Zak and Audrey Trimble share their journey to Lutsen Mountains and resort updates

Zak and Audrey Trimble moved to Cook County from Juneau, Alaska at the end 2023 as Zak took over chief operating officer duties for Lutsen Mountains. More recently, Audrey became the head of marketing and events at the resort. They joined WTIP in the studio to talk about their journey to the North Shore and give updates on everything happening atop Ski Hill Road.

“I was brought in as the Assistant GM last year under Jim Vick,” said Zak Trimble. “When he made the choice to retire this spring, I was placed into that role to run the hill.”

“This is the kind of community that (Zak) and I have sought out for years,” said Audrey Trimble. “And the community has seemed to welcome us with open arms.”

Audrey Trimble is responsible for managing the new music stage at The Lofty Gondola. “It really is kind of this great Après-ski bar. If you come up and you ski for the day, it’s a great place to grab a drink and a snack and enjoy live music six days out of the week now until football season starts,” said Audrey Trimble. When football season wraps up in February, the stage will be booked seven days a week.

Trimble also highlighted the upcoming Lutsen Family Festivals weekend on Feb. 7, 8, and 9. The weekend will feature live music, night skiing on Ullr Mountain, a torchlight parade, and fireworks.

Construction is progressing on the new Papa Charlie’s venue. “We’re really excited about that,” said Zak Trimble. “The trusses just arrived, so they’re going to start getting the roof on here real soon. So that building is really starting to take shape. And then next year, we’re going to continue to add onto Lofty Gondola.”

The resort plans to add more decks around the Lofty Gondola to create a “total 365 degree deck” that can accommodate bands and DJs.

“March skiing next year is going to be a lot of fun,” said Zak Trimble.

Chuck Olsen January 24, 2025