meal with a view? Just hop over to Moose Mountain on the gondola and enjoy a meal with sweeping Lake Superior views at the Summit Chalet.