Buena Vista Ski Area Ski Report
Rate this placeLast Updated: January 11, 2026
A mild overnight low of 30°F has kept conditions soft at Buena Vista Ski Area this January 11, 2026. Buena Vista Ski Area is a small ski resort in Bemidji, Minnesota, with a focus on family-friendly skiing.
Snowfall Totals & Snow Forecast
Hourly Snowfall
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
The snowpack currently measures 6 inches—significantly below the seasonal average by over 30%—and only 0.47 inches of fresh snowfall is expected over the next 72 hours. While the base remains thin, groomers are working hard to maintain skiable terrain. Visitors can expect spring-like conditions with patchy coverage in lower-elevation areas; early morning runs are recommended before midday thaw sets in. Snowmaking operations will be critical in the coming days if temperatures permit.
Despite the challenging snow conditions, Buena Vista is still buzzing with excitement as it celebrates its 75th anniversary this season—highlighting decades of snowy memories and community spirit. However, the resort also finds itself in the headlines for less celebratory reasons: the ski area's owner is facing serious legal charges involving the alleged financial exploitation of a vulnerable family member. While these developments are making waves locally, the resort itself remains open and operational. In brighter news, thrill-seekers can still enjoy the region’s longest tubing hill, offering a high-speed alternative to the lighter-than-usual snowpack.
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 Bemidji 7.8 Ene, Mn.
Regional Snowpack Depth
Snow levels measured 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.
Historical Air Temperature
Temperature fluctuations at Buena Vista Ski Area
Recent air temperature fluctuations at Buena Vista Ski Area impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.
About the Area
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.
Buena Vista Ski Area FAQ
How much snow did Buena Vista Ski Area receive over the past day?
The ski area received 0" of new snowfall since yesterday.
What's the weather like at Buena Vista Ski Area today?
Weather today, mostly cloudy, with a high near 27. calm wind becoming south southwest 5 to 9 mph in the morning.
What are ski area conditions in Minnesota like right now?
As the season progresses, ski enthusiasts are keeping a keen eye on the snowfall totals to plan their next alpine adventure. In Washington State, the Nohrsc Sawmill Ridge has reported a fresh 2 inches of snow over the past 24 hours, with a base of 170 inches. This bodes well for nearby ski resorts like The Summit at Snoqualmie and ... Read more
Three Island Access Northeast Beltrami County