Buck Hill is Great for Beginners

Train on Buck Hill like Lindsey Vonn!

Buck Hill, in Burnsville Minnesota, is not Midwest's largest ski resort.  It does not have the most challenging terrain, nor does it receive any more snow than other area resorts.  So why bother visiting?  Instead of pretending to be an elite ski resort, Buck Hill has focused on what it can do well, which is teach.  They have created a fantastic environment for beginner and novice skiers to get better. Buck Hill is the best place in Minnesota to learn to ski or snowboard.  Don't believe me?  America's best female alpine skier first trained at Buck Hill.  American Alpine bronze medalist Lindsey Vonn grew up in Minnesota and learned to ski at Buck Hill before moving out West to perfect her skills.  Take a lesson from Lindsey Vonn, before heading North to Lutsen or West to the Rockies, hone your skills at Buck Hill.  

What to Expect

Nearly all of the terrain at Buck Hill is geared towards beginning skiers and snowboarders.  However, there are a couple of options for more advanced skiers and snowboarders.  They offer a great terrain park and half pipe for those more adventurous (and younger) than myself.  There is also an Alpine Course set up for both youth and adult racing programs.  For thrill seekers, they have an huge jump where one can safely land on an airbag after trying out flips and tricks.  The airbag is an additional charge and is not open every day, but is certainly fun to watch even if you don't try it yourself.  Buck Hill also has a tubing hill that is popular with groups of kids, teenagers, and adults alike.

Try acrobatic flips onto the Buck Hill airbag

Buck Hill really shines in the runs devoted to less experienced skiers and snowboarders.  In many ways, the beginner run is the showcase run of Buck Hill.  The run is serviced by a cool magic carpet that even has a covered bridge section that brings riders ten feet over the run.  Both the beginner hill and magic carpet are longer than any "bunny hills" in Minnesota.

If you your budget is tight, Buck Hill has budget nights where you can get a lift ticket for as little as $10.  While the ticket is only good for a couple of hours, that might be all your body can handle if you are new to the sport.  They also advertise a beginner special that includes a lift ticket, ski rentals, and a 90 minute lesson--all for $35.  (Please note that the beginner special requires reservations and is not available every day).

Buck Hill does not claim to recreate the mountain ski experience.  They do not claim to be the biggest or best ski resort in Minnesota.  Their slogan is "100% Winter Fun for the Whole Family."  On this promise, they deliver by offering a variety of winter fun options at a reasonable price.  Before heading to the bigger and more expensive ski resorts, hone your skills at Buck Hill.

Just the Basics

"School Yard" beginner run at Buck Hill

• Location:15400 Buck Hill Road, Burnsville, Minnesota 55306
• Website: http://www.buckhill.com/winter/
• Cost: 
• Weekdays
• Full Day Lift Ticket $27
• Early Bird (10am-2pm) $13
• Night (7:30pm-Close) $15
• Weekends and Holidays
• Full Day Lift Ticket $39
• Early Bird (9am-noon) $20
• Night (7:30pm-close) $15 
• Sunday Night Special $10
• Advice: Hit up Buck Hill for an early bird or night special.  A couple hours on the hill is all you need.