Lutsen Mountains Ski Weekend Guide

Lutsen Mountains has the best skiing in Minnesota. It’s made up of multiple hills and looks over the beautiful Lake Superior. It’s so magical and there’s so much to do in the area! We’ve spent multiple weekends at Lutsen Mountains, so keep reading to see my best recommendations on where to stay, ski, and eat!

Updated March 2020

Lutsen Mountains: Where to stay

Eagle Ridge Resort: Best for location

Eagle Ridge Resort hosted us for one of our stays at Lutsen Mountains and it was ideal for close proximity to the lifts and for its amenities. It’s a true ski in/ski out resort right at the base of Lutsen Mountains and the best part was that we didn’t have to worry about parking! We stayed in building B which had a kitchen and common space plenty for 4 people. We also loved the hot tub after a long ski day! But be aware, no drinks of any kind are allowed!

Aspenwood Townhomes: Best for space

If you’re with a large group, I would recommend staying at a nearby VRBO called Aspenwood Townhomes. Located 8 minutes from Lutsen Mountains, this spot was the perfect place to cozy up by the fire after a long ski day and had plenty of sleeping space and bathrooms. The best part though, is that it’s right on Lake Superior and has amazing views!

Lutsen Mountains: The best runs

Lutsen Mountains is the largest ski resort in Mid-America and the only one with a gondola in the Midwest. There’s 95 total runs with a max vertical of 825 feet. Pretty good for Minnesota if you ask me! We ski out west every year and Lutsen Mountains is the most comparable. It has everything from groomed trails to tree runs…and the snow is phenomenal!

Eagle Mountain

Start the day by taking the 10th Mountain Chair up Eagle Mountain from the base. I love George’s double black down the front of the mountain which has some fun moguls. Charlotte’s Web if a great tree run down the side. If you want an easier route down, the Lodge run is a nice green that loops around the mountain!

Ullr Mountain

Ullr Mountain is a great spot for beginner to intermediate skiers. Here you’ll find some short runs but also short lines on the Ullr lift. A nice little spot!

Moose Mountain

Our FAVORITE spot at Lutsen Mountains is Moose Mountain. Take the gondola over here from Eagle Mountain. The Caribou Express lift is surrounded by blues that are perfect for beginners. Wide open and not as steep as the blues out west! If you have read a ski post of mine in the past you know we love tree runs, so Red Fox is our favorite at this lift. At the nearby Timberwolf lift, our favorite tree runs are Red Rider and Timberwolf. So fun!

Lutsen Mountains: Where to eat (and drink)

Papa Charlie’s

Papa Charlie’s is a popular gathering place right near the main chalet area at Lutsen Mountains. A great spot for beer, bar food, live music, and big screen sports. Our favorite spot after a day of skiing – we always have to stop!

Mogul’s Grille and Tap Room

Mogul’s is located right on the mountain off of the Moose Access run. Best part is, you can ski right up! We stopped in the bar for a quick lunch one day and ordered some chicken wild rice soup and a few beers (Castle Danger, of course!). We also stopped for breakfast in the main dining room – the food was good, but the service was slow. Would definitely recommend a quick stop at the bar vs. the dining area.

Summit Chalet

If you’re going to stop at a Chalet, make sure Summit Chalet is it! It’s located right on top of Moose Mountain and serves your typical chalet food, along with beer and spirits. BUT, it comes with one of the best views in the state! Make sure you take a walk onto the balcony and look out over Lake Superior – sooooo pretty!

Scandinavian Chalet

If you’re anything like me, you always need a souvenir to show where you’ve skied! Cole and I have started collecting stickers that we put on our ski helmets and the Mountain Shop had so many fun ones to choose from. Also stop in here if you need hand warmers, other ski gear, or some food!

North Shore Winery

Located right down the road from Lutsen Mountains is the North Shore Winery. Don’t miss it on your way out of the mountains – it has great wine! I love dry reds and we loved our bottle of Hari Kari. This place was such a great surprise!

Lockport

Located outside of the main Lutsen Mountains ski area is Lockport. An old school cafe and general store with great coffee and food! We love the feel of this place. Such a North Shore gem!

I can’t say enough good things about a ski trip to Lutsen MN. Thank you to Lutsen Mountains for a great time! We’ll be back!