Northeast Minnesota is known for being a haven for people who love outdoor activities – and winter activities take center stage this time of year. The many ways to enjoy the snow in Northeast Minnesota include snowmobiling, dogsledding, cross country skiing and downhill skiing, among many others. Of the 18 downhill ski areas in Minnesota, five are located in the Arrowhead. And these five feature some of the biggest vertical drops, longest runs and most beautiful vistas in the state.
| NE Minnesota Ski Areas | Vertical Drop: | Longest Run: |
| Chester Bowl, Duluth | 175 ft. | 1,250 ft. |
| Giants Ridge, Biwabik | 500 ft. | 4,000 ft. |
| Lutsen Mountains, Lutsen | 1,088 ft. | 10,560 ft. |
| Mt. Itasca Winter Sports Center, Coleraine | 180 ft. | 1,320 ft. |
| Spirit Mountain, Duluth | 700 ft. | 5,400 ft. |
Data from DEED’s Quarterly Census of Employment & Wages program shows these five operations provided 183 jobs in the third quarter of 2019, which was the highest amount of ski area employment in any of the six regions in the state. However, for obvious reasons, employment at skiing facilities is typically highest in the fourth and first quarters each year, covering the months of October through March. Employment can be as much as four or five times higher in the first quarter compared to their third quarter.
After heading downhill during the Great Recession and recovery, employment at Minnesota skiing facilities is on the way back up in recent years. Statewide, employment peaked at 3,150 jobs in the first quarter of 2006, then fell to a low of 2,514 jobs over the next decade. Since 2016, however, employment has climbed by nearly 250 additional jobs, including a jump of 200 jobs in the past year (see Figure 1). .
Ski areas generate many jobs beyond those on the slopes. Here’s a look at occupations in demand in Northeast Minnesota’s skiing industry, with their median hourly wage:
- Amusement & Recreation Attendants - $10.39 per hour
- Landscaping & Groundskeeping Workers - $14.90 per hour
- Waiters & Waitresses - $10.52 per hour
- Receptionists & Information Clerks – $13.42 per hour
- Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, & Other Protective Workers – $11.68 per hour
