8. Lutsen Mountains, Minnesota
PHOTO: PER BREIEHAGEN/COURTESY OF LUTSEN MOUNTAINS
Find it: 467 Ski Hill Road, Lutsen, Minnesota
Top elevation: 1,088 feet
Advertisement
When it comes to skiing, most flock to the known high points — the Rockies, the Sierras, the Cascades — instead of the Midwest, a region often mistakenly thought of as being totally flat. However, Midwestern powder seekers should know about Minnesota's Lutsen Mountains, which offer stunning views, access to tree skiing, and massive terrain. The resort has four interconnected mountains and features 95 different runs set over 1,000 acres and 60 acres of tree skiing. On top of that, visitors will be awed by the gorgeous views of Lake Superior — and the 120 inches of lake-effect snow that falls here each year is just a bonus.
Those looking to get out and explore can also hit up the more than 275 miles of cross-country trails (the area is home to the largest cross-country trail network in North America) or the 450 miles of snowmobile trails.