MINNESOTA 68 lost areas MWLSAP Homepage Any information or pictures on the lost ski areas of Minnesota would be greatly appreciated. Please e-mail: mark@mwlsap.org

LOST AREAS Allen's Thrill Hill Cologne, MN (Carver County) - 28 miles SW of Minneapolis - 9310 County Road 140, Cologne, MN v: 150 ft., upside down, (building at top) Google Maps / Google Earth 44.79960829618372, -93.75666082824594 I Like It Here by George Grim - Minneapolis Tribune, Jan. 20, 1960, p. 14 Ski Areas - Allen's Thrill Hill - Minneapolis Star, Dec. 14, 1965, p. 14 Minnesota Outdoor Recreation Plan, 1965 - p. 251 Alpenhorn* (see Crystal Hills) c: 1972 Ski facilities, new, old and changed (third column) - Minneapolis Star, Nov. 9, 1972 (Alpenhorn) Anderson's Hill+ (became Ski Haven, still open as Mt. Kato) Arctic Park* - See Mt. Sitzmark Bamber Hills (also called Rochester Ski Hill) Rochester, MN (Olmsted County) - southeast Minnesota v: 140 ft., 1 poma lift In 1978 (Skalka): 1 rope tow Google Maps / Google Earth 43.9832790838799, -92.5052151335841 Ski Roundup - Star Tribune, Nov. 18, 1979 skimap.org Barkers Alps (also called North Star Tow) Bayport, MN - southeast Minnesota - half mile southwest of Stillwater State Penitentiary Google Maps / Google Earth 45.020158424926116, -92.79056484707569 Ski Resorts Ready as Snow Piles Up - Minneapolis Tribune, Jan. 6, 1952, Metro areas have sprouted up, faded away, Minneapolis Tribune Nov. 20, 1977 from that article Ski Hall-of-Famer still medals at 84 - Shoreview Press from that article Battle Creek Park St. Paul, MN (Ramsay County) v: 90 ft. In 1978 (Skalka): 3 rope tows Google Maps / Google Earth 44.93857489481974, -93.01274098186072 SKI Magazine, Jan. 1977 (link) skimap.org Benton Valley * see Hole in the Mountain County Park Big Ojibway *- see Ojibway Ski Bowl Blaine Ski Area^ NO LIFTS Minnesota: 36 downhill ski areas - Winona Daily News, Sunday Dec. 11, 1977 on 1977 Map and 1978 Map Breezy Point Estates Breezy Point, MN (Pequot Lakes) (Crow Wing County) - central Minnesota - 9252 Breezy Point Drive Breezy Point, MN 56472 v: 220 ft. o: 1964, Google Maps / Google Earth 46.589801012222956, -94.20876286969335 The Evolution of the Breezy Point Resort: Part 1 / Part 2 / Ski Facilities Accelerate at Rapid Rate - Minneapolis Tribune, Nov. 15. 1964 Minnesota Outdoor Recreation Plan, 1965 - p. 251 Buffalo Valley Ski Area Buffalo, MN (Wright County) - central Minnesota - 1730 Bolton Dr NW, Buffalo, MN v: 240 ft. o: 1966 c: 1972, 7 rope tows in 1966 Google Maps / Google Earth 45.17553124458687, -93.91665690816872 Pioneer Park, Buffalo Valley, tell stories of two dreams - Minneapolis Tribune, Oct. 7, 1977 Advertisement - St. Cloud Times, Feb. 8, 1969 Advertisement - Minneapolis Tribune, Jan. 7, 1972 Ski Area Guide, SKIING Magazine, Sept. 1969, pp. 162-164 Ski facilities, new, old and changed (third column) - Minneapolis Star, Nov. 9, 1972 - closed skimap.org (0 maps) Bush Lake Bloomington, MN - Twin Cities area Google Maps / Google Earth 44.85320416688552, -93.36473761612218 Bush Lake is a ski jumping area, but it appears to have also had dowhill skiing and races. No mention of a rope tow. North Shore Skiing Improves With Snow - Minneapolis Tribune, Jan. 28, 1951 Bush Lake Skiers in FIS Tryouts - Minneapolis Tribune, Dec. 20, 1953 The Bush Lake Ski Jump is about 1/2 mile North of Hyland Hills Ski Area (still open) Cedar Hills Ski Park Eden Prairie, MN (Hennepin County) - near Twin Cities - 9735 Eden Prairie Road v: 200 ft. (150 ft), o:1963 In 1978 (Skalka): 9 rope tows Google Maps / Google Earth 44.82641950469074, -93.48281720289502 SKI Magazine Spring 1977 (link) Twin Cites Metro Skiing - SKI Magazine, Feb. 1975 (link) https://forums.alpinesnowboarder.com/topic/51394-defunct-mn-ski-resorts/ Cedar Hills Former Skiers Facebook Group skimap.org (0 maps) Comet Skiways (could be ToMo) Snellman, MN (Becker County) - 19 miles east of Detroit Lakes on hwy 34 v: 185 ft. Google Maps / Google Earth (Snellman, MN) 46.889842344232925, -95.4131737480635 Ballard Residents and Dates Ski Tomorrow - The Western Mistic, March 4, 1955, p. 5, State Teachers College, Moorhead Minnesota (Minnesota State at Moorhead) Finns in Minnesota - Google Books Midwest Ski Areas, Minneapolis Tribune, Dec. 7, 1958 Midwest Ski Areas, Minneapolis Tribune, Dec. 17, 1961 Skiers Take to Chartered Busses - Minneapolis Star, Dec, 20, 1963 on 1963 map Crestwood Golf and Ski Alexandria, MN (Douglas County) - west central Minnesota, 3340 39th Ave NE looks like golf course no longer exists v: 125 ft Google Maps / Google Earth ??? 45.932437312935726, -95.32649707374982 Please email - mark@mwlsap.org - if you know a more precise location. Alexandria Magnatism draws more than Vikings, Fisherman - Minneapolis Tribune, April 29. 