Fireworks burst over snowy hills at night.

New blogs, new snowmaking & new season is here

We’re happy to give you a little insight into the operations of running the Midwest’s largest ski resort.

Operations never ceases at Lutsen but winter is always on the mind here and we’ve been (and continue to be) incredibly busy with some new improvements to our infrastructure and team! Here you'll find updates (hopefully weekly) that will come from our management team, ownership group, and marketing department.  It won't always be the same author but it will feature plenty of behind the scenes information to keep you abreast of all things going on here in the Sawtooth Mountains.

A Behind the Scenes Look

But first let’s talk about the upcoming winter which is knocking on our doorstep! We had always planned to be open the weekend before Thanksgiving but that is not going to happen.  We've barely had temperatures below freezing but that is all going to change here real soon.  That being said we are focused on making snow as quickly as possible with hopes to open as soon as possible.  To put a date out there is a bit pre-mature right now but it will certainly be AFTER Thanksgiving.  So enjoy that Turkey but stay tuned as we'll probably have a good idea right around the time that bird will be cooked!

So lets give you a little insights to what we've been doing.

Snow cannon spraying mist against a blue sky.

Major Snowmaking Upgrades

Lutsen Mountains is prioritizing snowmaking with a substantial $1 million project budget. This initiative includes:

  • New Pipeline Installation: 
    Over 10,000 feet of new snowmaking pipes have been installed across the resort. Notable upgrades include Moose Mountain’s Bull Run, Moose Glade, Moose Crossing, and Lower Meadows, as well as Eagle Mountain’s Brule, Caroline’s Challenge, and Cliff’s Run. The new pipes replace older, leak-prone systems and have been increased in size to allow for higher flow rates, ensuring that snow is made more efficiently.
  • Enhanced Electrical Infrastructure: 
    To support the new snowmaking capabilities, more than 15,000 feet of electrical cable has been installed, along with two new transformers. This enhancement provides more power than ever, enabling increased operation of snowguns simultaneously across key early-season terrain.
  • Increased Hydrant and Outlet Density: 
    The installation of 60 new water hydrants and electrical outlets has more than doubled the density of snowmaking equipment available on the most crucial early-season routes. This means better coverage and more reliable snow conditions for skiers and snowboarders.
  • Advanced Pumping Technology: 
    Two new Variable Frequency Drives have been integrated into the on-mountain pumphouses, along with a network of fiber optic cables. This technology allows for instant communication between systems, maintaining consistent pressure and flow of water with minimal manual adjustments, which means more reliable snowmaking operations.
Snow groomer on a snowy slope with a forest and sea in the background.

Grooming Enhancements

In addition to snowmaking improvements, Lutsen Mountains is investing $500,000 in advanced grooming technology:

  • New Grooming Equipment: 
    The resort has acquired two new Pisten Bully 600 snowcats equipped with SnowSat software. This cutting-edge technology enables the grooming team to track and manage daily grooming operations with increased efficiency, resulting in better snow surfaces for all skiers and snowboarders.  Grooming has and always will be a top priority at all of the Midwest Family Ski Resorts and we're proud to have some of the best grooming personnel in the Midwest and back that up with some of the best equipment.  
Singer passionately playing guitar on stage.

Live Music & A New Base Area Experience

We have revamped our base area around the Gondola and Scandinavian Chalet. Over the summer we moved our lift ticket office across the street and revamped it with a new lodging reservations desk right below our Scandinavian Chalet.  This new alignment will give guests a much easier location to pick up or purchase their tickets, while checking in for their hotel.  The area also has received a complete overhaul including new walkway and entrance way that will lead up to the chalet.  Inside you'll see a brand new upstairs set up with plenty of new updates to the chalet including the return of music seven days a week this winter at Lutsen Mountains!  A nod to our heritage as one of the leaders in entertainment in the Cook County region!  

Pop art style graphic of a person with goggles, in three colorful variations.

Thank you to a Legend - Jim Vick

As we gear up for another exciting season, we want to take a moment to celebrate a key member of the Lutsen family who is gearing down: Jim Vick. After over three decades of dedication and passion at Lutsen Mountains, Jim is retiring to embrace his dream of becoming the ultimate ski bum! He’s fully committed to life on the road in his winterized trailer, traveling across the country and Canada in search of the powder we all love. And don’t worry—he’ll definitely be back in the spring, his favorite time to ski!

Throughout his incredible journey at Lutsen, Jim has made significant contributions in ski school, operations, marketing, and lodging, helping to shape Lutsen into the amazing place it is today. As a talented musician, he also played a crucial role in bringing some of the area’s biggest acts to the stage at Papa Charlie’s before its tragic fire in 2022.

Jim, you will be greatly missed, but your impact will never be forgotten! We invite everyone to join us in sharing memories and raising a glass to Jim at the Scandinavian Chalet this Friday night for a fun celebration of all things Vick!

Thank you, Jim, for everything. Here’s to your next adventure!

Lutsen Alpine Race Team

A Benefit Event for

Come out and enjoy a night of fun to a night to benefit the lutsen mountain alpine ski team.

A volunteer, parent-led alpine ski racing team and ski club open to kids 5-16. Coaches and parent volunteers work to improve confidence on the slopes, foster a team-wide connection among skiers and families, and establish a lifelong love of alpine skiing!  

Tickets to this event give you access to the following:

  • Free Appetizer Buffet provided by the team at Bluefin Bay
  • Raffle Tickets to win amazing prizes from sponsors such as Teton Gravity Research, The Ski Hut, Voyageur Brewing Company and Damage Snowboard Shop along with a full Rossignol Ski Set up provided by Lutsen Mountains!
  • Viewing of  “Beyond the Fantasy”  - TGR's latest premier film along with two other films -
  • Meet and Greet with the Lutsen Mountains Management Team 

Patience. The Prize is Near.

With these significant improvements, Lutsen Mountains is committed to providing an exceptional winter experience. The upgrades not only enhance snowmaking capabilities but also ensure that the ski surfaces are meticulously groomed, allowing for a smooth and enjoyable ride down the slopes.

As winter approaches, we invite all skiing enthusiasts to visit Lutsen Mountains and experience the transformation firsthand. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, you’ll find that the enhancements made this season will elevate your time on the mountain. Get ready for an unforgettable winter at Lutsen!

Nice to Meet You. I'm Zak. Come say hello!  

Zak 
Chief Operating Officer 
Lutsen Mountains 

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Skiers glide through snowy forest trail in winter setting.