January 2010
Downhill from here
For Rochesterites, it can be as simple as a quick trip to one of six area resorts. Here they are.
Afton Alps
Hastings, Minn.; [800] 328-1328; www.aftonalps.com
The basics: Afton Alps sits along the rolling hills of the scenic St Croix River Valley. Surrounded by gorgeous Afton State Park, this sprawling ski spot spreads out along a wedge-shaped ridge overlooking the river valley and boasts 48 trails, four terrain parks and 18 chairlifts. Night skiing is available, and snowtubing with a tow is open both day and night in the new Meadows Area Tubing Center. And, when you’re ready for some warmth, the Alps Chalet is newly remodeled—their expanded space and improved dining room offer warm food and drink, including new and healthier fare, while keeping the favorites.
Snowboarding: Snowboarding is allowed on all trails. In addition, there are four terrain parks. Lessons and rentals are available at the lodge.
Lift tickets (adults): $27-$40.
Buck Hill
Burnsville, Minn.; (952) 435-7174; www.buckhill.com
The basics: What started in 1954 as a single rope tow servicing a single slope, Buck Hill today features a dozen runs, 8 lifts and a top-rated racing program. Buck Hill has been called the “legendary capital of American ski racing” by Ski Magazine. And, it is still going strong—they’ll soon be celebrating 55 years and the success of one of their own, two-time World Cup champion Lindsey Vonn skied there from ages 2 to 12. This winter, she’ll be taking those skills that started on the Buck Hill slopes to Vancouver, where she’ll compete in five events at the winter Olympic games. The ski area’s 8 lifts (plus two snowtubing lifts) are your gateway to 45 acres with just over 300 feet of vertical. Buck Hill is also noted for having the largest “Magic Carpet” conveyor lift in the United States.
Snowboarding: Buck Hill’s snowboard park features a half pipe and a freestyle terrain area. Snow tubing is also available.
Lift tickets (adults): $28-$38.
Coffee Mill Ski Area
Wabasha, Minn.; (651) 565-2777; www.coffeemillski.com
The basics: Coffee Mill, named for a navigational point on the Mississippi River, offers spectacular views of its namesake. All 11 runs offer views of two states, the river, groves of birch trees, and the spectacular river valley. Coffee Mill features a 425-foot vertical drop: the longest vertical drop south of Duluth. “From the gentle slopes of Chippewa to the radical pitch of O’Chute,” according to their pitch, “each run is obscured from the next by an abundant growth of birch, oaks, and pines.”
The unusual: The terrain’s unique “bowl” arrangement allows for convenient lift accessibility and protection from cold winter winds.
Lift tickets (adults): $20-$30.
Granite Peak
Wausau, Wis.; (715) 845-2846; www.skigranitepeak.com
The basics: Rising high above the city, Rib Mountain, one of the highest points in the Badger State, plays host to the Midwest’s largest ski area: Granite Peak. This skiing destination resembles a small New England ski area. And, though it feels modern, with its high-speed chairlift and other new features, it is actually a reinvention of one of the Midwest’s oldest ski spots. The original was built in 1937 (around the same time that Stowe, Vermont, and Sun Valley, Idaho, were starting out). Now, a total of 75 runs are spread over the face of this 700-foot mountain.
Snowboarding: Snowboarding is allowed on all trails including five terrain parks with dozens of hits, jumps, rails and other features for all abilities. There are some new features for 2010, including a wall ride and five beginner jibs.
Lift tickets (adults): $50-$56.
Hyland Ski and Snowboard Area
Bloomington, Minn.; (763) 694-7800; www.hylandski.com
The basics: Hyland Ski & Snowboard Area is located a short distance from the Mall of America, just south of I-494 and Highway 100 in Bloomington. It’s nestled within the 1,000-acre Hyland Lake Park Reserve which also offers lighted cross country ski trails, snowshoe trails and a Nordic ski jumping complex. HSSA is known for some of the best snowmaking and grooming in the Midwest, and its two terrain parks are full of progressive and innovative features to inspire new moves. You almost forget you’re in the heart of the metro in this natural wonderland.
Snowboarding: Snowboarders are allowed on all trails and there are two terrain parks available. Class is offered for beginners to advanced snowboarders through the SnowSports Academy.
Lift tickets (adults): $27-$29.
Mount Kato Ski Area
Mankato, Minn.
(507) 625-3363; (800) 668-5286; www.mountkato.com
The basics: Four beginner, eight intermediate and seven advanced trails make up the 19 trails of the Mount Kato Ski Area. Eleven lifts (five quad, three doubles and three handle tows) carry skiers to the top of the hill’s 240-foot vertical drop. The park’s longest run is 2,800 feet. Snow tubing is available on weekends with two handle tows and specially designed snow tubes. Mountain bike trails are open through October.
Snowboarding: Allowed on all trails. Three terrain parks offer table-tops, spines, and rails.
Lift tickets (adults): $26-$33.
Welch Village Ski Area
Welch, Minn.; (651) 258-4567; www.welchvillage.com
The basics: Nestled in the Cannon River Valley, less than an hour’s drive from Rochester, the park recently expanded its “back bowl” and now offers 60 runs, a 350-foot vertical drop, a run of 4,200 feet, ten chairlifts, a surface lift, and the 6,000-square-foot SKI-LINK learning center for children and adults seven days a week. The main chalet houses three food service areas and two levels of seating plus an outside deck. Four black-diamond, front-face runs are among the steepest in the region. Their website includes details of discount packages that include skiing, rental, and lessons, as well as information on upcoming special events, such as Family Festivals, throughout the winter.
Snowboarding: Snowboarders enjoy two terrain parks.
Lift tickets (adults): $42-$47.