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100% OF TRAILS OPEN & A FULL WEEKEND AHEAD

All trails open this Saturday! Buck Hill will reach a major milestone this weekend: 100% of ski and snowboard trails will be open starting Saturday, December 13th, 2025. Thanks to the extraordinary efforts of our snowmaking crew – our hardworking Snowfarmers – we’re entering the season with the deepest early-winter base we’ve ever had. After more than 290 continuous hours of snowmaking, the system is now officially shut down for the season, and the result is a fully covered hill ready for skiers, snowboarders, and snow tubers of all experience levels.

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ALL TRAILS OPEN

With every trail across the hill ready for action, guests can expect a wide variety of terrain – perfect for new skiers and riders finding their balance and seasoned skiers hungry for laps. As always, we encourage visitors to choose terrain that matches their skill level and progress gradually. See the Buck Hill Trail Map at the bottom of this article. Trails open on December 13th:

Beginner Terrain – Green Circle | Perfect for first-timers and those building foundational skills.
Rail Yard, Mouse Pass, Little Jibber, Woodchuck Way, Coyote Cutoff, & School Yard

Intermediate Terrain – Blue Square | A step up in pitch and length for riders looking to advance.
The Knob, Warner’s Way, Sailer’s Chute, Olympic Dreams, Dash’s Drop, Redtail Ridge, & Teacher’s Pet

Advanced Terrain – Black Diamond | For experienced skiers and riders ready for steeps and speed.
Crossroads & Milk Run

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Freestyle Terrain Update

Freestyle skiers and riders will find multiple parks open with features sized appropriately for progression. Please always follow posted signage. Each park has its own layout, ability level expectations, and safety markers. Open Terrain Parks on December 13th:

The Knob: Small & Medium Features

Redtail Ridge: Medium & Large Features

Little Jibber: Small, Medium & Large Features

Never-Ever: Extra Small & Small Features

The Rail Yard trail is fully skiable, but the Slopestyle Park is not yet built. The halfpipe will remain closed as crews shape decks and finalize snow placement for future opening.

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Snow Tubing Also Open

In addition to skiing and riding, all Snow Tubing lanes are now open for the season. It’s one of the fastest (and funniest) ways to experience winter – with no experience required. Check out the Snow Tubing webpage HERE.

Two Major Events This Saturday

Carve for a Cure | A full day of skiing, riding, and fundraising with lift access, a scavenger hunt, a giant slalom course, and après celebration. Participants are helping push toward the goal of 100 participants and $50,000 raised for a great cause. Get more info HERE.

Burton Test Ride Tour |The Burton Step On Test Ride Tour returns with free snowboard demos, giving riders a chance to try 2025–26 gear before anyone else. It’s a hands-on opportunity to feel the latest technology on snow. Get more info HERE.

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Helpful Tips for a Smooth Weekend

With the entire hill opening and two major events underway, we expect a busy and exciting weekend. A little preparation goes a long way toward keeping your day smooth, efficient, and stress-free. Here are a few helpful tips to make the most of your visit:

Carpool | Be cool, carpool. Parking fills quickly on weekends.

Get Tickets Online | Buy tickets online for the best rates on lift tickets (Buy HERE) and snow tubing tickets (Buy HERE).

Season Passholers | Season Passholders can redeem their area lift tickets in the Ticket Office, Ski School/ Snowsports Center, or Clock Tower window.

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Dining Options

A full day on the hill calls for refueling, and Buck Hill has food and beverage options for every pace – if you need something quick between laps, a warm-up snack, or a full après-ski meal at Buck ’54 Bar & Grill. From chalet classics to fresh waffles and sit-down dining with a view, guests will find plenty of ways to stay energized throughout the weekend.

Main Chalet Concessions: Donuts, soup, and fries are the local favorites for a reason.

Main Chalet Waffle Bar: Warm, fresh waffles all weekend.

Buck ‘54 Bar & Grill: One of the best après-ski spots in the Midwest with new menu items, specialty cocktails, and a great beer selection.

Buck Hill Event Center: Burrito Bowl Buffet available.

Snow Tubing Snack Shack: Quick snacks for laps that can’t wait.

With a fully open hill, deep coverage, and two marquee events, this weekend marks the true start of winter at Buck Hill. Get ready for a great weekend because we’re waiting for you!

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BUCK HILL’S ANNUAL NYE CELEBRATION

CELEBRATE NEW YEAR’S EVE WITH SLOPES, SPARKS, AND FESTIVITIES

Join us on Tuesday, December 31st, 2025 at Buck Hill for an extraordinary New Year’s Eve as we celebrate the coming year with winter fun, fireworks show, live music, and more!

