Winter is holding steady at Buena Vista Ski Area this December 20, 2025, with overnight lows dipping just above zero at 0.6°F. Buena Vista Ski Area is a small ski resort in Bemidji, Minnesota, with a focus on family-friendly skiing.
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The current snowpack sits at 4.5 inches—20% below the seasonal average—creating firm, fast conditions perfect for intermediate and advanced skiers. While recent snowfall has been minimal, a light dusting of 0.5 inches is expected over the next 72 hours, potentially freshening up the trails just in time for weekend visitors. Groomers have been out early, working hard to maintain solid corduroy runs, especially on the resort’s signature hill overlooking the Northwoods.
Despite some turbulence off the slopes, including legal troubles facing the ski area’s longtime owner, Buena Vista remains committed to providing unforgettable winter experiences. This season marks the 75th anniversary of the resort, a legacy cherished by generations of Minnesota skiers. Families can still enjoy one of the state’s longest tubing hills, a highlight for thrill-seekers of all ages. While the Finlandia Ski Marathon has been canceled due to regional snow shortages, Buena Vista is keeping the spirit alive with well-maintained trails and a full calendar of events. Bundle up—winter is alive and kicking in Bemidji.
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 Bemidji 7.8 Ene, Mn.
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 Buena Vista Ski Area.
Recent air temperature fluctuations at Buena Vista Ski Area impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.
The Buena Vista Ski Area in Minnesota is located in the Buena Vista Mountain Range. The resort offers a variety of slopes with various aspects, including north-facing, south-facing, east-facing, and west-facing slopes. These different aspects can affect the amount and quality of snow on the slopes, as well as the direction of the sunlight and wind exposure.
The best trails at the resort include the beginner-friendly Bunny Hill and the challenging Gold Rush. An interesting fact about the resort is that it was founded in 1964 by a group of local skiers who wanted a place to ski in the Bemidji area. For beginner skiers, the resort offers a Ski and Snowboard School with experienced instructors. The best apres ski bar in the area is The Tavern on South Shore Drive, which offers a cozy atmosphere and great food and drinks.
The ski area received 0" of new snowfall since yesterday.
Weather today, partly sunny, with a temperature falling to around 1 by 7am. wind chill values as low as -18. west northwest wind 14 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 33 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