Looking for a winter daycation near the Twin Cities? Powder Ridge offers skiing, snow tubing, lessons, dining, and space to relax, making it a perfect fit for families of all ages. It provides a true escape from the city: a focused retreat into a full day of outdoor fun, fresh air, and time away from screens and the hustle of everyday life.
Family-owned and operated since 1954, Powder Ridge is one of those rare places that works whether your entire family skis… or only a few of them do.
Quick Snapshot: Powder Ridge at a Glance
📍 Location: Kimball, MN
⏱️ Drive Time: ~1 hour 15 minutes / ~60 miles
👨👩👧👦 Perfect For: Families, beginners, mixed-skill groups
❄️ Season: Winter recreation + year-round events
📶 Perks: Free WiFi, full-service restaurant, night skiing
⛷️ Winter Fun for Every Skill Level
Skiing & Snowboarding
Powder Ridge truly has everything you need for an amazing day on the slopes. With 15 groomed runs, 3 chairlifts, and 3 terrain parks, there’s something for every level of skier or rider.
- Kowabunga Park and Cedar Park are perfect for beginner and intermediate abilities
- South/North Park is designed for more experienced skiers and snowboarders
One feature I really appreciate is their daily snow report and trail map available on their website. It makes it easy to plan ahead and know exactly which runs and lifts are open before you go.
This is a fantastic spot for kids and beginners while still offering enough variety and challenge to keep experienced riders engaged.
🧑🏫 Lessons & Learning
Powder Ridge offers ski and snowboard lessons in several formats, making it approachable for first-timers and families.
The Kids Club program is designed to keep learning fun and stress-free. Offered on Saturdays, Sundays, and during holiday sessions, it includes:
- One-on-one instruction
- A free donut and hot cocoa
- Lift ticket and rentals that are valid for the entire day
For adults or first-time skiers and snowboarders, the 3X Learn Lessons program includes three one-hour lessons — and once completed, you receive a FREE season pass. Private and semi-private lessons are also available for those wanting a more personalized experience.
🛷 Snow Tubing
I love that Powder Ridge offers snow tubing as an option! No experience is needed, making it perfect for kids who aren’t quite ready for skiing or for anyone who simply doesn’t want to ski.
It’s also a great add-on to a ski day — ski during the day, then head over for snow tubing at night for a fun change of pace.
🍔 Food & Warm-Up Spots
The warm chalet offers incredible views throughout the space — and I say that from experience. It’s the perfect place to warm up, relax, and refuel.
You’re welcome to bring your own food, but keep in mind there are no microwaves, crockpots, or toasters available on site. Personally, I like to do a little of both: packing plenty of snacks while also enjoying a meal from one of Powder Ridge’s food options.
Ridgeview Kitchen
Ridgeview Kitchen is a cafeteria-style food service offering comforting favorites like burgers, hot dogs, chicken strips, soups, chili, and mac and cheese. They also serve the sweet treats we all crave — including homemade donuts, cappuccinos, and hot cocoa.
This is a great grab-and-go option that lets you eat anywhere in the chalet while watching skiers and snowboarders come down the hill.
Chester’s Bar & Grill
Chester’s is a sit-down, casual, and family-friendly restaurant and bar. They offer great food and beverages, daily specials, homemade signature sauces, and ten rotating tap lines, plus house-made Bloody Marys.
I especially appreciated their light fare options, which are easier on both your appetite and your budget. Chester’s also hosts a meat raffle and live music every Saturday from 5–8 PM — be sure to check their website for the seasonal live music schedule.
☕ A Hidden Win: Powder Ridge for Non-Skiers
Even if you don’t ski, Powder Ridge is still a wonderful place to spend the day. The chalet offers seating with clear views of the bunny hill, and Chester’s provides great sightlines to other areas of the slopes as well.
I’ve even brought my laptop to get some work done thanks to the free WiFi — and next time, I might bring a book. The scenery alone is incredibly relaxing, whether you’re hitting the hills or enjoying the view from the warmth inside.
Final Thoughts: Why Powder Ridge Belongs on Your Winter Daycation List
Powder Ridge is a truly flexible and family-friendly winter destination. You can pack food or splurge on a meal, chase adventure on the slopes, and enjoy meaningful one-on-one conversations on the chairlift.
It’s a place that works for multiple generations — those who ski or snowboard will love the physical adventure, and those who don’t will appreciate the slower pace and break from the everyday hustle.
☕ Add a Stop: Central Grind Coffeehouse
If you’re not quite ready to head home after your time on the slopes, Central Grind Coffeehouse makes a cozy final stop — or even a great pre-Powder Ridge warm-up. It’s about ten minutes away and known for its Old Fashioned Caramel Crisp Subs and excellent specialty coffees.
It’s exactly the kind of thoughtful, local stop I love adding to a DaycationMN experience.
Do you ski or snowboard? Let me know if you go!