Welch Village Ski Area Ski Report

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Last Updated: January 10, 2026

Bluebird skies and mild January temps greet skiers at Welch Village Ski Area today, with the overnight low holding near 34.8°F. Welch Village Ski Area is a popular ski resort in Minnesota known for its varied terrain and excellent snow conditions.



Snowfall Totals & Snow Forecast

Hourly Snowfall


1"

Past 24 Hours

2.0"

Snowpack

°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity


Summary

Despite the unseasonably warm weather, the resort remains open with a modest 2” snowpack—about 12% of its average depth for this time of year. Conditions are mixed, with limited natural snow coverage; however, snowmaking efforts have helped keep key runs skiable. A light dusting of 0.42” is forecast over the next 72 hours, offering a small but hopeful refresh for the trails.

This week at Welch is marked by stories of both celebration and reflection. The local ski community mourns the passing of Leigh Nelson, co-founder and passionate advocate for the sport. Meanwhile, hearts are heavy after recent tragic accidents involving young skiers, underscoring the need for safety and awareness on the slopes. Yet, resilience shines through: a 96-year-old skier continues to carve turns, and local alpine teams proudly brought home the Minnesota Governor’s Cup. Whether you're hitting the slopes for turns or tunes—Mark Joseph & Friends are scheduled to perform—Welch Village offers a mix of terrain, history, and heart this winter.

Snowpack Percent Normal

75%

Max Recorded Snowpack

16"

Snowfall Past 24 Hours

1"

Snowfall Past 48 Hours

2"

Snowfall Past 72 Hours

2"

Snowfall Next 24 Hours

0"

Snowfall Next 72 Hours

0"

Snowfall Next 5 Days

0"

Terrain Surface

NA

Powder Score

NA
       

Weather Forecast

Seasonal Comparison

Year over year snow water equivalent


Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) shows how much water the snow holds. This is ideal for year-to-year tracking of real snowfall and water resources. Measurements from Hastings Dam 2.

Regional Snowpack Depth

Snow levels measured from Hastings Dam 2


Snowpack depth measures how much snow has accumulated in the area. This is a key indicator of powder quality, trail coverage, and how epic your runs are going to be this season at Welch Village Ski Area.

Historical Air Temperature

Temperature fluctuations at Welch Village Ski Area


Recent air temperature fluctuations at Welch Village Ski Area impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.

About the Area


Welch Village Ski Area is located in the Welch Village area of Minnesota. The ski resort is situated in the Cannon River Valley, which is surrounded by rolling hills and bluffs. The area is part of the Mississippi River Valley, which is known for its unique geology and topography.

The ski resort itself is nestled in the Cannon River Valley, with the ski runs winding through the rolling hills and valleys of the area. The terrain at Welch Village Ski Area is characterized by a mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced runs, with a total of 60 runs spread out over 140 acres of skiable terrain.

The ski resort is also located near several notable mountain ranges in Minnesota, including the Cannon River Valley Bluffs and the Cannon River Valley Hills. These mountain ranges provide a stunning backdrop for skiers and snowboarders as they navigate the slopes of the ski resort.

Overall, Welch Village Ski Area offers a unique skiing and snowboarding experience in Minnesota, with diverse terrain and stunning mountain views.

The resort offers 60 runs and 10 lifts, with the best trails for advanced skiers being Avalanche and Wild Finale. The resort also has some great beginner trails like Eagle Ridge and Moose Face, making it an ideal destination for families. An interesting fact is that Welch Village was once owned by legendary Olympic skier Jean-Claude Killy. For beginners, it is recommended to take the Beyond Beginner lesson which includes lift tickets, rental equipment, and a two-hour group lesson. For après ski, The Alley Sports Tavern is a popular spot for drinks and live music.

Night Skiing

Yes

Lift Count

10 Lifts

Base Elevation

213 Meters

Terrain Park

Yes

Acreage

140 Acres

Established

1965

Run Count

60 Trails

Top Elevation

323 Meters

Welch Village Ski Area FAQ


How much snow did Welch Village Ski Area receive over the past day?

The ski area received 0" of new snowfall since yesterday.


What's the weather like at Welch Village Ski Area today?

Weather today, a 40 percent chance of snow after 3pm. increasing clouds, with a high near 24. west northwest wind 5 to 10 mph increasing to 10 to 15 mph in the afternoon.


What are ski area conditions in Minnesota like right now?

Fresh snow has been falling across several regions in the United States, with skiers and snowboarders eagerly looking to hit the slopes. In the last 24 hours, Nohrsc Sawmill Ridge in Washington State reported a modest 2 inches of new snow over a 170-inch base, with weather conditions described as hazy with a slight chance of thunderstorms to follow. While ... Read more