Lutsen Mountains celebrates 75th anniversary

On Friday, Dec. 15th, Lutsen Mountain held a celebration to commemorate 75 years of operation on the North Shore.

The Lutsen ski hill has shaped the lives of many locals who grew up learning to ski on its boreal slopes. One such individual is Cindy Nelson, born and raised in Lutsen. She was a world cup skier by the age of 16 and went on to compete in the 76, 80 and 84 winter Olympics, taking home the Bronze medal in the downhill at the 1976 winter games. She is also the daughter of Lutsen Mountain founder, George Nelson.

Cindy Nelson stood along side Charles Skinner and his daughter, Charlotte, the current owners of the ski hill to celebrate the milestone event. As part of the celebration, Lutsen Mountain cut ribbon on the newest chair lift named the Raptor Express. Charlotte Skinner, who represents the third generation of Skinner family ownership, arrived at the ribbon cutting on skis and took time to recognize the role her neighbors play in the success of the business.

As Dec. 2023 comes to a close, winter recreation across most of the county has yet to begin. With nearly no accumulated natural snow, Lutsen Mountain is the only place where ski season has already begun.

Video and audio of the 75th celebration event is below.

M Baxley December 20, 2023