1973 Ski areas within weekend driving - The Minneapolis Star, Nov. 10, 1972 Crystal Hills (formerly Alpenhorn) Paynesville, MN (Sterns County ) - central Minnesota - hwy 55 (4), west bank of Crow River north fork, where it flows under 55 between Koronis and Rice lakes no skiing fall 1973 (not sure if lifts actually ran) c:1977 ? Formerly called Alpenhorn o: 1970 c: 1972 Ski Report, The Minneapolis Star, Jan. 7, 1971 Ski facilities, new, old and changed (third column) - Minneapolis Star, Nov. 9, 1972 (Alpenhorn) Google Maps / Google Earth 45.33100687429801, -94.66818292621268 Million Dollar Resort Offers Dining and Dancing in Style - Minneapolis Tribune, July 8, 1973, p.2F picture - Minneapolis Tribune, July 8, 1973, p.2F Ski Resort Facilities Improved - Minneapolis Tribune, Nov. 11, 1973, p. 1F advertisement - St. Cloud times, May 2, 1974 Darwin Winter Recreation Park Darwin / Dassel MN (Meeker County) South Central Minnesota Google Maps / Google Earth 45.09393830016789, -94.37771733834762 From Midwest Lost Ski Areas Facebook Page - Old ski hill between Darwin and Dassel Minnesota. We fly our paragliders off it now. from Meeker County Museum at the GAR Hall Hi Mark, We weren't able to find any definite dates, but I did put a request for memories from a local Facebook group and was able to gather a few details from their comments. The rope tow was in operation sometime during the 1970s-80s. It was shut down due to liability concerns. One person remembered watching more than one person shoot across the highway on their toboggan. You would lay on your tube or sled and grab on to the rope (often with a good jerk of the shoulders) to be towed up the hill, hoping you don't lose your sled on the way up. One gentleman commented that he went through a pair of gloves each year. Sorry we couldn't be of more help, but it looks like the people enjoyed reminiscing! If we get any more details, we will be sure to pass them along if you are interested. Danelle Erickson   Eagle Mountain Ski Area Grey Eagle, MN - central Minnesota v: 200 ft. In 1978 (Skalka): 5 rope tows, 1 poma lift Google Maps / Google Earth 45.82548592773573, -94.67015794603361 SKI Magazine Jan. 1976 (link) Running ski resort is "all in the family" - St. Cloud Times, Jan 2, 1978 advertisement - St. Cloud Times, Feb 1, 1979 Recreation - Downhill - St. Cloud Times, Sep 2, 1980 skimap.org Edina Ski Tow Edina, MN - Twin Cities area (Hennepin County) - "near hwy 169 and (old) county road 18"; on 169 [hwy 169 realigned in 1988]; hill faces north; 5 min from Edina Country Club v: 100 ft, o: 1952? Google Maps / Google Earth ??? Please email - mark@mwlsap.org - if you know a more precise location. Scene in Edina - Minneapolis Tribune, Jan, 6, 1952 (nice pictures) Ski Resorts Ready as Snow Piles up - Minneapolis Tribune, Jan. 6, 1952, p. 27 Ski Reports - Minneapolis Tribune, Jan. 1, 1953 Egan's Resort / Egan's Hidden Valley Ski Tow* (see Hidden Valley) Eko Backen Scandia, MN - east central Minnesota v: 150 ft. Google Maps / Google Earth 45.277262628163875, -92.88962890289501 Ski Reports - Minneapolis Star, Jan. 7, 1965 Twin Cites Metro Skiing - SKI Magazine, Feb. 1975 (link) still open for tubing - website Finland Air Base Finland, MN (Lake County - northeast Minnesota - 2.8 miles north of Finland, MN v: 190 ft. o: 1950 Google Maps / Google Earth 47.45385365963821, -91.23748584915985 skimap.org (0 maps) Fond du Lac Winter Sports Center* - see Ojibway Ski Bowl French Rapids Brainerd, MN (Crow Wing County) - central Minnesota v: 120 ft Google Maps / Google Earth 46.40280936250696, -94.15330308484818 Snow Carnival at Brainard to Begin with Ball - St. Cloud Time, Feb. 4, 1955, p. 8 Skiing Your Holiday Sport? - Minneapolis Star, Dec, 24, 1966, p. 14 Minnesota Outdoor Recreation Plan, 1965 - p. 251 Ski Area Guide, SKIING Magazine, Sept. 1969, pp. 162-164 Glenhaven Glenwood, MN - west central minnesota Barsness Park v: 150 ft. In 1978 (Skalka): 2 rope tows Google Maps / Google Earth 45.639458946611576, -95.3809875839709 SKI Magazine, Jan. 1979 (link) Glenwood Chalet Ski Area, Glenwood, Minnesota - collection.mndigital.org skimap.org Gokey's Hlil + (still open as Buck Hill) Burnsville, MN - near Twin Cities o: 1940 Ski Run Lift Is Being Built - The Minneapolis Star (Minneapolis, Minnesota) · Mon, Nov 22, 1937 (Gokey's Hill) Ski Trails - The Minneapolis Star (Minneapolis, Minnesota) · Sun, Jan 14, 1940 (Gokey's Hill) Golden Gate To Fun Sleepy, Eye, MN - southwest Minnesota v: 150 ft. In 1978 (Skalka): 5 rope tows Google Maps / Google Earth 44.40090448220191, -94.70485263842096 Sleepy Eye, Minn - Ken Burns - Your Weekend - Minneapolis Tribune, Oct. 26, 1975 skimap.org (0 maps) Hallaway Hill Ski Area (Hollaway) Pelican Rapids, MN - (Ottertail County) - west central, Minnesota - 5 miles east of Pelican Rapids, now Maplewood State Park, on South Lake Lida v: 200 ft Google Maps / Google Earth 46.54431478920005, -95.9868023657679 Map of Halloway Hill Trail in Maplewood State Park Hallaway Ski Hill Opens This Week - 50 Years ago - Pelican Rapids Press, December 8, 2021 - scroll down, free subscription may be needed Maplewood’s Hallaway Hill was a true community collaboration in the 1950s-60s - Pelican Rapids Press, February 10, 2021, - free subscription may be needed With Detroit Mountain, Hallaway Hill­–and Rollag’s Royal Oak–the lakes area was formidable ski mecca … by prairie standards - Pelican Rapids Press, March 10, 2021 - free subscription may be needed Halloway Hill - Outdoorproject.com Ski Report - Minneapolis Star, Dec, 31, 1953, p. 11 skiinghistory.org - Northland Executive and Minnesota