Lutsen Mountains

The Lutsen Mountains is Minnesota's largest and most diverse ski area, located on the north shore of Lake Superior. The resort spans four contiguous mountains and offers an unusually clear vertical drop for the Midwest, with long descents that differ markedly from classic "Midwest hills."

What really distinguishes Lutsen is the combination of steeper terrain, views of Lake Superior and a more alpine feel than you normally associate with the region. There are both wide carving slopes and technical skiing in the forest, especially on Moose Mountain and Mystery Mountain. The gondola that connects the area is unique in its kind in the Midwest and makes it possible to move between the mountains without transport.

The snowfall is largely natural, enhanced by the lake effect from Lake Superior, which often produces drier and more consistent snow than further south. In good winters, forest skiing can be of high class, something that has made Lutsen popular even among more experienced skiers.

The Lutsen Mountains are not a small local hill, but neither is it a mass tourist resort. It is a facility that stands out in its geographical context and that many skiers remember precisely for the feeling of height, length and view – rather than for après-ski or luxury.