Lutsen Mountains | Grand Marais

Lutsen Mountains – In Detail

Lutsen Mountains is Minnesota’s largest ski and outdoor recreation area, located on the rugged North Shore of Lake Superior within the Sawtooth Mountains near the town of Lutsen. It is renowned not only for alpine skiing but also for scenic gondola rides, hiking, mountain biking, fall colors, and a range of year-round experiences set against a stunning backdrop of forested peaks, river valleys, and Lake Superior’s endless horizon.

Terrain and Layout

Lutsen Mountains consists of four interconnected peaks: Moose Mountain, Eagle Mountain, Ullr Mountain, and Mystery Mountain, spread over 1,000 skiable acres. The resort area features a vertical drop of 825 feet, the most substantial in the Midwest, and is comparable to smaller ski resorts in the Rockies or Appalachians.

Each mountain offers unique characteristics:

Moose Mountain: The tallest and most scenic of the four, with sweeping views of Lake Superior and steep, forested runs. It hosts the Summit Chalet and is accessible by gondola.

Eagle Mountain: Offers intermediate and beginner-friendly trails with wide runs.

Ullr and Mystery Mountains: Smaller peaks with a mix of beginner, intermediate, and expert trails. Ullr Mountain includes the terrain park.

Winter Activities

Skiing & Snowboarding

95+ runs across a range of difficulty levels.

Terrain parks for freestyle skiing and snowboarding.

Tree skiing areas and ungroomed backcountry-like zones.

Lift system includes 8 lifts: 1 high-speed gondola, 1 high-speed quad, 6 other lifts/chairs servicing all peaks.

Snowshoeing & Nordic Skiing

Though the resort itself focuses on alpine skiing, nearby areas like Cascade River State Park and the Lutsen/Tofte Nordic trails offer snowshoeing and cross-country skiing opportunities.

Summer and Fall Activities

Lutsen Mountains transforms into a multi-season destination during the warmer months:

Summit Express Gondola

Minnesota’s only gondola takes visitors from the base to the top of Moose Mountain.

Offers panoramic views of Lake Superior, Maple Hill, and the surrounding forested ridgelines.

At the summit, visitors can dine at the Summit Chalet and explore short hiking trails.

Alpine Slide

A favorite family activity during summer: a half-mile luge-like slide that winds down Eagle Mountain.

Riders control their own speed on sleds that travel along the concrete track.

Mountain Biking

Lutsen is part of the growing Cook County mountain biking trail system.

The Lift-Served Bike Park offers gravity-fed trails on Ullr Mountain with berms, jumps, and flow sections.

Nearby, the Norpine and Jackpot/Highclimber trails provide cross-country and singletrack riding.

Hiking

Scenic trails crisscross the resort and connect to the Superior Hiking Trail.

Trails from Moose Mountain lead to overlooks, forests, and the Poplar River Valley.

Fall is especially popular when the area bursts into fiery red, orange, and gold during leaf season.

Events and Entertainment

Lutsen Mountains is also known for its music and festival scene. The Papa Charlie’s Tavern & Stage, located at the base, hosts:

Live music events, including jazz, rock, and folk performances.

Music festivals such as the Mountain Meltdown and Lutsen99er Afterparty.

Après-ski gatherings during winter, often with DJs, themed nights, and local craft brews.

Lodging and Amenities

Lutsen Mountains is not a single resort but a hub of interconnected lodges and accommodations:

Lutsen Resort on Lake Superior: Historic lakeside lodge with upscale dining, cozy fireplaces, and lake access.

Eagle Ridge Resort: Ski-in/ski-out condos at the base of Eagle Mountain.

Caribou Highlands Lodge: Family-friendly resort with pool, spa, and direct slope access.

Poplar River Condos, vacation homes, and cabins offer privacy for longer stays.

Restaurants and cafés range from lodge-style steakhouses to cozy breakfast diners and lakeside bistros. Nearby Tofte and Grand Marais offer additional options.

Sustainability and Environmental Practices

Lutsen Mountains has made efforts to reduce its environmental footprint through:

Energy-efficient snowmaking systems that use filtered Lake Superior water.

Forest preservation around hiking and biking trails to limit erosion.

A long-term plan to expand sustainably, with public review and environmental impact studies in coordination with the U.S. Forest Service.

Accessibility and Visitor Tips

Best time to visit: For skiing, January to March; for hiking and fall colors, September to early October.

Getting there: Located on Highway 61, about 90 minutes northeast of Duluth. Parking is available at all base areas.

Gondola hours: Open year-round with modified hours in spring/fall.

Weather: Rapid changes due to elevation and lake effect-bring layers.

Summary

Lutsen Mountains blends Midwestern charm with alpine adventure, offering one of the most complete four-season resort experiences in the Upper Midwest. Its high vertical drop, diverse mountain terrain, and scenic gondola views over Lake Superior make it a standout destination for skiing and snowboarding, while its summer and fall offerings-like the alpine slide, mountain biking, and vibrant festivals-make it just as compelling off-season. Whether you're seeking outdoor thrills, quiet hikes, or lakeside luxury, Lutsen delivers in every season.