Ski Area Founder Dies Two City Portias, Herou and Scott, Like Skiing, Too - Minneapolis Tribune, Dec. 13, 1953 Minnesota Outdoor Recreation Plan, 1965 - p. 251 skimap.org Hidden Valley Ely, MN (St. Louis County) - northeast Minnesota v:165 ft. In 1978 (Skalka): 2 rope tows, 1 J-bar Google Maps / Google Earth 47.90390075492738, -91.81594447518945 Minnesota Outdoor Recreation Plan, 1965 - p. 251 Ski Area Guide, SKIING Magazine, Sept. 1969, pp. 162-164 skimap.org (0 maps) Hidden Valley (another one - also called Egan's Resort and Egan's Hidden Valley Ski Tow) Savage, MN ( Scott County); - near Twin Cities now Hidden Valley Park, Savage, MN o: 1964, two rope tow Google Maps / Google Earth 44.762681062867465, -93.3428719688989 Ad - Burnsville Historical Society Archives Ski Trails - Needed Snow Expected at Aspen - Minneapolis Tribune, Jan. 4, 1948, p. 54 (near bottom of second column) Ski Reports - Minneapolis Tribune, Jan. 1, 1953 Ski Facilities Accellerate at Rapid Rate, Minneapolis Tribune, Nov. 15, 1964 Ski Areas - Hidden Valley - Minneapolis Tribune, Dec. 23, 1965 History: New Savage resident discovers old history of his backyard - swnewsmedia.com What is the history of the fireplace in Hidden Valley Park? - cityofsavage.com Hole in the Mountain County Park - also called Benton Valley and Lake Benton Valley Lake Benton, MN (Lincoln County) - southwest Minnesota could be the same as Benton Valley v: 175 (134) ft. v: 150 ft,. o: 1950, operator of Benton Valley: Carl G. Westli In 1978 (Skalka): 3 rope tows Google Maps / Google Earth 44.262440533299994, -96.30503021293637 Benton Valley on 1962 map Brief History - from Lake Benton Chanber of Commerce, 125 year history book Ski Season Set At Lake Benton - Argus Leader Sioux Falls, SD), Dec. 27, 1953 Ski Report - Benton Valley - Minneapolis Star, Dec, 31, 1953 Skiing Your Holiday Sport? - Minneapolis Star, Dec, 24, 1966, p. 14 (Both Pipestone and Benton Valley are listed in this article and both are listed as "closed". Minnesota Outdoor Recreation Plan, 1965 - p. 251 (.pdf p. 260) Two City Portias, Herou and Scott, Like Skiing, Too - Minneapolis Tribune, Dec. 13, 1953 Group bringing back tubing – in a year with no snow master plan - see page 35 for map showing sledding hill skibum.com - scroll down to near bottom skimap.org (0 maps - tow has been removed) Inver Hills Ski Hill (previously called NorSki) Inver Grove Heights MN (Dakota County) - near Twin Cities (102nd St. and Rich Valley Boulevard) v: 218 ft. (v: 165 ft?) c: 1975 Google Maps / Google Earth 44.801726418005515, -93.07556418992448 Inver Grove: 57 Most Historic Places (pdf) - scroll down to number 31 Facebook post Minnesota Outdoor Recreation Plan, 1965 - p. 251 SKI AREAS: New Additions are Listed - Star Tribune (Minneapolis, Minnesota) · Sun, Nov 16, 1975 Lake Benton Valley* - see Hole in the Wall county Park Lester-Amity Park Ski and Jumping Area Duluth, MN (St. Louis County) northeast Minnesota - 2940, Seven Bridges Rd, Duluth v: 62 ft. 1 rope tow Google Maps / Google Earth 46.855314045405954, -92.01268887825745 skimap.org (0 maps) - this is the only reference I can find stating that there was a rope tow. Little Squaw Valley Wabasha (Kellogg), MN (Wabasha County) - southwest Minnesota - 2 miles north of Kellogg on highway 61, turn west at Little Ireland (658th St.?), go 1/4 mile v: 300 ft. o: 1962, Google Maps / Google Earth 44.334679886810186, -92.01105971080169 See #18 on 1964 Minneapolis Tribune map New Wabasha Ski Tow Waits on Snow - Winona Daily News, Dec. 4, 1962 Ski Tow Opens Near Wabasha - Winona Daily News, 31 December 1962 Minnesota Outdoor Recreation Plan, 1965 - p. 252 Lone Lake Ski Club Minnetonka, MN - near Twin Cities Hopkins, MN Shady Oaks Rd., soush of Shady Oak Lake o: 1936 Google Maps / Google Earth 44.900886676802344, -93.42760477571105 Private Lone Lake Ski Club Winding Up Its Best Season - The Minneapolis Star, March 16, 1965 skimap.org (0 maps) Lookout Mountain (Lookout Lodge, Minnesota's Lookout Mountain) Virginia, MN (St. Louis County) - northeast Minnesota v: 302 ft., o: 1958, c: 1970, 1 double chair - First chairlift in Minnesota Google Maps / Google Earth 47.57774404504111, -92.54371886993975 Guide to Ski Areas - Sports Illustrated, Dec. 1958 Homemade Mountains - Sports illustrated, Dec. 1, 1958 Guide to Ski Areas - Sports Illustrated, Dec. 1, 1958 New Ski Facilities - Sports Illustrated, Nov. 23, 1959 New Ski Facilities - Sports Illustrated, Nov. 21, 1960 Minnesota Outdoor Recreation Plan, 1965 - p. 252 Final Schuss Spells Death of 12-year old Ski Area - Star Tribune (Minneapolis, Minnesota) · Sun, Oct 11, 1970 - part 1 / part 2 skimap.org Marthaler Ski Area West St. Paul, MN v: 85 ft. o: 1971 c: 1980 Google Maps / Google Earth 44.89508568050969, -93.08528779855648 In 1978 (Skalka): 1 rope tow 1971: Marthaler Ski Hill Opens Moon Valley Ski Area Shakopee / Chaska, MN (Dakota County) - near the Twin Cities - 100 Flying Cloud Dr, Chaska, MN v: 200 ft. Google Maps / Google Earth 44.81777443225282, -93.52347366536176 Ski Run Lift Is Being Built (Gokey's Hill) - The Minneapolis Star, Nov 22, 1937 1951-52 Directory Winter Sports Playgrounds, Chicago and North Western Railroad Ski