Welch Village Ski Resort - Minnesota

Address:Welch, Minnesota
Tel: (651) 258-4567

"Epic terrain. Classic Style." Pretty big words to live up to, but Welch Village is up to the challenge. This Minnesota ski area is one of the Twin Cities' closest ski areas, and their fifty trails, ranging from beginner to double black diamond, serve riders on over 120 acres daily. Two terrain parks, 30km of cross country trails, and the down home hospitality of the "Snowflake Hosts" who answer any and all questions, and give directions on where to go, all combine to give Welch Village that extra edge that many smaller ski resorts often lack.

While Welch Village's summit is nothing spectacular at only 1,060 feet, their range of terrain more than makes up for that shortcoming. A healthy mixture of sixteen beginner, seven intermediate, twenty advanced, and two expert trails are all serviced by eight chairlifts, of which three are quad capable. Welch Village's fun atmosphere is revealed in the names they give their slopes, such as "Fowl Play", "Leaping Liz," and "Chicken Out."

The "Wild Finale" and "Nicola's Nook" are Welch's premier snowboarding terrain parks. Both parks feature jumps, flatboxes, rainbow rails, c-boxes, rollers, and 15-40 foot high features. Welch Village's halfpipe is located on the "Ski Bob" trail.

During their season, which runs from November to late March, over 150 professional ski instructors work tirelessly to teach skiing to guests of all ages and skill levels. There are "never ever's" lessons for brand new skiers, freestyle clinics, racing, advanced, and women's workshops. Since the mountain is open Monday through Thursday from 10am to 9pm, and on weekends from 9am to 9pm, students and non-students alike have plenty of time to perfect and show off their newest skills.

All day, afternoon, and night tickets are available for purchase at the ticket counter at adult, youth and senior rates. There are family days, college nights, and the special "flex tickets," that, when turned in after 4 hours, entitle you to either a $5 or $10 gift certificate, depending on whether the full or half day ticket was purchased, which can be used all over the mountain; in the cafeteria, for next day's lift pass, or in the retail/gift shop.

Madd Jaxx plays host to the après activities slopeside. Located on the east side of the mountain, Madd Jaxx is a full service bar with a festive attitude hard to beat. The six bunkhouses, which can house up to 25 people per bunk, is a great and affordable way to stay slopeside without burning a hole through anyone's wallet. There are also many ski and stay packages available in the surrounding four towns of Welch, Red Wing, Hastings and Cannon Falls. Each town has a sprinkling of B&Bs, hotels, inns, and private chalet rentals. Check out the massive selection of eating options in any of the towns, offering everything from tapas to steaks, to calm any hunger pains.

Classic skiing with a diverse range of terrain…riders can see why Welch Village claims their fame. All inclusive, but by no means exclusive, this resort should definitely be a stop on your itinerary.