Wild Mountain is a ski area and snow tubing park in the winter and a waterpark during the summer. It is located in Amador Township, Chisago County, near Taylors Falls, Minnesota.
Overview During the winter months, Wild Mountain delivers 26 runs and 4 terrain parks across 100 acres of terrain. The ski area has 4 chairlifts, 4 rope tows and one conveyor. Wild Mountain enjoys a vintage base lodge which was originally constructed in 1960 and has had numerous additions. The base lodge was upgraded between 2021 and 2023 including a new bar, new flooring, updated bathrooms, new deck and an updated entrance.
Wild Mountain is owned by Sara Larsen (President). The general manager is Nathan Hakseth.
Geography Wild Mountain is located one hour northeast of the Twin Cities Metropolitan area. It is located 7 miles north of Taylors Falls.
Historical Opening Dates Wild Mountain is known nationally for its early opening dates for skiing and snowboarding. Below is a historical list of its opening dates. +YearDayNotes1960 to 1981no recordsno records1982October 18Earliest opening since opening of ski area in 1960.1983 & 1984no recordsno records1985October 311986no recordsno records1987November 9$8 ticket1988October 26$7 ticket1989November 4$14 ticket, closed April 91990October 191991October 181st ski area in the U.S to open.1993October 311994November 151995November 31996no recordsno records1997October 271998November 41999November 3$20 ticket. November 20–26, Daisy trail only for $62000November 152001November 20$20 ticket, Open November 24–27, November 30-5, then December 7 and beyond2002October 23$10 ticket2003November 6$12 ticket for Expressway, Daisy and Sunshine2004November 11Snow on the ground by November 8, $6 Daisy ticket2005November 17$15 ticket for Daisy and Sunshine2006November 1$15 ticket for Expressway and Daisy. 100% open on January 32007November 7$16 ticket for Expressway2008October 28$16 ticket for Expressway2009November 15$16 ticket for Expressway2010October 29$15 ticket for Expressway and Daisy through October 31. Reopened November 5–8, then November 14 and beyond. 100% open on November 27. First area in northern hemisphere to have 100% coverage.2011October 29$10 ticket for Front Stage, Expressway added on November 18. Rained on Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend2012October 7 First ski area in U.S. to open. $18 for Daisy and Front Stage. 100% open on November 29 - First in North America to achieve that.2013October 22$15 ticket or $10 with coupon. Front Stage trail open.2014October 31$20 ticket for Front Stage. Added Expressway and Dandy on November 12015November 20Front Stage, Dandy and Expressway for $20. 100% open on December 30.2016November 12 $20 ticket for Front Stage, Dandy and Expressway2017October 29$20 ticket for Front Stage trail 2018October 21$25 ticket for Front Stage2019October 29$26 ticket for Front Stage2020October 19First ski area in North America to open. $25 ticket for Front Stage.2021November 13$15 ticket for Front Stage and Dandy2022October 18First ski area in North America to open. $25 ticket for Front Stage.2023October 30Closed November 14–25, then reopened for remainder of season.2024November 28Opened with Expressway, Front Stage, Dandy, Chair 1 and Front Stage / Dandy Ropes $35 ticket2025November 10Opened with Expressway, Front Stage, Dandy, Chair 1 and Front Stage / Dandy Ropes $35 ticket
References
External links Wild Mountain official website Wild Mountain at Minnesota Downhill Ski Areas Hudson WI Patch article on St. Croix Valley ski history