Slope Snow Conditions Report - Minneapolis Tribune, Jan. 2, 1967 Moon Valley Aces Score Sweep - Minneapolis Star, Jan. 13, 1941 The Skis the Limit (good pictures) - Minneapolis Tribune, Jan. 27, 1946 picture https://forums.alpinesnowboarder.com/topic/51394-defunct-mn-ski-resorts/ MN Sec. of State - Business Registration - bizapedia brief mention in personal story Apres-Ski photo for sale - vintageskiworld.com eBay - matchbook cover Minnesota Outdoor Recreation Plan, 1965 - p. 251 Mt. Carmel *- See Saint John's University Mt. Florida Willmar, MN - (936 S, First St.) (Kandiyohi County)- central Minnesota 1958-59, 1959-60 on 1958 map Google Map / Google Earth ??? Please email - mark@mwlsap.org - if you know a more precise location. These are the only references that I could find: Upper Midwest Ski Areas, Minneapolis Tribune, Dec. 7, 1958 Here's a List of Numerous Ski Areas (with map)- Minneapolis Tribune, Dec. 6, 1959 Mt. Frontenac Frontenac, MN (near Red Wing, Goodhue County) - southeast Minnesota  v: 420 ft. c: 2003 In 1978 (Skalka): 3 rope tows, 2 T-bars, 1 chairlift Google Maps / Google Earth 44.51293298181389, -92.38391985240614 SKI Magazine, Jan. 1975 (link) SKI Magazine, Jan. 2002 (link) Skiers and Snowboarders of the Midwest - Facebook Group skibum.net skimap.org Mt. Normandale+ - still open as Hyland Hills Mt. Notch - same location as the Tyrol Ski Tow (1949) Avon, MN - 2 mi. S of Avon on hwy 50, turn on Schuman Lake Rd., N of Schuman Lake Rd. o: 1989, c. 1989 Google Maps / Google Earth ??? 45.58268651659414, -94.45001853405277 Please email - mark@mwlsap.org - if you know a more precise location. Mt. Notch has room to grow - St. Cloud Times (Saint Cloud, Minnesota) · Sun, Jan 22, 1989 advertisement - St. Cloud Times (Saint Cloud, Minnesota) · Sun, Jan 22, 1989 Brochure with trail map Slopes - St. Cloud Times (Saint Cloud, Minnesota) · Sun, Dec 31, 1989 Stearns County Spotlight: Mt. Notch Ski Area; Avon, Minnesota - Stearns history Museum Facebook Page Mt. Notch Opens Ski Runs - mentions that the location had a tow rope "about forty years ago . . . for about two years" - Stearns History Museum - this was most likely the Tyrol Ski Tow Mt. Rockwood Silver Bay, MN - northeast Minnesota v: 430 ft. o: 1966, c: 1972 Google Maps / Google Earth 47.3172718221796, -91.26232620983713 Mt. Notch May Open This Fall - St. Cloud Times (Saint Cloud, Minnesota) · Tue, Aug 9, 1988 Ski Slope Snow Conditions Report - Minneapolis Tribune, Jan. 2, 1967 Ski Area Guide, SKIING Magazine, Sept. 1969, pp. 162-164 Sale Notice - Minneapolis Tribune, Aug. 6, 1972 skimap.org (0 maps) Mt. Rushford* (see Rushford) Mt. Silver (may be the same as Two Harbors) Two Harbors, MN (Lake County) - northeast Minnesota Google Maps / Google Earth ??? (don't know location near Two Harbors) 47.032087482110526, -91.67394030497604 Please email - mark@mwlsap.org - if you know a more precise location. North Shore Skiing Improves With Snow - Minneapolis Tribune, Jan. 28, 1951 Ski Resorts Ready as Snow Piles up - Minneapolis Tribune, Jan. 6, 1952, p. 27 (see last paragraph) Mt. Sitzmark - also called Arctic Park Shoreview, MN (Ramsay County) - near Twin Cities - east of Victoria St. and south of Gramsie Rd v: 125 ft. Google Maps / Google Earth 45.061102786027476, -93.12362072221859 Ski Slope Snow Conditions Report - Minneapolis Tribune, Jan. 2, 1967, p.25 Former St. Paul Ski Jumper Solves Snow-making Costs - Minneapolis Tribune, Dec. 28, 1967, p. 38 Ski Area Guide, SKIING Magazine, Sept. 1969, pp. 162-164 Operators Describe Ski Facilities - Minneapolis Tribune, Nov. 17, 1968 - Arctic Park Mt. Wirth* (see Theodore Wirth Park) New Brighton Rope Tow* (probably same as TCAAP) New Brighton, MN (north of New Brighton) - near the Twin Cities Google Maps / Google Earth ??? Please email - mark@mwlsap.org - if you know a more precise location. Metro ski areas have sprouted up, melted away - Minneapolis Tribune Nov. 20, 1977, p. 117 from that article  Nordmarken Ski Area Belgrade, MN - 15 mi N of Wilmar, 3 mi W of Hwy 71 and 9 (Kandiyohi County ) o: 1969 (1968?) v: 170 ft., 3 rope tows Google Maps / Google Earth 45.3370618, -95.0664327 Let's Build a Ski Area - The Minneapolis Star, 25 Jan 1968 Ski Area Opens Near Belgrade - St. Cloud Times, 29 Jan 1969 Skiing History Group - Facebook Norski Hill* (later became Inver Hills) North Oaks (also North Oakes) N of St. Paul Google Maps / Google Earth 45.08630508931592, -93.08804799062293 Hill Farm - Star Tribune (Minneapolis, Minnesota) · Sun, Mar 12, 1950 Hill Farm to be Developed as Model Village - The Minneapolis Star (Minneapolis, Minnesota) · Mon, Jan 16, 1950  Skiing Best in Several Seasons - Star Tribune (Minneapolis, Minnesota) · 10 Dec 1950 State Ski Aces Pauly, Oakvik Train in West - Star Tribune (Minneapolis, Minnesota) · Sun, Dec 17, 1950 Sun Valley Architect' to Develop Hill Farm - The Minneapolis Star (Minneapolis, Minnesota) · Mon, Feb 13, 1950 North Star Tow* - see Barker's Alps Ojibway Ski Bowl - Also called: Big Ojibway Mountain, Fond Du Lac Ojibway Bowl, Fond du Lac Winter Sports Center Duluth (Fond du Lac), MN - northeastern Minnesota o: 1949 Google Maps / Google Earth 46.66671619449173, -92.27616231348657 