• Skiing in Minnesotaski image by J??rgen Zellmann from Fotolia.com
  
  With nearly 20 ski areas throughout the state, including the largest and highest ski resort in mid-America, Minnesota is more than just the land of 10,000 lakes. From the meager 15 skiable acres of Como Ski Center near St. Paul to the vast Afton Alps, with over 250 acres of groomed slopes, southern Minnesota offers a variety of resorts for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels and interests.
  
  

Buck Hill

• Opened in 1954, Buck Hill is a small family owned and operated ski resort, located fifteen minutes south of Minneapolis. With only 45 acres of skiable slopes, the resort features 16 trails, snow tubing lifts, a half pipe, rail yard and a terrain park. Despite its small size, the mountain has produced a number of Olympic skiers, including Lindsey Vonn, Kristina Koznick and Tim Hanson. More than half of the runs are considered beginner, with just one expert trail, Milk Run. For something different, jump on an inter tube and race headfirst down the snow tubing hill. Since the resort stays open until 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 9:30 p.m. during the week, skiers and snowboarders can hit the slopes late. All day lift tickets start at $15 for adults, as of 2010 and kids under six are free.
  
  Buck Hill
  
  15400 Buck Hill Road?
  
  Burnsville, MN 55306
  
  952-435-7174
  
  skibuck.com
  
  

Mount Kato Ski Area

• With 19 trails, eight chairlifts, three terrain parks and 55 skiable acres, Mount Kato Ski Area is a relatively small resort in southern Minnesota. Nestled in the Minnesota River Valley, the resort has a vertical drop of only 240 feet, making it ideal for beginner and intermediate skiers. If skiing is not your thing, hit the ski tubbing slopes, for a fast paced ride down the hill. On weekends, lift tickets are $34 for adults and $28 for children under 13, as of 2010. After a long day on the slopes, warm up with a hot chocolate and soup, at the cafeteria. During the summer, grab your mountain bike and explore over seven miles of trails.
  
  Mount Kato Ski Area
  
  20461 Hwy 66
  
  Mankato, MN 56001
  
  507-625-3363
  
  mountkato.com
  
  

Afton Alps Recreation Area

• Moments from the Twin Cities, with over 250 skiable acres, 48 trails, 18 chairlifts, a half pipe and a terrain park, Afton Alps Recreation Area is one of the largest ski resorts in the state. Surrounded by Afton State Park in the St Croix River Valley, the resort features a variety of runs for every skill level, making it a favorite amongst families. Freestyle snowboarders and skiers, can test their skills on a 20 foot down box, 45 foot table, uphill shot gun barrel and a number of rails, at the terrain park. For the young and the young at heart, grab a ski tube and challenge your friends to a high-speed race, at the Meadows Area Tubing Center. With the park open until 10 p.m. on weekends and 9:30 p.m. during the week, spend the entire day on the slopes for under $40, as of 2010.
  
  Afton Alps Recreation Area
  
  6600 Peller Ave. South
  
  Hastings, MN 55033
  
  651-436-5245
  
  aftonalps.com