Afton Alps
Hastings, Minnesota, United States
Afton Alps is the largest ski and snowboard area in the Minneapolis–St Paul region, located in the St Croix River valley about 40 minutes south-east of…
What it's like here
Afton Alps is the largest ski and snowboard area in the Minneapolis–St Paul region, located in the St Croix River valley about 40 minutes south-east of downtown Minneapolis. It's owned by Vail Resorts and operates as a regional hill where people from the Twin Cities often head straight after work. The terrain is modest but concentrated across a series of connected bluffs, with extensive night skiing under floodlights as a defining feature — weeknight evenings are when the place comes alive.
Terrain parks are a significant draw here, alongside dedicated beginner areas with an on-site ski and snowboard school. Most runs are lit for night skiing, making it possible to ride in the evening rather than waiting for a weekend day trip. If you hold an Epic Pass, Afton counts toward your coverage, so it's worth checking what your pass includes.
The setting matters: the St Croix River valley gives the hill its character, and the adjacent Afton State Park offers hiking and bluff trails if you want to combine a day out with other activities. Rentals and lessons are available on-site, and the facilities include a café, parking, lockers and toilets.
Conditions are winter-dependent and rely on snowmaking, so it's worth checking the snow report before you go. The hill suits solo riders, couples, families and groups of friends — it's designed to be accessible and approachable rather than a destination resort. A half-day visit is typical, whether you're squeezing in an evening session or making a weekend of it.
In summer, the operation shifts to lift-served mountain biking and golf, so the place stays active year-round. Dynamic pricing applies to lift tickets, so check the official website for current rates before booking.
Highlights
- Extensive night skiing under lights across most terrain
- Terrain parks for freestyle and park riders
- Dedicated beginner areas with lessons and rentals on-site
- Lift-served mountain biking operation in summer
- 40 minutes from downtown Minneapolis, ideal for weeknight sessions
- St Croix River valley setting adjacent to Afton State Park
Good to know
Season depends on winter snow and snowmaking; check the snow report before visiting. Afton is an Epic Pass resort, so pass holders should confirm their coverage. Night skiing is central to the operation, not an add-on. Lift ticket pricing is dynamic — see afton.com for current rates. Rentals, lessons, a café, parking, lockers and toilets are all on-site. Summer brings lift-served mountain biking and golf.
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Questions people ask
How far is Afton Alps from Minneapolis?
Around 40 minutes by car from downtown, which is why it works well as a weeknight-evening destination for people living in the Twin Cities.
Is there a beginner area?
Yes. There are dedicated beginner areas, plus an on-site school and rental operation.
What happens in summer?
The focus shifts to lift-served mountain biking and golf.
Attributes & facilities
Time
Other
Last verified: September 7, 2026