Peak Elevation
1,510 ft
460 m
Vertical Drop
230 ft
70 m
Skiable Area
30 ac
12 ha
Avg Snowfall
78 in
198 cm
Lifts
5
Buena Vista Weather Forecast
About
Buena Vista Ski Area sits on the Continental Divide a few miles north of Bemidji, Minnesota, where meltwater splits toward Hudson Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. The hill has a 230 foot vertical drop from a 1,510 foot summit, with 16 runs and 30 acres served by six lifts, mostly doubles and triples. Leonard Dickinson cleared the first run in 1936 and opened the area on Christmas Day 1949; the Dickinson family still runs it, marking 75 years in business in 2024.
Terrain
Difficulty Breakdown
Lifts & Conditions
Amenities
Operated by Thomas Family
Data validated from official sources but may be incomplete or outdated. Always verify with the resort directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many lifts does Buena Vista have?
Buena Vista has 5 ski lifts, with a combined uphill capacity of approximately 4,500 riders per hour.
What is the vertical drop at Buena Vista?
Buena Vista has a vertical drop of 230 feet (70 meters).
What is the peak elevation of Buena Vista?
The summit of Buena Vista sits at 1,510 feet (460 meters) above sea level.
How many trails does Buena Vista have?
Buena Vista has 16 marked trails.
How big is the skiable terrain at Buena Vista?
Buena Vista covers 30 acres (12 hectares) of skiable terrain.
Does Buena Vista offer night skiing?
Yes, Buena Vista offers night skiing. Hours and trail availability vary by season, so check the official website for current schedules.
Does Buena Vista have snowmaking?
Yes, Buena Vista has snowmaking to supplement natural snowfall and extend the ski season.
How much snow does Buena Vista get each year?
Buena Vista averages around 78 inches (198 cm) of snowfall per season.