Known for being home to over 10,000 lakes and bordering Lake Superior, Minnesota is a fantastic destination for year-round outdoor adventures. Winter sports are big here, with travelers hitting the slopes in Lutsen Mountains where they can find Minnesota’s biggest ski resort. The state has a plethora of ski lifts and runs for every experience level, from beginner to expert skier. Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and dog sledding are great alternatives for some Minnesota winter fun too. If you’re looking forward to the adrenaline rush from skiing the wide slopes and taking in the alpine views or you’re longing to cozy up by the fireplace on a chilly night, Minnesota has options for you. Here are the best ski resorts in Minnesota, USA.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and access to ski slopes and equipment. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 12, 2024.
1. Quarterdeck Resort, Nisswa (from USD 129)
Reasonable rates for spacious, well-equipped rooms with lake views.
Club Q, sauna, pool, hot tub, beach, live music, fireplace, jacuzzi, gift shop, free coffee.
Scenic lakeside location on Gull Lake with private balconies and upcoming pool area.
Delicious on-site dining with great brunch, smoked turkey sandwich, and walleye.
Beachfront Quarterdeck Resort is the ultimate year-round destination in Nisswa. Guests will get to enjoy a private beach in the summer months and ski-to-door access during the snow season. With Mount Ski Gull ski lifts and the largest tubing hill less than 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) away, winters at Quarterdeck are packed with adventure. There are 12 runs for downhill skiing and 15 cross-country ski trails available.
The resort offers various accommodation options, from suites to cottages, which are equipped with ensuite bathrooms, fresh towels and linens, and a coffeemaker. Select rooms also come with an in-room hot tub and a fireplace.
Quarterdeck Resort
Address: 9820 Birch Bay Drive Southwest County Road 77
233.11 km (144.9 mi) from Gooseberry Falls State Park
2. Arrowwood Resort Hotel and Conference Center - Alexandria (from USD 134)
Situated right on the banks of Lake Darling, the three-star Arrowwood Resort Hotel and Conference Center in Alexandria is surrounded by woodland and lush greenery galore. The resort facilities range from an 18-hole golf course to indoor and outdoor pools. While warm, sunny days are great for playing tennis, hiking the surrounding trails, or checking out the horse stables, winter introduces guests to ice skating, cross-country skiing, and ice fishing. The surrounding area is sprinkled with numerous downhill runs and lifts for all levels, from beginner to pro.
The resort offers guests rooms and suites with free Wi-Fi, a microwave and a refrigerator, flat-screen television, and a seating area. The on-site Lake Café offers guests buffet and a la carte options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They serve anything from pizza to seafood.
Arrowwood Resort Hotel and Conference Center - Alexandria
Address: 2100 Arrowwood Lane Northwest
329.98 km (205.1 mi) from Gooseberry Falls State Park
3. Caribou Highlands Lodge, Lutsen (from USD 174)
Caribou Highlands Lodge in Lutsen is a beautiful ski resort in the Sawtooth Mountains surrounded by woodland. Although spectacular in any season, it’s in winter, particularly, that it gets busy. This is when snow sports enthusiasts come for the region’s iconic slopes and stunning scenery. The runs and lifts are spread out across different mountains, and there’s also an aerial gondola to the resort. The longest run is 2 miles (3.2 kilometers). Additionally, the on-site Moguls Grille and Tap Room is a ski-in-ski-out restaurant.
The resort boasts a selection of rooms, suites, and townhouses with a dining area, a microwave, a refrigerator, a coffeemaker, and flat-screen television. Select units elevate guests’ experience with a cozy fireplace and scenic mountain views.
Caribou Highlands Lodge
Address: 371 Ski Hill Road
80.92 km (50.3 mi) from Gooseberry Falls State Park
4. Solbakken Resort, Lutsen (from USD 125)
Reasonable pricing for rustic lodging near Lake Superior.
Kitchenette, pet-friendly, communal spaces, firepit, and playset available.
Conveniently located off Hwy 61 along North Shore, with beautiful lake views and easy access to tourist attractions.
No on-site restaurant, but nearby dining options available; breakfast quality varies.
Guests staying at Solbakken Resort can enjoy easy access to activities such as cross-country skiing, hiking, and snowmobiling. The resort spreads along the North Shore of Lake Superior and offers accommodation options that include motel rooms, lakeside cabins, suites, and vacation homes.
With 95 ski runs and the only gondola in the Midwest, this is a great place to enjoy winter sports. Plus, the Lutsen Mountains are only five minutes away from the resort. Guests who are into cross-country skiing are offered complimentary skis and can enter the Norpine/Deer Yard trail system right from the resort.
Solbakken Resort
Address: 4874 W Hwy 61
85.9 km (53.4 mi) from Gooseberry Falls State Park
5. Cove Point Lodge, Beaver Bay (from USD 140)
Nestled between woodland on one side and Lake Superior on the other, Cove Point Lodge is a top vacation location in Beaver Bay. Visitors come here for the rustic comfort and sweeping views and stay for the warm atmosphere and the many activities available. All rooms boast lake or cove views, a small refrigerator, and a coffeemaker. Cottages with a fully equipped kitchen, cozy fireplace, and a private deck are also available.
The outdoors offer adventures and activities, with many biking and hiking trails. Winters here are for snowshoeing, dog sledding, and hitting the Northwoods Ski Trail. Courses here are suited for beginners, intermediate, and expert skiers.
Cove Point Lodge
Address: 4614 Highway 61
17.03 km (10.6 mi) from Gooseberry Falls State Park
Make the most of your winter in Minnesota
Are you one of those people who can’t wait to hit the slopes? Or, perhaps you love the comfort and pampering that ski resorts offer their guests after a long day on the slopes. So, whether you’re traveling for adrenaline or comfort, or both, check out these best ski resorts in Minnesota, USA.
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