Behind the Eight Ball - Winona Daily News, Jan. 7, 1949 - scroll to the bottom Ski Resorts Ready as Snow Piles up - Minneapolis Tribune, Jan. 6, 1952, p. 27 1951-52 Directory Winter Sports Playgrounds, Chicago and North Western Railroad Ski Jumping Hill Archive - Fond du Lac skimap.org (0 maps) Old Smokey Hill Ski Park (Smoky) Fergus Falls, MN (Ottertail County) - west central Minnesota V: 115 (80) ft. In 1978 (Skalka): 2 rope tows city owned, FREE Google Maps / Google Earth 46.26907871089365, -96.08253202831828 SKI Magazine, Spring 1977 (link) Old Smokey Ski Hill Park Facebook Page Minnesota Outdoor Recreation Plan, 1965 - p. 251 skimap.org Pine Bend Ski Area South St. Paul (Dakota County) or Rosemount, MN v: 258 ft In 1958: 4 rope tows Google Maps / Google Earth 44.76530444851543, -93.02055617609334 Pine Bend - The Minneapolis Star (Minneapolis, Minnesota) · Tue, Dec 14, 1965 Advertisement - Minneapolis Tribune, Nov. 15, 1970 Skiing Takes Dullness Out Of Sundays, - The Minneapolis Star (Minneapolis, Minnesota) · Tue, Jan 26, 1965 Guide to Ski Areas - Sports Illustrated, Dec. 1958 Minnesota Outdoor Recreation Plan, 1965 - p. 251 skimap.org (0 maps) Pine Valley Cloquet, MN (Carlton County) - northwest Minnesota v: 100 ft. Google Maps / Google Earth 46.70727328069347, -92.46262793271465 Minnesota Outdoor Recreation Plan, 1965 - p. 251 skimap.org (0 maps) Pipestone* (may be Hole in the Mountain / Benton Valley) Potter Ridge * ??? Kimball, MN - central Minnesota v: 250 ft. Ski Area Guide, SKIING Magazine, Sept. 1969, pp. 162-164 This is the only reference I could find. Probably did not exist. May be confused with Powder Ridge, Kimball, which is stlil open. Prior Lake Ski Area Prior Lake, MN (Scott County) o: 1967 Google Maps / Google Earth ??? Please email - mark@mwlsap.org - if you know a more precise location. Ribbon cutting opened Prior Lake Ski Area - The Minneapolis Star (Minneapolis, Minnesota) · Tue, Jan 31, 1967 Suburban Neighbors - Minneapolis Star, Jan. 31, 1967 (Note: this is the only news article that I could find.) Quadna Hill City, MN (Aitkin County) - north central Minnesota v: 325 ft. o: 1963 In 1978 (Skalka): 2 rope tows, 3 T-bars In 1986: 1 rope tow, 3 T-bars, quad chairlift Google Maps / Google Earth 46.96575314420824, -93.59560220125181 SKI Magazine, 1986 (link) New Ski Facilities - Sports Illustrated, Nov. 25, 1963 SKIING Magazine Ad - Spring 1969 Remembering Quadna Resort - roadtripsandhistory.com Quadna Pin- ebay skimap.org Rochester Ski Hill* - see Bamber Hills Rock Hill* - see University of Minnesota Duluth Royal Oak Hawley / Rollag, MN (one mile NE of Rollag; Clay County) - northwest Minnesota o: 1967 3 rope tows Google Maps / Google Earth??? 46.740364310624834, -96.23787654463047 - location of village of Rollag Please email - mark@mwlsap.org - if you know a more precise location. founded by Stan Groeth and Steve Kragerud Clay County Historical Society Jan./Feb. 1994 Newsletter (pages 13 - 14, .pdf) With Detroit Mountain, Hallaway Hill­–and Rollag’s Royal Oak–the lakes area was formidable ski mecca … by prairie standards - Pelican Rapids Press, March 10, 2021 - free subscription may be needed Rushford (Mt. Rushford) Rushford, MN - southeast Minnesota owned by the city of Rushford (Magelssen Bluff Park ??) on 1963 map Google Map / Google Earth ??? (Magelssen Bluff Park) 43.8108604953742, -91.75915642032382 Please email - mark@mwlsap.org - if you know a more precise location. Skiers Take to Chartered Busses - Minneapolis Star, Dec, 20, 1963 Name suggested for Rushford ski area - The Winona Daily News, May 10, 1973 Saint John's University (Mt. Carmel) Collegeville, MN (Stearns County) - central Minnesota Google Maps / Google Earth 45.58358905438442, -94.379138910614 Student-Coach Jim Schneider Revives Skiing at St. John's University - St. Cloud Times, Feb. 8, 1955 List of Colleges and University that Have of Had Ski Areas (see post by AzSki) - snowjournal.com Saint Mary's College Winona, MN - (St. Mary's University of Minnesota) - below Julius Point on hill just west of the shool Google Maps / Google Earth ??? 44.04481070665975, -91.6961562187784 Please email - mark@mwlsap.org - if you know a more precise location. New Ski Tow Gives Redmen A Fast Lift - The Winona Republican-Herald (Winona, Minnesota) · Wed, Mar 4, 1953 Sawtooth Mountains Ski Area Grand Maris, MN (Cook County) - northeast Minnesota - 569 Gunflint Trail, Grand Marais, MN 55604 (bottom?) v: 531 ft. o: 1948 Google Maps / Google Earth 47.76755594601981, -90.34593753429944 (top?) 1951-52 Directory Winter Sports Playgrounds, Chicago and North Western Railroad Cook County Historical Society Facebook Page 1 2 skimap.org Shingobee Ski Area Walker, MN (5 miles southwest - Cass County) - north central Minnesota - Shingobee Recreation Area v: 150 ft. c: 1982 Google Maps / Google Earth 47.03706869162941, -94.64402828673963 A Moment in Time: Walker's Shingobee Hills Midwest Ski Areas, Minneapolis Tribune, Dec. 7, 1958 Minnesota Outdoor Recreation Plan, 1965 - p. 251 Silver Slopes Winona / Minnesota City, MN - hwy 61, 3 mi. NW of Minnesota City, 9 mi NW of Winona, 1/4 mi off hwy 61 o: 1947, still open in 1952 ski jump added in 1948 Google Maps / Google Earth ??? 