Red cable car over autumn forest and rocky cliff.

Summit Express Gondola

Unmatched Views of the Sawtooths & Lake Superior

This aerial gondola is one of the North Shore's most popular attractions, taking you on a scenic ride to the top of Moose Mountain. Rising 1,000 feet above Lake Superior, the gentle ride is an experience not to be missed.  

Keep your eyes open for eagles, pine marten, bear, timber wolves, and moose, on your ride.  Upon the terminal at the top of Moose Mountain get out and check out our observation deck, explore hiking trails, and stop at the Summit Chalet for gorgeous views and lunch or a snack.  

2025 Summer & Fall Hours

Scenic Gondola Hours  
Daily 10:00am – 5:00pm

Extended Hours Sat

September 27th, 
October 4th, 
October 11th

9:00am – 6:00pm
Seasonal Dates  
Daily Operations June 7 – October 19

Late Fall WEEKENDS 
& Saturdays

(10am-4pm)

October 25-26, November 1, & November 8

Note: Summit Chalet closes a half hour prior to Gondola Hours at 4:30pm when in operation.

Dates & Hours are subject to change due to weather. If weather (storms, wind etc) are forecasted always best to give us a call! 

Summit Express Gondola Rates

New For 2025! 

In 2025, you'll have the option to take a standard gondola ride or take part in our new SIGNATURE GONDOLA EXPERIENCE.  

Cable car moving over lush green forest.

**new**

Signature Gondola Experience

Choose to have a PRIVATE Gondola Cabin for you and up to 7 additional guests. Each Signature Gondola Experience includes:

  • Priority Boarding
  • Private Gondola
  • Complimentary drink vouchers to stay refreshed while you enjoy the view.
  • A Lutsen Mountains summer goodie bag including:
    • Chocolate chip cookies for each guest*
    • Bottled Water*

*Note that those booking in advance will receive the above at check at the Registration Desk opposite the ticket windows. Same-day bookings or upgrades done at the ticket windows will receive coupons to redeem at the Summit Chalet Gondola on Moose Mountain. 

Guests Price
Up to two (2) Guests $120
three (3) Guests $160
four (4)  Guests $200
Five (5) or More Guests $250

Rates and availability are subject to change. All rates are inclusive of fees. Tickets are subject to Minnesota State Sales Tax (6.875%) and Cook County Sales Tax (1.5%). Taxes are not included in the prices listed above.

Buy Now

  • Private cabins fill up fast, so we recommend booking ahead — same-day reservations are limited.
  • Tickets are non-refundable, for any reason (including weather), and are only valid for the date selected.
  • Change of plans? No problem — call 218-663-7281 or stop by Guest Services by 1 PM on the day of your visit to rebook or request a credit.
  • We’re not able to accept cancellations by email, and if we don’t hear from you by 1 PM, the ticket remains valid for the day but can no longer be changed or credited.
  • Credits are valid for one year from the date they’re issued.

Standard Gondola Rides

Enjoy one of the best views in all of Minnesota from our Summit Gondola. Take a ride from our main base area over to Moose Mountain above the Poplar River valley with expansive views of the Sawtooth Mountains and the majesty of Lake Superior. Upon embarking on Moose Mountain enjoy a snack, lunch or drink inside or from our beautiful deck overlooking Lake Superior. 

Ticket Type Price
Adult [ages 13 +] $35
child [ages 6-12] $20
tots [5 and under]

Free

(With paid adult)

Rates and availability are subject to change. All rates are inclusive of fees. Tickets are subject to Minnesota State Sales Tax (6.875%) and Cook County Sales Tax (1.5%). Taxes are not included in the prices listed above.

Buy Now

Three snowboarders sit on snow, with gondolas in the sky and trees in the background.

We Are Now Cashless

Beginning summer 2023, Midwest Family Ski Resorts Properties will no longer accept cash as a form of payment. Cash may still be used as a form of gratuity, and non-MFSR-owned vendors may still accept cash.

For guests who do not have non-cash forms of payment when they arrive at Lutsen Mountains, reverse ATMs that dispense Mastercard gift cards are available in our Scandinavian Chalet and Summit Chalet.

Need Assistance?

For questions about the resort or assistance booking your visit to Lutsen, please contact guest services by calling 218-663-7281 or by emailing ski@lutsen.com.

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Skiers glide through snowy forest trail in winter setting.