Raptor Grand Opening & 75th Anniversary Celebration
We are delighted to extend an invitation to the grand opening of the Raptor Express Lift, coinciding with the celebration of Lutsen Mountains' 75th Anniversary on Friday, December 15, 2023! This dual event will not only commemorate the debut of the second lift of its kind at our Legendary North resort but also honor the storied history of Minnesota's longest-running ski resort.
The Raptor Express stands as the most significant upgrade at Lutsen Mountains since the installation of the Summit Express Gondola in 2015. Offering skiers and riders swift access to the popular terrain of Eagle Mountain, this new addition, when combined with the Gondola and Caribou 6-pack, continues to cement Lutsen Mountains as home to one of the most dynamic and fastest lift operations in the entire Midwest!
Join us for a chronicle of family, legacy, & the ever-evolving tale of Lutsen Mountains.
RAPTOR EXPRESS RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY
2:30PM EAGLE MOUNTAIN SUMMIT / RAPTOR EXPRESS TOP TERMINAL
Since 1948 Lutsen Mountains has been family-owned and operated by two families the Nelson Family until 1980 and then the Skinner Family until the present day.
Olympic Bronze Medalist & US Ski Team Hall of Fame Inductee, Cindy Nelson who grew up skiing at Lutsen Mountains during her family's ownership will join Charles Skinner and his daughter Charlotte Skinner-Rickert (current owners and operators of Lutsen Mountains), and long-tenured Lutsen Mountains GM - Jim Vick in a commemorative ride up the Raptor Express for a ribbon cutting ceremony atop Eagle Mountain.
Upon commemorating the opening of the lift Lutsen management and owners will be available for a meet & greet with hot cocoa and cookies at the Scandinavian Chalet. The public is invited to join and learn about the Raptor Express project and the legacy it will provide Lutsen Mountains guests and passholders now and into the future.
75TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION PRESENTATION
4:00PM SCANDINAVIAN CHALET
In a heartfelt tribute to the roots that anchor us, members of the esteemed Nelson & Skinner family will weave a narrative of memories, accompanied by a poignant photo and video presentation. Together, we embark on a journey back in time, revisiting the Legacy of Lutsen Mountains and the profound impact it has etched upon the skiing and riding landscapes of Minnesota, the Midwest, and the Cook County region, nestled along the north shore of Lake Superior.
With a heart full of nostalgia, Cindy will regale us with memories of her formative years atop the hill, basking in the stewardship of her parents. Following will be a tribute to "Papa Charlie" who acquired Lutsen Mountains in 1980. Under his visionary leadership, the annual skier numbers doubled, leaving an indelible mark on the region's economy. Their reflections will illuminate the growth of Lutsen Mountains and the enduring impact on the Northshore that reverberates through the years.
Charlotte will share a glimpse of the Skinner Family's unfolding legacy to bring us into the present and gaze into the future. As the torch passes to the next generation, Lutsen Mountains, along with the newly formed Midwest Family Ski Resort portfolio encompassing Lutsen, Granite Peak in Wisconsin, and Snowriver Mountain Resort in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, stands at the threshold of a promising tomorrow.
RSVP NOW
The Anniversary Celebration is open to the public. RSVP required.
A $20 donation to the Lutsen Alpine Ski Team is suggested.
Complimentary light hors d’oeuvres are served along with Drinks Available for Purchase.