44.12978895017303, -91.78938412806193 ??? Please email - mark@mwlsap.org - if you know a more precise location. Silver Slopes Ski Lodge, Area's Newest Fun Resort, Opens - The Winona Republican-Herald (Winona, Minnesota) · Mon, Feb 3, 1947 (pictures) Silver Slopes Lodge Offers Free Lessons - The Winona Republican-Herald (Winona, Minnesota) · Mon, Mar 12, 1951 Silver Slopes Ski Lodge Opens for Season - The Winona Daily News (Winona, Minnesota) · Sat, Dec 6, 1947 Ski Improvements at Silver Slopes - The Winona Daily News (Winona, Minnesota) · Wed, Dec 1, 1948 Voice of the Outdoors - The Winona Daily News (Winona, Minnesota) · Wed, Jan 23, 1952 (picture) Singing Hills Preston, MN (Fillmore County) - southeast Minnesota - off of highway 52 within the village limits, on the Root River v: 270 or 340 ft. (160 ft.) o: 1970 c: 1975 Google Maps / Google Earth??? 43.67421007734853, -92.0833791330755 (Town of Preston) Weatherman holds key for Preston ski area - The Winona Daily News (Winona, Minnesota) · Sun, Dec 12, 1971 Singing Hills - The Minneapolis Star (Minneapolis, Minnesota) · Mon, Nov 15, 1971 Rock festival peaceful - The Winona Daily News (Winona, Minnesota) · Sun, Oct 22, 1972 Ski areas within weekend driving - Minneapolis Star, Nov. 10,1972 SKI AREAS: New Additions are Listed - Star Tribune (Minneapolis, Minnesota) · Sun, Nov 16, 1975 Ski Devil Fertile, MN (Polk County) - northwest Minnesota v: 150 ft Google Maps / Google Earth 47.524322336317056, -96.29145351945233 See #3 on 1964 Minneapolis Tribune map Fertile MN Facebook Comment Alf Rognald Eide, initial investor in Ski Devil, obituary Ski Devil Patch Minnesota Outdoor Recreation Plan, 1965 - p. 252 ERROR - listed as Rock County skimap.org (0 maps) Ski Haven+ - became Mount Kato in 1977 - still open Ski Tonka Orono, MN (Hennepin County) - near Twin Cities - ,6 mi W of Wayzata, 3 mi NE of a Mound a small ski area in Orono, MN, that was destroyed by fire in the 1960's v: 250 ft. o: 1966, 12 rope tows during its second year of operation Google Maps / Google Earth ??? 44.97744600487956, -93.61485466533891 Please email - mark@mwlsap.org - if you know a more precise location. Charm in the Small Ski Areas - Minneapolis Tribune, Jan. 5, 1968 (gives directions) In 1978 (Skalka): 9 "double" rope tows Twin Cites Metro Skiing - SKI Magazine, Feb. 1975 (link) skimap.org Skidahlen Pelican Rapids, MN (Ottertail County - east of Pelican Rapids) - west central Minnesota v: 186 ft Google Maps / Google Earth ??? (Town of Pelican Rapids) 46.57186732360407, -96.07250713147876 Please email - mark@mwlsap.org - if you know a more precise location. The Daily Journal, Fergus Falls, Dec. 30, 1960, p. 9 Minnesota Outdoor Recreation Plan, 1965 - p. 251 Hallaway-Skidahlen Inc. Snail Lake St. Paul, MN ??? - Highway 96 and Lexington Ave Shoreview, MN ?? Google Maps / Google Earth 45.07949982870608, -93.14763619133926 Ski Reports - Minneapolis Star, Dec, 16, 1954 (Hwy 96 and Lexington) Upper Midwest Ski Areas, Minneapolis Tribune, Dec. 7, 1958, p. 52 Philosophical Ski Tow Bosses, Riders Hoping - Minneapolis Tribune, Jan. 13, 1957 Snofun Inver Grove Heights (?), MN - 8 miles south of St. Paul at South Robert Trail and Highway 55 Google Maps / Google Earth ??? 44.84145333476944, -93.08527531731154 Please email - mark@mwlsap.org - if you know a more precise location. 1,000 May Jam JCC Ski Train - Minneapolis Tribune, Jan. 18, 1953, p. 42 Ski Reports - Minneapolis Tribune, Jan. 1, 1953 Snobakken Ski Tow Wabasha, MN (Wabasha County) - southwest Minnesota 1 1/2 miles southwest of Wabasha, near the sanatorium Google Maps / Google Earth ??? - Exact location unknown 44.377314597036325, -92.05765366398334 Please email - mark@mwlsap.org - if you know a more precise location. New Wabasha Ski Tow Waits on Snow - Winona Daily News, Dec. 4, 1962, p. 11 - see top of second column Free Skiing Offered at Wabasha Snobakken - Winona Daily News, Feb. 23, 1962, p. 13 Snow Reports - Minneapolis Tribune, Feb. 21, 1959 Wabasha Man Killed; Hit By Rolling Log - Winona Daily News, Oct. 27, 1958 Midwest Ski Areas, Minneapolis Tribune, Dec. 17, 1961 Sugar Hills Grand Rapids, MN (Itasca County) - north central Minnesota v: 400 ft. o: 1963 In 1978 (Skalka): 3 rope tows, 3 T-bars, 3 chairlifts Google Maps / Google Earth 47.13268174050001, -93.66939676386619 Grand Rapids Achieves Goal- A Major Ski Area - Star Tribune (Minneapolis, Minnesota) · Sun, Jan 13, 196 SKI Magazine, Nov. 1973 (link) SKI Magazine, Feb. 1977 (link) Minnesota Outdoor Recreation Plan, 1965 - p. 251 New Ski Facilities - Sports Illustrated, Dec 3, 1962 SKIING Magazine Ad - Spring 1969 Obituary - Charles Mather Skinner III - StarTribune, June 20, 2021 Sugar Hills Pin - ebay skimap.org Theodore Wirth Park ( also called Wirth Park, Mt. Wirth) Minneapolis, MN (Hennepin County) -Plymouth Ave. and Glenwood Parkway v: 125 ft (200 ft ?) Google Maps / Google Earth 44.99224054568846, -93.32296560861312 In 1978 (Skalka): 3 rope tows Minnesota Outdoor Recreation Plan, 1965 - p. 251 SKI Magazine, Feb. 1975 (link) Timberlane Red Lake Falls, MN (Red Lake County) - northwest Minnesota v: 110 ft. In 1978 (Skalka): 4 rope tows Google