Summit Express
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, explore hiking trails, or stop at the Summit Chalet at Lutsen Mountains for gorgeous views and lunch or a snack.
2024 Summit Express Dates & Hours
| Spring dates | May 4, 11 & 18, June 1 |
|---|---|
| Sat-Mon (memorial weekend) | May 25-27 |
| Open Daily | June 7-Oct 13 |
| thur - sun (Mea weekend) | Oct 17-20 |
Our summer attractions are weather-dependent, on days with heavy fog or rain we are unable to operate the Alpine Slide. Please call our central reservation at 877-458-8736 on days with inclement weather prior to online purchase.
| hours of operation | 10:00am-5:00pm* |
|---|---|
| spring & fall Saturdays | 10:00am-4:00pm |
Guests must load attraction lifts no later than 15 minutes prior to closing.
Schedule may vary due to weather.
*September 21 & 28, October 5: Summit Express OPEN 9:00am-6:00pm
Summit Express Gondola Rates
Summit Express tickets
| Adult [ages 13-79] |
$36* |
|---|---|
| child [ages 6-12] |
$26* |
| senior [ages 80+] |
FREE |
| tots [5 and under] |
FREE with paid adult |
| Family Gondola package (1 Adult/1 Child Combo) |
$55* |
| unlimited* [all ages] |
$44* |
| One-way tickets |
Save $4/person Ride up and hike down via Superior Hiking Trail |
Rates and availability are subject to change.
*All summer tickets are subject to an additional Resort Fee (5.5%). All summer tickets are subject to Minnesota State Sales Tax (6.875%) and Cook County Sales Tax (1.5%). Taxes and fees are not included in the above prices.
Slide/Gondola Combo ticket
| adult [ages 16-79] |
$TBA* |
|---|---|
| child [ages 6-12] |
$TBA* |
| senior [ages 80+] |
$TBA* |
| adventure pass upgrade* [onsite only] |
$TBA* |
Non-transferable, a single ride on each the alpine slide and gondola.
Rates and availability are subject to change.
*All summer tickets are subject to an additional Resort Fee (5.5%). All summer tickets are subject to Minnesota State Sales Tax (6.875%) and Cook County Sales Tax (1.5%). Taxes and fees are not included in the above prices.
slide/gondola Adventure Pass
| all ages* |
$TBA* |
|---|
Non-transferable, slide/gondola pass.
Rates and availability are subject to change.
*All summer tickets are subject to an additional Resort Fee (5.5%). All summer tickets are subject to Minnesota State Sales Tax (6.875%) and Cook County Sales Tax (1.5%). Taxes and fees are not included in the above prices.
buy an adventure pass in advance 48 hours + and SAVE $6!
Our summer attractions are weather-dependent.
Please call our central reservation at 877-458-8736 on days with inclement weather prior to online purchase.
*Adventure Passes and Unlimited Slide Passes are not available during peak fall dates. September 21, 28 & 29, October 5 & 6.
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.
Summer FAQs
Where can we purchase tickets?
Our ticket products are available for purchase at our ticket office which is located across from the base of the Summit Express Gondola. We do encourage guests to pre-purchase online at lutsen.com, you will then redeem your online order when onsite. Pre-purchasing helps us to capture the necessary guest information in advance which allows our lines to move faster. You will also need to fill out a summer release of liability online at lutsen.com/waiver if you are purchasing a ticket that provides access to the Alpine Slide, a waiver is not required if you are utilizing the Summit Express Gondola only.
All tickets are non-refundable.
What is an Adventure Pass?
The Adventure Pass gives access to the Summit Express Gondola and Alpine Slide for the date of purchase. This is the best deal available when spending the day at Lutsen Mountains.
What is a Combo Ticket?
The Combo Ticket gives each guest one ride on the Alpine Slide and one ride on the Summit Express Gondola. Upgrades are available to our Adventure Pass if after purchase you would like to extend your time with us.
What is the Alpine Slide?
Our Alpine Slide is an adventure ride that is accessed via the Bridge Chairlift. Guests will ride to the top of Eagle Mountain and once there will grab a sled for ½ mile course down the mountain.
How long does the Alpine take to ride?
The chairlift ride is approximately 5 minutes. For the ride down, guests control their own speed and this can take anywhere from 2-10 minutes. Your speed is controlled by a hand brake located on the sled. A total round-trip can take 7 to 15 minutes, not including any wait time. Allow more time on peak days as there may be a line. All guests should control their sled at a speed they are comfortable with and should not exceed the speed with which they feel in control of their sled.
Does the slide close down for any reason?
Yes, we cannot operate the slide if there is any moisture on the track and it will be closed if there is rain, mist, or dense fog. The slide will also close in the event of lightning.
Are there any age or weight restrictions?
Yes, there are: children 2-5 must ride in the lap of an adult. Children who are 6 or older and who are under 48” are welcome to ride with someone over the age of 16 but must purchase a ticket. In addition, children under 2 are not allowed on the Alpine Slide.
What is the Summit Express Gondola?
The Summit Express Gondola is an enclosed gondola ride that takes you from the mountain base area to the top of Moose Mountain.
What is there to do once you are on Moose Mountain?
At the top of the mountain is the Summit Chalet eatery, overlook decks and hiking trails.
Does the gondola close for any reason?
The gondola will close if there is lightning or very strong winds (over 50mph). Occasionally when the weather is very foggy and visibility is compromised, we may close operations as the Summit Express is a sightseeing ride and there would not be much to see.
Can dogs ride the gondola?
Yes, dogs are welcome on the Summit Express. Please know however that there is metal grating at the base areas which some dogs find uncomfortable to walk on. Due to health laws, only service animals with clear identification are able to enter the Summit Chalet. Dogs must be on a leash at all times.
Where is the nearest restroom?
At the base of the mountain, public restrooms are located in the Scandinavian Chalet next to the Summit Express Gondola. On Moose Mountain restroom facilities are located across the deck from the Summit Chalet.
Where are we able to get lunch or snacks?
Summit Chalet Eatery
The Summit Chalet offers a variety of menu options including wraps, burgers, salads, and appetizers; they also have a bar and offer a variety of drink options. Food service is available daily from 11a-4p, with bar service until 4:40p unless there is an event in which case food service ends at 3p. A menu is available online for viewing at lutsen.com. A Summit Express Gondola ticket is required to access the chalet, or guests are able to utilize the hiking route on Moose Mountain.
Need Assistance?
For questions about the resort or assistance booking your visit to Lutsen, please contact guest services by calling 218-406-1320 or by emailing ski@lutsen.com.
Everybody likes a little thrill, and the Alpine Slide is ready to oblige. Take it slow, and soak in the sights, or let it rip in a blur of fun.
Take the Summit Express to the top of Moose Mountain and take in the scenic Northwoods while enjoying lunch, snacks, or a drink.