Best Ski Destination

Christie Mountain (W13755 County Road O, Bruce) offers fun for all ages and abilities, from snowboarding, skiing, and tubing in winter to rock climbing and watching the leaves change in summer and fall. And don’t forget to look for The Beast: the ski-clad Bigfoot-like creature that roams the area. Those looking for a resort experience nearby should check out Afton Alps (6600 Peller Ave. S., Hastings, Minnesota), which has not only a variety of runs but also a terrain park with jumps, rails, and other assorted obstacles. It’s a bit of a hike, but Lutsen Mountains’ (467 Ski Hill Road, Lutsen, Minnesota) four mountains, 95 runs, and 825-foot vertical rise is worth it for serious skiers. – Danielle Zinsli