Maps / Google Earth 47.89774014032652, -96.30999328164717 New Area - Minneapolis Star, Dec. 14, 1967 Timberlane Ski Area - Home Movies - YouTube Minnesota Outdoor Recreation Plan, 1965 - p. 251 (ERRORS: named "Timberland: and listed as Lake County) Incorectly located on 1978 map. (Timberlane was about 10 miles north of US highway 2. The location on the 1978 map is for Ski Devil Ski Area, Fertile, MN.) skimap.org ToMo (could be same as Comet Skiways) Detroit Lakes, MN - west central Minnesota (15 miles east of Detroit Lakes on US 34) v: 300 Google Maps / Google Earth (exact location unknown) 46.88144247136384, -95.54091579874222 ??? Please email - mark@mwlsap.org - if you know a more precise location. In 1978 (Skalka): 1 rope tow, 4 chairlifts ?? Two Harbors (probably the same as Voyageur Skiway; may be the same as Mt. Silver) Two Harbors, MN (Lake County) - northeast Minnesota (don't know exact location) Google Maps / Google Earth ??? ( Town of Two Harbors) 47.03501246314212, -91.67445528911047 Please email - mark@mwlsap.org - if you know a more precise location. Midwest Ski Areas, Minneapolis Tribune, Dec. 7, 1958, p. 52 on 1958 and 1963 maps Minnesota Outdoor Recreation Plan, 1965 - p. 251 (Voyageur Skiway) Twin Cities Army Ammunitions Plant (TCAAP) Arden Hills / New Brighton (Ramsay County) Google Maps / Google Earth 45.09642504794117, -93.16324120024277 Ski Hall-of-Famer still medals at 84 - Shoreview Press - from that article Metro ski areas have sprouted up, melted away - Minneapolis Tribune Nov. 20, 1977, p. 117 - from that article ("rope tow . . . north of New Brighton) Tyrol Ski Tow - Same location as Mt. Notch (1989) Avon, MN (Stearns County) - Hwy 52, 17 mi. W of St. Cloud (14 mi on Hwy 52, then left a half mile before Avon, and go 3 mi) o: 1949 (may only have been open only two seasons); 2 rope tows Google Maps / Google Earth ??? 45.58268651659414, -94.45001853405277 Please email - mark@mwlsap.org - if you know a more precise location. The Fanning Mill - St. Cloud Times (Saint Cloud, Minnesota) · Sat, Jan 1, 1949 Tows Ready For Skiers - St. Cloud Times (Saint Cloud, Minnesota) · Thu, Dec 30, 1948 Picture1 Picture 2 - St. Cloud Times (Saint Cloud, Minnesota) · Mon, Jan 3, 1949 Good News: Tyrol Opens: "It's Tops" - Star Tribune (Minneapolis, Minnesota) · Sun, Jan 9, 1949 University of Minnesota Duluth - also called Rock Hill Duluth, MN (St. Louis County) - northeast Minnesota WR Bagley Nature Center on the University of Minnesota Campus v: 124 ft. Google Maps / Google Earth 46.822208358145694, -92.0893055790312 Picture - University of Minnesota Duluth Facebook Page Picture - UMD Libraries Media skimap.org (0 maps) Val Chatel Park Rapids, MN (Hubbard County) - northwest Minnesota - 32546 County 4, Park Rapids, MN v: 270 ft. o: 1953 In 1978 (Skalka): 6 rope tows Google Maps / Google Earth 47.13411678825115, -94.97764473163953 Second chairlift in Minnesota (Single person chairlift closed before 1978.) Former ski area in northern MN to become a park thanks to anonymous donor - Melissa Turtinen, March 22, 2022 , bringmethenews.com Val Chatel: All that charm plus the best French fried onion rings in Minnesota - SKIING Magazine, Feb. 1968 Val Chatel Ski Lodge ca 1960 - Ren Holland's Website Far Side of Fifty - Val Chatel - blogspot, July 31, 2010 post Minnesota Outdoor Recreation Plan, 1965 - p. 251 Viking at Val Chatel: A Minnesota Legend - adamkooyer.com Picture in SKIING Magazine, Sept. 1969, p 159. Skiing History Group - Facebook skimap.org Val Croix+ - became Wild Mountain, still open Val Hulla ?? Mankato, MN - south central Minnesota on 1963 map Skiers Take to Chartered Busses - Minneapolis Star, Dec, 20, 1963 The only reference found is the Dec. 20, 1963 Minneapolis Star article and map. It is doubtful that it actually existed. Viking Valley Ashby, MN - west central Minnesota v: 180 ft. In 1978 (Skalka): 3 rope tows Google Maps / Google Earth 46.161611202544094, -95.73692494811777 SKI Magazine, Jan. 1979 (link) skimap.org (0 maps) Villa Park (Villa-Arctic Park?) Roseville, MN - near Twin Cities v: 120 ft In 1978 (Skalka): 1 rope tow Google Maps / Google Earth 45.00333073708185, -93.12066167378828 SKI Magazine, Jan. 1976 (link) Facebook post - Villa-Arctic Park Voyageur Skiway* (probably the same as Two Harbors and Comet Skiways) Wirth Park* (see Theodore Wirth Park) MWLSAP Homepage   WORKING ON: Mt. Florida - move to never developed ??? email sent 3/2/23 Winter Wonderland Little Falls, MN 4 mi SE of Little Falls Little Falls Host at Winter Wonderland - St. Cloud Times (Saint Cloud, Minnesota) · Sat, Jan 8, 1949 St. Cloud Unit to Appear at Wonderland - St. Cloud Times (Saint Cloud, Minnesota) · Fri, Jan 6, 1950 Priest focuses on youth to bring parishes closer - St. Cloud Times (Saint Cloud, Minnesota) · Tue, Jan 18, 1983 Lanesboro, MN and Pigeon Falls, WI both ski jumps Voice of the Outdoors - The Winona Daily News (Winona, Minnesota) · Sat, Feb 4, 1950 Benson Hill ski jump 2 mi N of Lanesboro Winter Haven Sartell, MN (near St. Cloud) - Watab Creek Park on Riverside Avenue 1952-1954 Google Maps / Google Earth 45.61787503564166, -94.20699293699815 Winter Haven Fest Chairmen Are Announced - St. Cloud