Douglas F. Bryant Winter Recreation Area
The Winter Recreation Area at Elm Creek 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.
Chalet: Open, view chalet hours.
Cross-Country Skiing: Open, see trail conditions page for details.
Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding: Open, view downhill hours.
Snow Tubing: Closed for the season.
March 6–10: Changes in Hours & Temporary Closures
Please note the following operational changes:
- Mini Park: Closed March 6
- Terrain Park: Open March 7 at noon
- Terrain Park: Closed March 9 & 10
Interactive Map of Elm Creek
All Hours, Rates & Passes
View all hours, rates and season pass details for the 2025–26 season at the Winter Recreation Area or explore by activity:
Downhill Skiing & Snowboarding
Learn more about downhill skiing & snowboarding at the Winter Recreation Area at Elm Creek with helpful information on hours, rates and passes.
You can also explore options for lessons and other frequently asked questions to make the most of your experience on the slopes.
- Hours, Rates & Passes
The Winter Recreation Area offers downhill skiing and snowboarding hills for beginners.
- Downhill Ski & Snowboard Lessons
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, with private, semi-private or public lessons.
Register online for public lessons or private lessons.
- Terrain Park Development Programs
Elm Creek offers development programs for young, intermediate riders looking to advance their skills in the terrain park.
Register for Elm Creek's Team Elm – TwinTip or Team Elm – Snowboard.
- Safety on the Slopes
Three Rivers Park District 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
The Winter Recreation Area of Elm Creek is a member of the Minnesota Ski Area Association.
Cross-Country Skiing
Elm Creek offers 18.3K of groomed cross-country ski trails, including 5.8K with lights and 2.5K with snowmaking.
Learn more about cross-country skiing at Three Rivers and check trail conditions before you visit.
- Cross-Country Ski Lessons
Cross-country ski lessons at the Winter Recreation Area at Elm Creek will help you prepare to glide across groomed trails this winter.
Register online for public lessons or private lessons.
- Cross-Country Ski Passes
- Is Cross-Country Skiing Open?
Check if cross-country skiing is open before you head out.
Snow Tubing
Closed for the season. See you next winter!
Speed down the tubing hill at Elm Creek and catch a ride back to the top on a moving sidewalk.
Learn more about tubing at Elm Creek.
- Tubing Reservations
Advance reservations are strongly encouraged. When open, please check availability online before coming to the hill.
When open, reservations can be made online or by calling our reservations office at 763-559-6700.
A maximum of 10 tubes per day can be reserved.
- Tubing Hours & Rates
See hours and rates for the tubing hill.
- Is the Tubing Hill Open?
Check if the tubing hill is open before you head out.
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.
- Is the Sledding Hill Open?
Check if the sledding hill is open before you head out.
FAQs About Visiting the Winter Recreation Area at Elm Creek
Find out the answers to some of the most common questions about visiting the Winter Recreation Area at Elm Creek.
Gearing Up
- What equipment is allowed on the skiing and snowboarding hills?
Downhill skis with metal edges and functioning brakes (or with leashes, if telemark skis) and snowboards with metal edges and non-releasing bindings.
We do not allow snow skates, ski bikes, sleds, snow scooters, cross-country skis or plastic snowboards on the skiing and snowboarding hills.
- Can I rent just alpine skis, snowboards, snowboard boots or alpine ski boots?
There is no discounted rate for renting a partial downhill ski or snowboard package. We rent them only as a full package.
- Can I rent just Nordic boots or skis?
Yes, we do offer a-la-carte cross-country equipment rental. You can rent boots, skis or poles separately.
On the Hill & Inside the Chalet
- Can I wear only my boots on the bunny hill?
No, we do not allow any foot traffic on the ski hill.
Anyone on skiable terrain, including the bunny hill and surface conveyor lifts, must have a valid lift ticket attached to their clothing and skis or a snowboard on their feet.
- Can I bring my dog to the hill?
We do not allow dogs inside the chalet or anywhere on the downhill ski and snowboard or tubing areas during the ski season.
Service animals are welcome.
- Can I bring my own food?
You can bring your own food; however, we do not allow anything with a heating element to be brought inside the chalet.
This includes but is not limited to: coffee makers, pressure cookers, air fryers and crockpots.
- Does Elm Creek serve alcohol?
No, we do not have a bar onsite, nor do we allow guests to bring their own alcohol on the premises.
- I want to have a group outing. Can I reserve tables ahead of time?
No, we do not reserve tables ahead of time.
Other Common Questions
- Do you have cross-country ski trails?
Yes, Elm Creek offers 18.3K of groomed cross-country ski trails, including 5.8K with lights and 2.5K with snowmaking.
Lessons are also available for cross-country skiing!
- Can I go sledding on the hill?
We do not allow sledding on the tubing or ski and snowboard hills.
Sledding is allowed on the sledding hill, which can be accessed from the swim pond parking lot.
Elm Creek PDF Maps
Find printable maps of the park on the Elm Creek Park Reserve page.
