Minnesota's downhill ski areas offer exciting snowboarding parks

In the north

The Lutsen terrain park runs down Mystery Mountain for nearly a mile, with a string of rails, boxes and jumps, offering different routes on the way down. Snowboarders enjoy exploring the natural features of Lutsen's vast downhill runs, and trying their skills at the terrain park.

"I love to get up there with friends and explore the entire mountain," says avid snowboarder Wade Fischer. Fisher has posted his comments on 10 snowboard areas in the state on the My Favorite Minnesota™ section of exploreminnesota.com; visit the site to read more about all the parks mentioned in this article and watch his video.

Giants Ridge, near Biwabik on the Iron Range, is keeping things fresh at its extensive terrain park. In addition to a quarter-pipe and 150-foot half-pipe, there are a variety of rails and table tops, and even a full-size bus buried in the snow. Recognizing that new riders need to start small, Giants Ridge has added a beginner's terrain park, with rails that are lower to the ground, smaller jumps and fun boxes. Lessons are available from experienced ski/board instructors and you can rent everything you need.

Another big player in this neck of the woods is Duluth's Spirit Mountain, which has dedicated a large area to its terrain park. There's a superpipe and jumps ranging from about 15 feet up to 60 feet, and the park prides itself on its meticulous grooming to enhance take-offs and landings. This year there will be more jibs and progressive jump lines. Both Spirit Mountain and Lutsen feature awesome views of Lake Superior as a bonus.

Snowboarders in the Twin Cities have a wide choice of great places to ride, including Afton Alps, Buck Hill, Hyland Hills, Welch Village and Wild Mountain. But a couple of other terrain parks further afield are lures as well. Powder Ridge at Kimball, about 20 miles south of St. Cloud, has terrain parks with several large features, including a half-pipe, plus Kowabunga Park with smaller features. Mount Kato at Mankato also has three terrain parks with many different jumps.

List downhill ski areas

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