The NYE Celebration starts with skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing, with the slopes staying open late until 11:30 p.m., giving everyone a chance to make the most of NYE (Buy Lift Tickets HERE and Snow Tubing Tickets HERE). As the evening unfolds, indulge in a range of dining options, including a Prime Rib Dinner, an all-day buffet in the Event Center, and quick bites in the Main Chalet.

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Entertainment abounds with live music performed by Mike Poot and Justin Burk and a high-energy set by (DJ Aventi) to keep the party going well into the night. Families can enjoy a variety of festive kids’ activities, including a hot cocoa bar, s’mores, and crafts, all set against the cozy fireplace backdrop of the Hutch Building. Then, at the stroke of midnight, the sky will light up with a free fireworks show to mark the start of 2026 and celebrate Buck Hill’s rich history.

Plan ahead for a seamless night of fun:

– Carpool or use the free shuttle from offsite parking lots.
– Reserve dining spots for the Prime Rib Dinner
– Purchase lift tickets and snow tubing tickets online.
– Arrive early to enjoy all the activities and entertainment.

Let’s make this New Year’s Eve one for the ages! Celebrate the slopes, sparks, and Buck Hill’s legacy.

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NYE Celebration Schedule:

9:00 AM – 11:30 PM | Skiing, Snowboarding, and Snow Tubing
10:00 AM – 12:30 AM | Shuttle Bus
10:30 AM – 1:00 AM | Buffet Items and Full Service Bar in Buck Hill Event Center
4:30 PM – 8:15 PM | Prime Rib Dinner in Buck Hill Event Center (Reservation Only)
3:00 PM | Party Favor Handouts in Ticket Office and Ski School
5:00 PM – 9:00 PM | *Festive Child Activities in Hutch Building
5:00 PM – 12:00 AM | Live Music by Mike Poot & Justin Burk in Buck ‘54 Bar & Grill
8:00 PM – 1:00 AM | DJ Aventi in Buck Hill Event Center
MIDNIGHT | FIREWORKS SHOW

Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve on ABC will be playing in both the chalet and Hutch for the night!

*Hot Chocolate, S’Mores, Bracelet Making, etc. | Balloon Artist & Caricature Artist from 7:00 – 9:00 PM

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Prime Rib Dinner:

Enjoy a New Year’s Eve feast featuring slow-roasted prime rib, served with green beans, mashed potatoes, and your choice of a house salad or chicken wild rice soup all for only $48. Dinner also includes a complimentary glass of champagne to toast the night!
This experience is reservation-only.

Reservations & Seating:

– Session 1: 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM | SOLD OUT
– Session 2: 4:45 PM – 6:15 PM | SOLD OUT
– Session 3: 6:15 PM – 7:45 PM | SOLD OUT
– Session 4: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM | SOLD OUT

To book, please email reservations@buckhill.com and include:

– Your top two preferred dining time slots (in case one fills)
– Number of people in your party
– The number of guests ordering the prime rib

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ADAM RISVOLD MEMORIAL FUN JAM

A Celebration of Community, Creativity, and Adam’s Spirit

Buck Hill invites freestyle skiers and snowboarders of all ages and skill levels to the inaugural Adam Risvold Memorial Fun Jam, a free, open-to-the-public evening honoring Adam’s adventurous spirit and the community he loved.

The Adam Risvold Memorial Fun Jam is a flowy, good-vibes-only session built for riders who simply love being on snow. If you’re hitting your first ride-on boxes or dialing in your style on rails, this jam invites everyone to ride together, progress together, and celebrate together.

We’ll also have swag giveaways, DJ Besot blasting tunes, high-fives, and plenty of encouragement from fellow skiers and riders and Buck Hill staff. From first-timers to seasoned park riders, everyone is welcome.

Event Details:

Date: Thursday, December 18th, 2025
Time: 5:30 – 7:30 PM
Location: Buck Hill Never-Ever Park
Cost: Free Fun Jam | Buck Hill Area/Lift Ticket Required (BUY HERE)
Registration: None. Just show up and ride.

This season, Steve and Char Risvold have generously funded six brand-new Coastal Jibs park features and two newly refurbished features in loving memory of their son Adam. These additions were built for all abilities, bringing new creative lines and fresh energy to Buck Hill’s freestyle community. Each feature proudly displays a plaque reading “In Memory of Adam Risvold,” honoring the joy he brought to every lap.

The Fun Jam will officially showcase these new features, giving riders a first chance to hit the expanded setup in an inviting, no-pressure environment. Expect an evening filled with movement, progression, and camaraderie – exactly the kind of session Adam would have loved.

