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Buena Vista Ski Area

Experience family-friendly skiing at Buena Vista Ski Area in Bemidji, MN. Enjoy accessible amenities, ski school, restaurant, Wi-Fi, and excellent guest reviews.

19600 Irvine Ave NW, Bemidji, MN 56601, United States View on map
9.2/10
Exceptional Based on 100 recent guest reviews
Assistive hearing loop Wheelchair accessible entrance Wheelchair accessible seating Restaurant Restroom
What recent guests emphasize

Enjoy a Cozy, Family-Friendly Ski Experience

Recent guests highlight the welcoming atmosphere, variety of winter activities, and affordability, making it a memorable destination for families and beginners alike.

Guests often praise

  • The family-friendly environment and special events like Friday night skiing for kids.
  • The cozy, inviting lodge with tasty food options and often live piano music.
  • The friendly and helpful staff who go above and beyond to assist guests, including personalized lessons for beginners.
  • The scenic views from the top of the runs, noted as some of the best in the area.
  • The affordability and value for a local ski hill with a good range of skiing, snowboarding, tubing, and wagon rides.

Worth knowing

  • Snow conditions can be variable, though the resort adapts with additional activities when snow is scarce.
  • Runs are generally short with short lift lines, making it ideal for beginners but less suited for advanced skiers seeking longer trails.
  • Restroom facilities are functional, with better amenities located upstairs.
  • Some guests expressed a desire for more nighttime skiing options, such as occasional midnight ski nights.
  • Wi-Fi and accessibility features are available, supporting a comfortable visit for all guests.

Best for

  • Families looking for a safe, affordable winter destination with activities for children.
  • Beginners and those learning to ski or snowboard, thanks to gentle slopes and supportive staff.
  • Visitors seeking a cozy atmosphere with local charm and a relaxed pace.
  • Groups interested in additional winter activities beyond skiing, such as tubing and horse-drawn wagon rides.
  • Guests who appreciate scenic views and community-oriented ski experiences close to Bemidji.
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About this property

Welcome to Buena Vista Ski Area

Buena Vista Ski Area is a ski resort and ski school located in Bemidji, Minnesota. With a welcoming and family-friendly atmosphere, this modest hill offers a variety of winter activities suitable for all ages and skill levels. Guests appreciate the accessible facilities, including assistive hearing loops and wheelchair-accessible entrances and seating.

The resort features practical amenities such as a restaurant, restroom facilities, and reliable Wi-Fi, ensuring a comfortable visit. Multiple payment options, including credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, are accepted. The lodge is often described as cozy, with casual dining options that cater to visitors looking to enjoy a break between runs.

Reviewers highlight the friendly staff and community feel, with specific praise for the ski school instructors and family-oriented events like Friday night skiing. The variety of offerings extends beyond skiing to tubing and horse-drawn wagon rides whenever conditions allow. Although runs are generally short, the hill provides a well-rounded experience for those new to skiing or snowboarding.

Located at 19600 Irvine Ave NW, the resort is easily accessible for families in the Bemidji area and is considered an affordable local gem. Positive guest feedback emphasizes the special memories created here, praising both the scenic views from the top and the attentive service. While the resort caters primarily to families and beginners, it remains a valued spot for anyone seeking a relaxed day on the snow.

Summary compiled by GoHotelly editors from verified guest reviews, partner descriptions and editorial notes.
Facilities & essentials

What's on-site and what you should know before you arrive

The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.

Most popular facilities

Assistive hearing loop
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible seating
Restaurant
Restroom
Wi-Fi
Family-friendly
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Good for kids
Verified guest reviews

What recent guests are actually saying

Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.

CT
Christopher Tollefson Mar 16, 2026
10

I wish they had a midnight ski night once in a while. For what we have around here it’s a fun little hill. Family Friday night was a blast for the kids!

CE(
Chelsey Erickson (Minnesota Mom) Feb 25, 2026
10

We love BV! They made the most of the poor snow conditions. Thanks for all the fun! We were able to ski a couple times earlier in the season and enjoyed tubing & horse drawn wagon rides today.

CP
Carl Peterson Feb 21, 2026
10

I took my son their and we have a blast Friday night

JR
Joel Rogness Feb 06, 2026
10

Great little welcoming ski spot. The lodge is cozy. The food is tasty. The lines are as short as the runs. It's a great place to learn to snowboard or ski.

D
DEREK-BARNES-218-420 Feb 01, 2026
10

I grew up going here in the winters,it was one of the best parts of my childhood I love that my kids get to share that same/similar experience in a different era

N
noLieBowtie Jan 28, 2026
10

Absolutely awesome, family-friendly location. There is a decent enough variety for skiing and snowboarding, especially when the backside is open. Inside the building is nice and cozy, and there is often live piano playing. The food is alright, I personally recommend the chicken strip basket. The bathrooms are functional (the upstairs one is better). The views on top of continental are simply the best around. Overall, it's great coming here for skiing/snowboarding and tubing. Especially with how close to Bemidji it is.

MF(
Mandy Faldet (Mandy- 218 Real Estate) Jan 21, 2026
10

Buena Vista is a local gem! We are so blessed to have this ski hill in our area. Great service, good food and good clean fun!

SS
Samuel Smith Jan 15, 2026
10

ABSOLUTELY AMAZING FAMILY FRIENDLY MEMORY MAKING PLACE! I have so much to say about how amazing this place is.. Brought my Family of 8 there today.. 1st of all.. SUPER AFFORDABLE.. 2nd.. Everyone here is Extraordinarily Friendly…. One of the employees (Scott) I believe, was an off duty lift operator, literally he was there with us wife & kids, not even working, found out one of the kids I brought just moved here from Georgia & had never skied a day in his life. He took him to the bunny hill and gave him a Private Lesson until he had the basic skills down.. To pass on his love of the Sport. Thank you for making today one of those SPECIAL DAYS!

Location & neighborhood

Where you'll find Buena Vista Ski Area

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