Special Weather Statement
None

A swath of primarily light freezing rain, mixed with snow or sleet at times, will develop and track east across central and eastern Minnesota into western Wisconsin between 2 AM and 7 AM. An hour or two of this light wintry mix may result in minor ice accumulations. Slick spots may form on roads and sidewalks in time for the Monday morning commute. Precipitation should become mostly snow as the band pushes farther east into Wisconsin with up to an inch of snow accumulation possible. Check road conditions in the morning and plan to give yourself extra time to reach your destination.


Afton Alps Ski Area Ski Report

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Last Updated: December 21, 2025

Afton Alps Ski Area is open and buzzing this December 21, 2025, with crisp winter air and a fresh chill in the atmosphere. Afton Alps Ski Area is located in Minnesota and offers 300 acres of skiable terrain with 50 trails and 18 lifts.



Snowfall Totals & Snow Forecast

Hourly Snowfall


1"

Past 24 Hours

4.0"

Snowpack

°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity


Summary

Overnight temperatures dropped to 13.6°F, preserving a modest 4-inch snowpack—about 65% of the historical average for this time of year. Though snowfall has been modest so far, skiers and snowboarders can look forward to a light dusting of 0.55 inches expected over the next 72 hours, adding a touch of fresh powder to the mix. While not a full powder day, snowmaking crews are hard at work to ensure smooth, groomed runs across the resort.

Adding to the excitement, Olympic gold medalist Lindsey Vonn made a special appearance at Afton Alps this week, meeting with fans and energizing the local ski community. Meanwhile, big changes are on the horizon: Vail Resorts, new owner of Afton Alps, has announced upcoming upgrades as part of a $20 million investment in Midwest ski areas. Expect improvements to both infrastructure and guest experience in the near future. With holiday vibes in the air and fresh snow on the way, Afton Alps is shaping up to be a festive winter escape just outside the Twin Cities.

Snowpack Percent Normal

102%

Max Recorded Snowpack

16"

Snowfall Past 24 Hours

1"

Snowfall Past 48 Hours

1"

Snowfall Past 72 Hours

1"

Snowfall Next 24 Hours

0"

Snowfall Next 72 Hours

1"

Snowfall Next 5 Days

1"

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 Afton Alps Ski Area.

Historical Air Temperature

Temperature fluctuations at Afton Alps Ski Area


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

About the Area


The pertinent mountain ranges and mountain aspects of Afton Alps Ski Area in Minnesota include:

1. Afton Alps is located in the St. Croix River Valley, a region characterized by rolling hills and wooded landscapes.

2. The ski resort features a vertical drop of 350 feet with 48 trails spread across 300 acres of skiable terrain.

3. The terrain at Afton Alps includes a mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced runs, as well as terrain parks for snowboarders and freestyle skiers.

4. The highest point at Afton Alps is approximately 1,540 feet above sea level, offering scenic views of the surrounding countryside.

5. The ski resort is part of the Midwest's "Big 10" ski areas and is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and accessible slopes for all skill levels.

The resort's best trails are the intermediate runs, which make up the majority of the mountain. A little-known historical fact is that Afton Alps was founded in 1963 by Paul Augustine, a ski enthusiast who purchased a farm and created the ski area. For beginner skiers, the resort offers several green runs, including the Rabbit Trail, which is a gentle slope perfect for first-timers. After a day of skiing, head to the Paul's Pub for a cozy atmosphere and a great selection of craft beers.

Night Skiing

Yes

Lift Count

21 Lifts

Base Elevation

360 Meters

Terrain Park

Yes

Acreage

250 Acres

Run Count

48 Trails

Top Elevation

466 Meters

Afton Alps Ski Area FAQ


How much snow did Afton Alps Ski Area receive over the past day?

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


What's the weather like at Afton Alps Ski Area today?

Weather today, sunny, with a high near 29. light southeast wind becoming south southeast 5 to 10 mph in the morning.


What are ski area conditions in Minnesota like right now?

Ski enthusiasts in Washington State can look forward to fresh powder as the latest observations show that the Nohrsc Sawmill Ridge has received 2 inches of new snowfall in the past 24 hours. The nearest significant ski area, The Summit at Snoqualmie, located a short drive away, is well-positioned to benefit from these conditions, offering skiers and snowboarders some fresh ... Read more