Things to do / Travel Guide
Address:Grand Marais, Minnesota
Tel:
(218) 663-7281
Lutsen Mountain is the largest and highest ski area in Mid-America and is comprised of four mountains all rolled together under the name of Lutsen. Only 90 miles from Duluth, Minnesota, on Lake Superior's Northern Shore, Lutsen is a premier destination for ski and snowboarders throughout its November to April season.
Open daily from 10am to 4pm, and from 9am on the weekends, Lutsen Mountain has an impressive 1000 acres of skiable terrain, including 60 acres of tree, off-piste area where hidden patches of fresh powder can be found if sought out hard enough. 90 trails from beginner to expert are serviced by 8 chairlifts, one of which is a gondola ride capable of bringing many riders to the top in a quick, efficient manner. Lutsen breaks down their mountain areas by different names to facilitate guests finding their way around to the types of terrain they desire.
"Moose Mountain" contains 45 trails and is the largest mountain offered by Lutsen. It includes 18 backcountry trails, and gems such as "Grizzly," a ¾ of a mile trail that is all bumps. Moose Mountain is mainly for intermediate and advanced riders. "Mystery Mountain" offers 10 trails and 3 backcountry slopes to explore. Over half of the trails are graded at beginner levels and it is known for its scenic trailheads and pure solitude. "Eagle Mountain" features 25 trails and 4 backcountry slopes and caters to every level, from the narrow and steep chutes to the long cruiser trails. "Ullr Mountain" is the smallest of the mountains at Lutsen, with only 7 runs and 1 backcountry slope, but this is the place beginner guests will want to be. It features a learning park for snowboarders, designated slow-skiing zones, and over 70% of the slopes are specifically for beginners. Advanced riders will not find any slopes for them here!
The already experienced snowboarders will want to head on over to "Mystery Mountain" where Lutsen's advanced terrain park is located. The advanced park boasts a mixture of boxes, rails, rollers, tabletops, and berms where snowboarders can chill and show off their skills all day long.
Reservations are strongly recommended for those wanting any lessons at the PSIA/AASI certified ski school. The "Snowbunnies" program for ages 3 to 12 offer a supervised, structured introduction to skiing or snowboarding, and can be purchased for full or half day packages. Note that the full day option includes lunch, while half day patrons must bring their own snacks. Students must be at least 13 in order to join the group lessons at Lutsen, however qualified instructors will teach private lessons from ages 4 and up.
All lift tickets, rentals, and lodging discounts can be found online, which saves time and money, but guests preferring the old-fashioned way of buying lift passes can do so at the ticket counter onsite. Adult and children rates differ, while children under the age of 5 ski or ride free with a paying adult. If guests purchase a morning pass and return it before 12:30pm, they will receive around $5 off towards their next lift ticket purchased on another day. Kids receive free rental equipment with the purchase of an online lift ticket, making it an incentive to purchase tickets by this method. Standard and performance equipment, as well as cross-country skis and snowshoes, are available at the fully stocked rental shack onsite.
When hunger sets in, check out the 2 bars and 5 eating establishments onsite. Check into Papa Charlie's Tavern and Stage for a drink, and put on the dancing shoes for the sunken dance floor, live bands playing on the stages, and nightclub atmosphere. Or head over to Caribou Crossing for a more relaxed après ski experience. From burgers to fine dining, bistro and family style service are all available at the restaurants at Lutsen. Within the Lake Superior area, bakeries to upscale dining rooms all offer delicious meals with a complimentary view of the pristine Lake Superior.
Ski and stay packages are only available if booked online through Lutsen's partners, and Lutsen's Resort onsite gives guests a choice of the lodge, log cabins, condos, or town homes. Swimming pools, whirlpools, a game room, fireplaces and Jacuzzis are all standard, and some are even located within the unit itself. There are no less than 3,150 rooms available within a 20 mile radius from Lutsen's base lodge, however, so no one need fear being left out in the cold when the sun sets. Some lodgings even offer shuttle service directly to the mountain – check with the front desk to see which lodgings offer this service.
This winter, why head to the smaller mountains with limited terrain, and drive miles to get a decent meal and après ski events, when Lutsen Moutain is ready and waiting to have you come visit?