Welch Village Ski Area Ski Report
Rate this placeLast Updated: January 11, 2026
A warm and unseasonably mild January day greets skiers at Welch Village Ski Area this Saturday, January 11, 2026. Welch Village Ski Area is a popular ski resort in Minnesota known for its varied terrain and excellent snow conditions.
Snowfall Totals & Snow Forecast
Hourly Snowfall
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Wind
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Humidity
Summary
Overnight temperatures hovered around 34.8°F, creating slushy morning conditions across the trails. With a modest snowpack depth of just 2 inches — nearly 93% below the seasonal average — expect thin coverage and some exposed areas, especially on less trafficked runs. Only 0.16 inches of snow is forecasted over the next 72 hours, so snowmaking operations will be critical to keeping trails open. Be prepared for variable surfaces and check lift updates throughout the day.
While the slopes remain open, the Welch Village community is navigating a week of mixed emotions. Tributes continue to pour in for co-founder and skiing pioneer Leigh Nelson, who passed away at 94. In contrast, tragedy struck with the heartbreaking loss of 12-year-old Tegan Johnson in a skiing accident — a sobering reminder to ski with care. Despite these somber events, the spirit of the mountain lives on: a 96-year-old legend is still carving steep lines, and local alpine teams are celebrating a big win at the Minnesota Governors Cup. As the season continues, Welch Village remains a hub for both reflection and resilience.
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 Hastings Dam 2.
Regional Snowpack Depth
Snow levels measured 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.
Historical Air Temperature
Temperature fluctuations at Welch Village Ski Area
Recent air temperature fluctuations at Welch Village Ski Area impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.
About the Area
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 |
Welch Village Ski Area FAQ
How much snow did Welch Village Ski Area receive over the past day?
The ski area received 0" of new snowfall since yesterday.
What's the weather like at Welch Village Ski Area today?
Weather today, mostly cloudy, with a high near 27. west northwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south in the afternoon.
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
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