Buena Vista Ski Area vs Lutsen Mountains
Buena Vista Ski Area (Minnesota) and Lutsen Mountains (Minnesota) head-to-head: stats, terrain, and 2026-27 pass coverage.
| Stat | Buena Vista Ski Area | Lutsen Mountains |
|---|---|---|
| Vertical drop | 174 ft (53 m) | 774 ft (236 m) |
| Summit elevation | 1,535 ft | 1,680 ft |
| Base elevation | 1,362 ft | 906 ft |
| Lifts | 6 | 8 |
| Runs | 19 | 76 |
| Beginner terrain | 21% | 5% |
| Intermediate terrain | 53% | 68% |
| Expert terrain | 26% | 27% |
| Night skiing | - | Yes |
Lutsen Mountains has the bigger vertical (774 ft vs 174 ft); Lutsen Mountains has more runs (76 vs 19); Lutsen Mountains skews more expert (27% expert terrain).
Which pass covers them?
| Resort | Pass coverage (2026-27) |
|---|---|
| Buena Vista Ski Area | Not on a major pass; lift tickets only |
| Lutsen Mountains | Ikon Pass: 7 daysIndy Pass: 2 days |
No single pass covers both, so skiing both means separate passes or lift tickets. Check your full resort list in the pass finder →
Stay near Buena Vista Ski Area
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More detail: Buena Vista Ski Area stats · Lutsen Mountains stats