Winter Adventures: Skiing, Snowboarding, and Cozy Cabins in Minnesota
Just under two hours north of Minneapolis, Afton Alps rises as a premier winter playground nestled in the rolling hills of Afton. This ski area draws locals and visitors alike with its 300-foot vertical drop and more than 50 runs suited for every level, from gentle beginner slopes to challenging black diamonds. The well-groomed trails wind through dense pine forests, offering glimpses of snow-laden branches that shimmer in the winter sunlight. Night skiing here adds a magical glow, with well-lit trails transforming the landscape into a sparkling winter wonderland. Afton Alps’ proximity to the Twin Cities makes it a convenient escape for those craving fresh powder and crisp, cold air without a long drive.
Further north, about an hour and a half from Duluth, Spirit Mountain offers a distinctive blend of winter sports and panoramic vistas. This resort provides downhill skiing and snowboarding across a varied terrain of 22 runs, along with an impressive terrain park that attracts freestyle enthusiasts. The view from Spirit Mountain’s summit is unforgettable — on clear days, you can see the vast expanse of Lake Superior’s icy surface stretching to the horizon. The mountain’s elevation of 1,200 feet above Lake Superior is notable in a state known for its flatness, making it a unique spot to catch the sunset or the Northern Lights in winter’s darkest months. The combination of challenging runs and breathtaking views creates an experience that’s both thrilling and serene.
In the heart of the North Shore, about 2.5 hours northeast of Minneapolis near Duluth, Lutsen Mountains beckons adventurers with its vast ski area that stretches along the dramatic shoreline of Lake Superior. Boasting the largest ski resort in Minnesota with four interconnected mountains, Lutsen offers over 90 runs and nearly 1,000 vertical feet — the state’s highest. The crisp air here carries the scent of pine and fresh snow, and the vistas from the ridges showcase the deep blue lake framed by frosted cliffs. Skiers and snowboarders revel in the mix of groomed trails and challenging glades, while cross-country skiers find their own quiet thrills on nearby trails that weave through frozen forests. The resort’s slope-side lodges provide cozy retreats where visitors can warm up by a fire and savor views of winter’s grandeur.
For those seeking the charm of a cozy cabin retreat after a day on the slopes, Ely, located about four hours north of Minneapolis near the Canadian border, is a gateway to a quintessential Minnesota winter experience. Surrounded by the vast wilderness of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Ely offers rustic lodges and cabin rentals that emphasize solitude and comfort amid snow-covered pines. Many cabins here feature wood-burning stoves, inviting guests to curl up with a book or hot beverage after outdoor adventures. Nearby, trails like the Echo Trail offer cross-country skiing through quiet forests and frozen lakes. Ely’s remote location means the nights are dark and silent, perfect for stargazing or spotting the elusive Northern Lights dancing overhead, making it a cozy haven that embraces the spirit of winter’s quiet beauty.
In the southwestern corner of the state, about 1.5 hours west of Rochester, Buck Hill provides another excellent option for skiing and snowboarding close to urban centers. Though smaller in scale with a vertical drop of 300 feet, Buck Hill packs a punch thanks to its varied terrain parks and night skiing options. This hill is famously known as the training ground of Olympian Lindsey Vonn, adding a sense of history and inspiration to the runs. The compact ski area is surrounded by hardwood forests that turn into a snowy maze in winter, creating an intimate atmosphere where visitors can enjoy fast laps and easy access to the Twin Cities after a day outdoors.
Minnesota’s winter pleasures extend beyond the slopes to the frozen waters of White Bear Lake, a short 30-minute drive northeast of St. Paul. The lake, one of the state’s largest, transforms into a vast ice playground where locals and visitors engage in ice fishing, ice skating, and snowshoeing. Around the lake’s perimeter, rental cabins and lakeside lodges offer warm refuges with roaring fires and large windows framing the icy expanse. The annual winter festivals here celebrate ice art and local traditions, but even on quieter days, the serene silence of the frozen lake paired with the crisp, clean air crafts a quintessential winter experience. Exploring the snow-covered trails along the shore or simply relaxing in a cabin listening to the crackling fire brings the peaceful side of Minnesota’s winters vividly to life.
Not far from Minneapolis, in the northeastern suburbs, the Hyland Lake Park Reserve in Bloomington provides a scenic spot for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing that feels surprisingly wild. About 20 minutes from downtown Minneapolis, Hyland offers groomed ski trails meandering through wooded hills and open prairies that reveal tracks of deer and rabbits in the snow. The park’s rolling landscape and extensive trail system allow for peaceful exploration, often punctuated by glimpses of frozen ponds and native wildlife. Visitors can warm up in the park’s rustic warming house, a perfect place to thaw out and plan the next loop. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced skier, the combination of accessible location and varied terrain makes Hyland Lake Park Reserve a standout winter destination close to the metro.
For a true wintertime adventure combined with wilderness solitude, the St. Croix State Park, located about two hours northeast of Minneapolis near Hinckley, offers miles of trails for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing through deep forests and alongside frozen rivers. The park’s network includes the difficult Fire Tower Trail, which climbs to an old lookout tower with expansive views of snow-blanketed treetops stretching as far as the eye can see. Staying overnight in one of the park’s rustic cabins or yurts, guests find themselves immersed in the quiet rhythms of the northern forest. Early mornings here bring frost-covered branches sparkling in the sunlight, and the deep silence is broken only by the crunch of snow beneath boots and the occasional call of winter birds. This setting invites visitors to slow down and reconnect with nature’s winter beauty in a uniquely Minnesota way.