Santa brought a winter wonderland to Welch Village this Christmas Day! Welch Village Ski Area is a popular ski resort in Minnesota known for its varied terrain and excellent snow conditions.
Wind
Humidity
With overnight lows dipping to a brisk 27.6°F and a snowpack depth of 5 inches—just shy of the seasonal average at 92.7%—conditions are holding steady across the slopes. Groomers were out early, and trails are freshly corduroyed for optimal carving. While no new snow is currently falling, forecasts hint at a light dusting later in the week, keeping conditions fresh. All open runs are skiable, with solid base coverage for beginner and intermediate skiers. Expect packed powder with occasional softer spots in shaded areas. Bundle up and enjoy the crisp air—it’s a classic Minnesota ski day.
This holiday season at Welch Village is marked by reflection and reverence. The local skiing community mourns the passing of Leigh Nelson, the beloved co-founder and tireless advocate for the sport, who died at 94. Meanwhile, a 96-year-old skier continues to inspire as he takes on the slopes with vigor. However, recent tragedies—including the heartbreaking loss of young skiers—serve as a solemn reminder to prioritize safety on the mountain. Ski with awareness and look out for one another. Welch Village continues to offer a heartfelt welcome this Christmas, blending remembrance, resilience, and the pure joy of skiing.
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 Hastings Dam 2.
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 Welch Village Ski Area.
Recent air temperature fluctuations at Welch Village Ski Area impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.
Welch Village Ski Area is located in the Welch Village area of Minnesota. The ski resort is situated in the Cannon River Valley, which is surrounded by rolling hills and bluffs. The area is part of the Mississippi River Valley, which is known for its unique geology and topography.
The ski resort itself is nestled in the Cannon River Valley, with the ski runs winding through the rolling hills and valleys of the area. The terrain at Welch Village Ski Area is characterized by a mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced runs, with a total of 60 runs spread out over 140 acres of skiable terrain.
The ski resort is also located near several notable mountain ranges in Minnesota, including the Cannon River Valley Bluffs and the Cannon River Valley Hills. These mountain ranges provide a stunning backdrop for skiers and snowboarders as they navigate the slopes of the ski resort.
Overall, Welch Village Ski Area offers a unique skiing and snowboarding experience in Minnesota, with diverse terrain and stunning mountain views.
The resort offers 60 runs and 10 lifts, with the best trails for advanced skiers being Avalanche and Wild Finale. The resort also has some great beginner trails like Eagle Ridge and Moose Face, making it an ideal destination for families. An interesting fact is that Welch Village was once owned by legendary Olympic skier Jean-Claude Killy. For beginners, it is recommended to take the Beyond Beginner lesson which includes lift tickets, rental equipment, and a two-hour group lesson. For après ski, The Alley Sports Tavern is a popular spot for drinks and live music.
Night Skiing | Yes |
Lift Count | 10 Lifts |
Base Elevation | 213 Meters |
Terrain Park | Yes |
Acreage | 140 Acres |
Established | 1965 |
Run Count | 60 Trails |
Top Elevation | 323 Meters |
The ski area received 0" of new snowfall since yesterday.
Weather today, a slight chance of drizzle or freezing rain between 11am and 1pm, then a slight chance of drizzle after 1pm. mostly cloudy, with a high near 35. southeast wind 5 to 10 mph increasing to 10 to 15 mph in the afternoon. chance of precipitation is 20%.
Ski enthusiasts in Washington can revel in fresh powder as the Nohrsc Sawmill Ridge, located in the heart of the Cascade Range, reported a modest 2 inches of new snow over the last 24 hours. With 170 inches at the base and more snow expected, resorts nearby such as The Summit at Snoqualmie and Crystal Mountain will offer delightful conditions ... Read more