History & Improvements

Charles Alex Nelson, a Swedish immigrant, established Lutsen Resort on the North Shore of Lake Superior.  The resort served as a summer retreat for guests seeking a wilderness experience. 

The first slope was added to the resort in 1948 by CA Nelson’s grandson, George Nelson.  Like many ski area founders at the time, George was inspired by his World War II experience in Europe as part of the alpine skiing 10th Mountain Division.

Cindy Nelson, George’s daughter, learned to ski at Lutsen Mountains, became the first U.S. World Cup downhill winner, and earned a Bronze medal in the 1976 Olympic downhill.

Charles Skinner Sr., known as “Papa Charlie,” purchased the resort and began its expansion. His visionary leadership helped transform Lutsen into the 4-mountain resort that it is today. 

Trails and lifts came to Moose Mountain, the resort’s largest mountain. Skiers had the option to ski to Moose via an access trail but needed to use a bus for the 1-mile return journey to the main ski runs. 

Construction began on Caribou Highlands, a slopeside resort that currently features 150 condos, townhomes, and hotel rooms.

Lutsen installed a gondola, a Midwest first, to connect the base area and existing runs to Moose Mountain.

Construction began on Eagle Ridge, which currently includes 85 studios and condos.

Papa Charlie’s opened as a restaurant and music venue. 

Lutsen added its first high-speed chairlift, a 6-pack chairlift serving Moose Mountain.

In 2014, an 8-passenger Doppelmayer gondola was installed, replacing Lutsen’s previous 4-passenger model, which had originally been acquired from a Vermont ski area.

Outdoor pool; sauna and fitness center: Lutsen’s slopeside resort, Eagle Ridge, adds year-around outdoor pool and whirlpool overlooking the slopes and a sauna and fitness center. 

Mid-America’s only gondola ties the resort together with its two largest mountains (Eagle and Moose) served by their own high-speed 6-pack chairlifts. 

Lofty Gondola opened as a new music venue at the resort after a fire destroyed Papa Charlie’s. 
 

The resort completed a new upscale restaurant, Charlie’s Alpine Bistro, and added ten new studios and condominiums at Eagle Ridge.