Expansion Plan
As a family-owned company, passion is what drives the evolution of Lutsen. We strive to strike a balance between expanding opportunities to interact with the mountain environment while retaining the character and natural aesthetic that makes this place so spectacular. In the past decade, we’ve invested $25 million in projects that touch all aspects of the guest experience.
See more details on our expansion plan, as well as our Environmental Impact Statement with the U.S. Forest Service.
Resort Facilities
The base area and on-mountain facilities complement the world-class scenery and terrain, enhancing your vacation experience from the moment you arrive until your final farewell.
Summit Chalet
Opulent mountaintop dining.
Papa Charlie's
Slopeside dining and music venue.
Streetscape Project
Pedestrian bridge, sidewalks, street lamps, paved curbside parking, base area courtyard, and firepit
Scandinavian Chalet Restoration
New Events Bureau
Sponsors nightly entertainment, activities, festivals, and concerts.
Expanded lodging options, creating one of the most diverse collections of resort lodging in ski country.
Lifts And Trails
Variety of terrain and efficient uphill capacity is essential for a destination resort to be "worth the drive."
Expanded to 95 runs including:
- 62 groomed runs
- 33 off-piste backcountry runs
- 2 terrain parks
- 3 double black diamond runs on Moose Mountain North Face
Lift Stats
- Timberwolf Chair - 2006
- Flapjack Conveyor Lift - 2008
- 10th Mountain Triple Chair - 2010
- Caribou Express High-Speed 6pack Chair - 2013
- Summit Express Doppelmayr 8 passenger Gondola - 2015
Snowmaking
$3 million invested in new snowmaking technology produces more snow in less time, with a significant reduction in both energy and water consumption.
Grooming
A fleet of 7 Piston Bully snowcats includes state-of-the-art tillers, a winch cat for grooming the steeps of North Face of Moose Mountain, and a Park Bully for custom terrain park grooming and building.
Environmental Stewardship
An emphasis on stewardship ensures the natural assets that make Lutsen such a special place remain the cornerstone of a North Shore vacation for generations to come.
- Installed innovative wastewater treatment systems.
- Formed the Poplar River Management Board, $2.5 million invested in water quality improvements.
- $6 million pipeline from Lake Superior as a sustainable source of water for snowmaking and potable water for resort facilities and homeowners.
- Implemented best practices for trail clearing and work vehicle access to minimize the impact of summer maintenance.
- Partnered with Conservation Minnesota to create a 'Favorite Places' website to foster a connection to the natural environment throughout the state.
Moving Forward
To ensure the sustainability of the ski area, Lutsen Mountains is seeking a special use permit from the U.S. Forest Service to expand. The master plan nearly doubles the skiable terrain, and includes parking and skier services buildings, and provides an opportunity for future generations to enjoy skiing and snowboarding at Mid-America's highest alpine resort.