It’s a crisp and clear December 20th at Buck Hill Ski Area, where overnight lows dipped to a brisk 10°F, preserving the fresh machine-groomed surfaces across open runs. Buck Hill Ski Area is a popular ski resort in Minnesota with 16 slopes and 10 lifts.
Wind
Humidity
Despite a modest 2-inch snowpack, skiers will be pleased to know this is over 200% of the typical depth for this time of year—thanks to efficient snowmaking and a few early-season dustings. Conditions today are fast and firm, ideal for early-season carving and training. Snow is in the forecast later this week, with flurries expected to freshen surfaces just in time for the holiday weekend. Lifts are spinning, and both terrain park features and beginner slopes are open for action.
While the slopes are buzzing, Buck Hill is also celebrating off the snow. This season marks the 60th anniversary of the iconic hill that produced Olympians and launched the legendary coaching career of Erich Sailer. Recent headlines celebrate the area’s surprising legacy in shaping elite athletes from the flatlands. Meanwhile, visitors should note an ongoing legal matter involving a past rope tow incident, though operations remain unaffected. With fewer crowds than the mountains and a rich history underfoot, Buck Hill is offering more than just turns—it’s delivering Minnesota’s best winter escape.
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 Hampton,Ia.
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 Buck Hill Ski Area.
Recent air temperature fluctuations at Buck Hill Ski Area impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.
Buck Hill Ski Area in Minnesota is located in the Mississippi River Valley and does not have any significant mountain ranges or large mountain aspects. The ski resort features mostly gentle hills and slopes for skiing and snowboarding. It is known for being a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts in the region.
Best trails include Jack Frost, a black diamond run, and Dynamite, a challenging run with moguls. An interesting historical fact is that Buck Hill was the training ground for Olympic gold medalist Lindsey Vonn. For beginner skiers, the Learning Hill is a great place to start with gentle slopes and dedicated instructors. The best après ski bar is the Fireside Lounge, with a cozy fireplace and a wide selection of drinks and snacks. Buck Hill Ski Area offers a great skiing experience for all levels of skiers with interesting history and great amenities for post-ski relaxation.
Established | 1954 |
Terrain Park | Yes |
Night Skiing | Yes |
Lift Count | 11 Lifts |
Run Count | 16 Trails |
The ski area received 0" of new snowfall since yesterday.
Weather today, mostly cloudy through mid morning, then gradual clearing, with a temperature falling to around 25 by 5pm. breezy, with a northwest wind 11 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph.
Ski enthusiasts looking for fresh powder should direct their attention toward the Pacific Northwest and the Rocky Mountains, as recent observations indicate new snowfall in these regions. In Washington, the Nohrsc Sawmill Ridge has received 2 inches of fresh snow over the past 24 hours, with a considerable base of 170 inches. Despite the haze and slight chance of thunderstorms, ... Read more