Elm Creek Winter Recreation Area
The Winter Recreation Area in Elm Creek Park Reserve features a lighted tubing hill with lifts and snowmaking, a beginner-level downhill ski and snowboard hill, and almost 18K of cross-country ski trails.
After the action, winter sports enthusiasts can warm their toes and grab a hot cocoa in the chalet. A blend of modern and rustic, the chalet provides equipment rental, concessions, public seating and a fireplace. In the summer, hikers, bikers and others use the chalet as a stopping point before hitting the trails. The chalet is also a popular spot for weddings and corporate events.
Elm Creek PDF Maps
Find printable maps of the park on the Elm Creek Park Reserve page.
Hours, Rates & Passes
Activity Status
Tubing Hill: Closed for the season.
Cross-Country Ski Trails: Closed.
Downhill Skiing & Snowboarding: Closed for the season.
Hours & Rates
View hours, rates and season pass information for all activities.
The season typically begins in early December and goes through mid-March, weather permitting. Hours and rates vary for tubing, downhill skiing and cross-country skiing.
Cross-Country Skiing
Hours
See hours for trails and the chalet.
Trails
Elm Creek offers 18.3K of groomed cross-country ski trails, including 5.8K with lights and 2.5K with snowmaking. Lessons are available! Learn more about cross-country skiing at Three Rivers, and check trail conditions before you visit.
Passes
Need an annual pass? Get yours today!
Downhill Skiing & Snowboarding — Closed
Hours, Rates & Passes
Elm Creek Winter Recreation Area offers downhill skiing and snowboarding hills for beginners. View hours, rates and season pass information.
SnowSports Academy
Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, the expert instructors at the SnowSports Academy are experienced in teaching skiing and snowboarding to all ages and abilities. Choose from private, semi-private or public lessons.
Competitive Programs
Elm Creek is proud to host a number of competitive clubs that provide unique opportunities for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities.
Elm Creek Alpine Race Team
The Race Team is designed to be a competitive experience in a fun environment. Skiers age 6-18 develop fundamental skills, learn to be part of a team, and gain a passion for skiing. Competitions are against other ski areas.
Register for Elm Creek's Alpine Race Team
Elm Creek X Team
This introductory snowboard and twin-tip competition program includes events with other local teams. Improve your skills in free riding, big air and gates.
Register for Elm Creek's Snowboard X Comp Team or Twin Tip X Comp Team.
Safety on the Slopes
Three Rivers Parks is committed to promoting slope safety. Observe Your Responsibility Code and other guidelines for a great snow sports experience.
Hyland Hills Ski Area
Downhill skiing and snowboarding at Elm Creek is suitable for beginners and lessons. For more challenging hills, visit Hyland Hills Ski Area.
Minnesota Ski Area Association
Elm Creek Winter Recreation Area is a member of the Minnesota Ski Area Association.
Tubing — Closed
The tubing hill is closed for the season.
View regular rates and hours.
Speed down the tubing hill at Elm Creek and catch a ride back to the top on a moving sidewalk. From steeper chutes for the more daring to a laid-back ride on slower lanes, there's something for the whole family! Learn more about tubing at Elm Creek.
Sledding
What's better than the thrill of flying down a snow-covered hill on a chilly winter day? Grab your sled and head to the Winter Recreation Area for hours of fun. Check hill conditions here before you head out.
Get great benefits, including a free season pass, competitive wages, a fast-paced environment, flexible hours and more. Check out all employment opportunities and apply today!
Join the National Ski Patrol, a nationally-recognized group of volunteers. Highly motivated, enthusiastic skiers and snowboarders are encouraged to apply. Stop by Guest Services in the Chalet or contact Ashley O'Rourke, 763.694.7802, for more information.
