Winter Storm Watch
2025-12-29T06:00:00-06:00

* WHAT...Heavy snow and areas of blowing snow possible. Total snow accumulations between 4 and 7 inches possible. Winds could gust as high as 40 mph. * WHERE...Portions of central, north central, northwest, and west central Minnesota. * WHEN...From Sunday morning through Monday morning * IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Falling and blowing snow may lead to areas of quick and sudden reductions to visibility, making travel difficult, especially in rural areas that are prone to blowing snow.


Buena Vista Ski Area Ski Report

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Last Updated: December 27, 2025

Winter is making a slow but promising return to Buena Vista Ski Area this December 27, 2025. 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


1"

Past 24 Hours

3.5"

Snowpack

°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity


Summary

Overnight temperatures held steady at 22°F, preserving the modest snowpack of 3.5 inches—well below the seasonal average, currently down by over 50%. However, skiers can look forward to a light refresh, with 2.4 inches of snow forecasted over the next 72 hours. While natural snow is scarce, snowmaking operations are in full swing to keep key runs and the tubing hill in top shape. Conditions are variable, so early season caution is advised, especially on ungroomed terrain.

Despite some turbulence off the slopes, Buena Vista is pushing forward with its 75th anniversary celebrations, commemorating decades of northern Minnesota ski tradition. The ski area recently made headlines due to legal issues involving its owner, casting a shadow over an otherwise festive season. Meanwhile, regional snow events like the Finlandia Ski Marathon have been canceled due to snow shortages, amplifying the importance of resilient operations like Buena Vista’s. Visitors can still find thrills on the tubing hill—touted as Minnesota’s longest—and enjoy a nostalgic ride through the area’s rich alpine history. Keep an eye on updated conditions as the forecast evolves.

Snowpack Percent Normal

53%

Max Recorded Snowpack

31"

Snowfall Past 24 Hours

1"

Snowfall Past 48 Hours

1"

Snowfall Past 72 Hours

1"

Snowfall Next 24 Hours

0"

Snowfall Next 72 Hours

2"

Snowfall Next 5 Days

3"

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 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, a slight chance of freezing rain between 8am and 10am. patchy fog. otherwise, cloudy, with a high near 36. south southeast wind around 6 mph becoming calm in the afternoon. chance of precipitation is 20%.


How much new snowfall is forecasted for Buena Vista Ski Area this week?

Buena Vista Ski Area is expected to receive up to 2.71" of new snowfall in the next 5 days.


What are ski area conditions in Minnesota like right now?

In Washington State, snow enthusiasts can enjoy fresh powder with recent observations showing new snowfall at Nohrsc Sawmill Ridge. Although the area has seen 2 inches of snow over the past 24 hours, the base remains significant at 170 inches. The weather forecast warns of hazy conditions followed by a slight chance of thunderstorms, which could affect visibility and on-mountain ... Read more