With a November 14 opening date, early snow and cold are good news for downhill skiers who can’t wait to don their skis and traverse Lutsen Mountains’ 95 ski runs.
But as with everything else this pandemic year, there will some changes in how the ski hill operates. Still, those changes shouldn’t get in the way of having some glorious winter fun.
Lutsen Mountains new motto is, “Your car is your base lodge.” Management is encouraging people to carski rather than set up in the lodge.
This season there won’t be any retail or tailgate lunches (no grab and go) and management is encouraging folks to plan ahead and prepare. However, the chalets will remain open and serve food at reduced capacity. A host will bring people to tables, which will ensure social distancing.
New loading line restrictions will be in place for the six-person gondola chairlifts. Ride with whom you came with unless there are two singles and two doubles on each end of the lift.
With weekends busy, weekdays are a golden time to ski at Lutsen. Typically people over 50 take to the hills on weekdays, but if you are younger and want to avoid throngs of skiers, pick a Monday through Thursday and enjoy your ski time.
If you want lodging, think of booking sooner than later. Lodging is looking significantly higher this year than last year, with bookings up 500 percent in September for winter arrivals. With borders closed and overseas flights and boat cruises not high on people’s travel itinerary, skiing and other healthy outdoor activities have taken their place. People are staying closer to home for their vacations. This summer, lodging was up 30 percent over last summer.
Weekday concerts will continue this winter. However, there will be limited capacity and reserved seating held in the bar/restaurants January through March.
Only eight percent of the land is privately owned, with 92 percent publicly owned. If you are not a skier, you or your family and friends can enjoy other off-the-slope activities like dog sledding, cross country skiing, snowmobiling, ice fishing, and possibly catching a glimpse of the northern lights.
Just remember when you are around other people not in your family, keep your social distance, wear your mask, and have some winter fun!
Leave a Reply