Environmental Stewardship

The Lake Superior-Poplar River Water District and pipeline project is the result of efforts by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and Minnesota's conservation community to have Lutsen Mountains use water from Lake Superior for snowmaking instead of water from the Poplar River, a designated trout stream. Through our efforts, funding has been secured and construction has been substantially completed. In November 2017, the pipeline became operational for all snowmaking needs of the ski area. The pipeline is also available to provide water for firefighting. Several hydrants are located along the pipeline for filling tanker trucks. The pipeline can deliver 7500 gallons/minute, and represents a critical piece of infrastructure to ensure the sustainability of the resort for future generations.

The purchase of 32 new SMI Pole Cat snow guns has doubled Lutsen's fleet of high-efficiency guns, which use less electricity and water but produce more snow. These snowmaking machines are each equipped with their own mini weather stations, which measure temperature and humidity to automatically adjust the optimum mixture of air and water flow.

Lutsen Mountains is proud to be the sole corporate sponsor of the Favorite Places feature on Conservation Minnesota's website. Our commitment is to be one of your favorite places, but we know Minnesotans love the outdoors and exploring their great state. It reflects our joint commitment to the idea that each person who gets out and enjoys our lakes, woods, and wildlife, can be a partner in protecting the Minnesota we all love.

These are all part of our commitment to preserve the outdoor experience for generations to come.