Times (Saint Cloud, Minnesota) · Tue, Jan 8, 1952 Winter Haven - MWLSAP Homepage PLANNED, BUT NEVER DEVELOPED   STILL OPEN (MN) Afton Alps still OPEN Hastings, MN - near Twin Cities website skimap.org Andes Tower Hills still OPEN Kensington, MN - west central Minnesota website skimap.org Buck Hill (formerly Gokey's Hill) still OPEN Burnsville, MN - near Twin cities Ski Run Lift Is Being Built - The Minneapolis Star (Minneapolis, Minnesota) · Mon, Nov 22, 1937 (Gokey's Hill) Ski Trails - The Minneapolis Star (Minneapolis, Minnesota) · Sun, Jan 14, 1940 (Gokey's Hill) website skimap.org Buena Vista still OPEN Bemidji, MN - north central Minnesota website skimap.org Chester Bowl Park still OPEN Duluth, MN - northeast Minnesota website skimap.org Coffee Mill still OPEN Wabasha, MN - southeast Minnesota Take a Coffee Mill Break - SKIING Magazine, Jan. 1987 website skimap.org Como Park still OPEN St. Paul, MN website skimap.org (0 maps) Detroit Mountain REOPENED Detroit, Lakes, MN - northwest Minnesota website skimap.org Elm Creek Winter Recreation Area still OPEN Maple Grove - near Twin Cities v: 100 ft. Explore Minnesota website skimap.org Giants Ridge still OPEN Biwabik, MN - northeast Minnesota website skimap.org Hyland Hills Ski Area (formerly called Hyland Ski and Snowboard Area and Mt. Normandale) still OPEN Bloomington, MN - near Twin Cities Google Maps 44.84390075216751, -93.36360734735935 website skimap.org Guide to Ski Areas - Sports Illustrated, Dec. 1958 Lutsen still OPEN Lutsen, MN - northeast Minnesota o: 1948 website skimap.org Mount Itasca (1 maps) still OPEN Coleraine, MN - north central Minnesota website skimap.org Mount Kato (formerly called Anderson's Hill and Ski Haven) still OPEN Mankato, MN - south central Minnesota o: 1973 v: 200 ft. website skimap.org Mankato, Minnesota (Blue Earth County) - south central Minnesota originally called Anderson's Hill - opened 1937, first tow: 1945 SKI Magazine, Dec. 1976 (link) - Ski Haven Hill south of Mankato once called Ski Haven - Mankato Free Press Ski Haven - mountkato.com Mount Ski Gull still OPEN Brainard, MN - central Minnesota website skimap.org Pine Valley Ski Area and Jump Center still OPEN Cloquet, MN - northwest Minnesota website skimap.org (0 maps) Powder Ridge Ski Area still OPEN Kimball, MN - central Minnesota o: 1959 website skimap.org Spirit Mountain still OPEN Duluth, MN - northeast Minnesota o: 1974 website skimap.org Steeplechase Ski & Snowboard Mazeppa, MN (13 miles north of Rochester) - south east Minnesota REOPENED FOR SKIING FEB. 4, 2023 - Skiers and Snowboarders of the Midwest Facebook Group v: 200 o: 2000 c: 2007 reopened: 2023 2 double chairlifts, 2 triple chairlifts; upside down (lodge at the top) opened for tubing 2021 - Facebook The Wisconsin Skier - Jan. 7, 2010 Google Maps / Google Earth 44.24539159886342, -92.51466760468938 Skiers and Snowboarders of the Midwest Facebook Group SkiTalk.com/threads/lost-ski-areas - scroll down or search (ctrl-f) for "steeplechase" (good picture of former church used as lodge, as well as a trail map) New Downhill Ski Area in the Works - StarTribune, Nov. 10, 1999 skimap.org Welch Village Ski Area still OPEN Welch, MN - southeast Minnesota website skimap.org Wild Mountain Ski Area (formerly Val Croix) still OPEN Taylor Falls, MN - east central Minnesota website skimap.org v: 258 ft Facebook Post / trail map Minnesota Outdoor Recreation Plan, 1965 - p. 251 Metro ski areas have sprouted up, melted away - Minneapolis Tribune Nov. 20, 1977, p. 117 MWLSAP Homepage

1958 Minneapolis Tribune, Dec. 7, 1958, p. 52   1961 Minneapolis Tribune, Dec. 17, 1961,   1962 Minneapolis Tribune, Dec. 23, 1962, p. 53 1963 Minneapolis Star, Dec. 20, 1964, p. 62 Error: Timberlane located on map south of Bemidji was actually in Red Lake Falls, 90 miles northwest of Bemidji 1964 Minneapolis Tribune, Dec. 13, 1964, p. 62 1964 Minnesota Outdoor Recreation Plan, 1965 - Skiing - pp. 1 and 248-252 only, .pdf Minnesota Outdoor Reccreation Preliminary Plan, 1965 - see page 250, .pdf https://www.lrl.mn.gov/docs/2015/other/155294.pdf   Map from Sking in the Great Lake States, 1970 (.pdf)   1971 Minneapolis Star, Mon. Mov. 15, 1971 1972 Minneapolis Star, Nov. 10, 1972, p. 28 1977 Winona Daily News, Sunday Dec. 11, 1977 p. 25 1978 Minneapolis Tribune, Nov. 19, 1978   1978 St. Cloud Times, Dec 8, 1978 1980 Minneapolis Tribune, Nov. 9, 1980

Skiing in the Great Lake States: the industry and the skier [by] William A. Leuschner. 1970
https://www.fs.usda.gov/treesearch/pubs/10567

FROM: Ski Magazine, Dec., 1977

MWLSAP Homepage

* renamed; closed
+ renamed; open
^ never opened

• Ski Slopes Rise to Occasion - Star Tribune (Minneapolis, Minnesota) · Sun, Nov 13, 1966
• https://forums.alpinesnowboarder.com/topic/51394-defunct-mn-ski-resorts/
• Minnesota Outdoor Recreation Plan, 1965 - Skiing - pp. 1 and 248-252 only, .pdf
• Minnesota Outdoor Recreation Plan, 1965 - whole plan, .pdf
• Minneapolis Tribune Nov. 20, 1977, p. 117
• SKIING Magazine, Feb 1968, pp. 103M-1018M
• http://www.skilifts.org/forum/index.php?showtopic=9869
•  https://newspapers.mnhs.org/jsp/PsSearchResults.jsp

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