Buena Vista Ski Area Ski Report
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 29, 2025
It’s a chilly morning at Buena Vista Ski Area with overnight temps dipping to 20°F, providing ideal conditions for maintaining the current snowpack. 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
While the base depth sits at 3.5 inches—significantly below the seasonal average by over 60%—the slopes remain open with limited terrain available. Snowmakers have been working overtime, and a light 0.95 inches of natural snow is forecasted over the next 72 hours, offering a modest refresh to the trails. Skiers can expect firm, groomed runs with a few icy patches, particularly in high-traffic areas.
Despite the challenges, there's still reason to celebrate at Buena Vista, which is proudly marking its 75th anniversary on the slopes—a milestone rich with northern Minnesota ski history. However, the ski area's spirit is tempered by serious legal headlines involving its ownership, as local reports confirm charges of financial exploitation against the operator. Still, Buena Vista’s famed tubing hill continues to draw crowds, promising high-speed thrills regardless of snowpack levels. With the cancellation of this year’s Finlandia Ski Marathon due to low snow, Buena Vista remains one of the few local destinations still offering winter fun—so bundle up, hit the hill, and make the most of the wintry offerings.
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 sunny, with a steady temperature around 2. wind chill values as low as -19. northwest wind 6 to 10 mph.
What are ski area conditions in Minnesota like right now?
Skiers and snowboarders looking to carve fresh powder may want to turn their attention to Washington and Colorado, where recent snowfalls have dusted the slopes. In Washington, the Nohrsc Sawmill Ridge area reported a modest 2 inches of new snow over the past 24 hours. While this may not be a game-changer, the base of 170 inches is substantial, suggesting ... Read more
Three Island Access Northeast Beltrami County