Join us for a night of riding, connection, and heartfelt celebration. The Adam Risvold Memorial Fun Jam is a tribute to freedom, laughter, and the joy of being on snow.

Show up. Ride. Remember. Celebrate.

Read more about the life and legacy of Adam Risvold HERE.

BURTON DEMO – TEST RIDE TOUR – 2025

FREE STEP-ON DEMOS + 2026 BURTON GEAR

The Burton Test Ride Tour returns to Buck Hill on Saturday, December 13th, offering a full day of free snowboard demos featuring Burton’s Step On boot-to-binding system and the complete 2026 Burton board and binding lineup. If you’re looking to upgrade your setup or curious about how Step On rides, this event gives you the chance to take industry-leading gear on-snow at no cost.

Event Schedule:

8:00 – 9:30 AM | Early Bird boot pick up and registration at Zombie Boardshop. Sip coffee, grab a donut, and get set up early before heading to the hill.

10:00 AM – 4:00 PM | On-snow demos at Buck Hill. Riders can test Step On boots and bindings, as well as a wide selection of 2026 Burton boards and strap bindings.

If you miss the Early Bird window, no problem – boots will also be available at Buck Hill throughout the day.

A Buck Hill lift ticket is required, but all Burton demos are free.

Locations:

Buck Hill Ski & Snowboard Area
15400 Buck Hill Rd, Burnsville, MN 55306

Zombie Boardshop
15100 Buck Hill Rd, Burnsville, MN 55306

 Winter is right around the corner, and at Buck Hill, we’re gearing up for one of our most exciting seasons EVER. Whether you’re a die-hard rider, a weekend skier, a terrain-park regular, or someone who lives for après-ski energy, the 2025–2026 winter season is packed with new features, legendary events, and truly unforgettable midwest hill vibes.

If you’re already counting down the days until the lifts start turning, here are the Top 5 reasons this winter at Buck Hill is shaping up to be the best one yet—and why you’ll want to secure your Season Pass early.

 

1. Downhill Disco Returns: Après-Ski Energy You Won’t Find Anywhere Else

 

If you know, you know: Downhill Disco is more than an event—it’s a full-hill mood.

This season, the disco lights return with HNTR & Fallon, bringing a high-energy, beat-heavy après-ski party that transforms the hill into a dance-floor-meets-snow-glow experience.

Expect:

• A packed hill buzzing with winter nightlife
• Elevated sound and lighting
• A community event that gets bigger (and wilder) every year

 

 If you’re looking for a unique experience on the hill with energy, rhythm, and a little glitter in the snow, Downhill Disco is your night.

 

2. New Terrain Park Rails: A Legacy Gift That Elevates Our Parks

 

One of the biggest highlights of the upcoming season is something truly special.

The Risvold family has generously donated six brand-new, professionally crafted terrain-park features, along with funding to completely refurbish two existing features—all in loving memory of their son, Adam Risvold.

These new features are being built by Coastal Jibs out of Quebec, a world-class fabricator known for innovative, durable, and rider-approved park elements.

What this means for you:

• Expanded creativity and flow in our parks
• Higher-quality sets designed for progression
• More options for beginners and experts alike
• A meaningful addition to Buck Hill’s freestyle community

We’ll be debuting these new features at a special rail event on Thursday, December 18th, and trust us—you’re going to want to be there. It’s going to be one of the most exciting updates to the park scene in years.

 

3. The Rattlesnake Banked Slalom Is Back—And Bigger Than Ever

 

Buckle up. The Rattlesnake Banked Slalom returns on Sunday, March 8, 2026, and this year, the stakes are higher, the turns are tighter, and the bragging rights are bigger.

If you’ve never raced it, here’s what you’re missing:

• Fast, technical riding
• Banked walls that reward skill and speed
• A rowdy, high-energy crowd
• A snowboard-only event that embodies pure soul riding

And the huge news for 2026:

Winners of the Men’s & Women’s Open divisions will earn a spot in the 2027 Mt. Baker Legendary Banked Slalom.

That’s right—the iconic, historic Mt. Baker LBS, the original soul-event of snowboarding, with roots stretching back to 1985. This is a massive opportunity, and we’re honored to offer riders a direct path to one of the most meaningful competitions in the sport.

Whether you’re racing, cheering, or soaking in the atmosphere, the Rattlesnake Banked Slalom is an event that radiates everything we love about snowboarding: community, creativity, history, and absolute chaos in the best possible way.

 

4. The Midwest’s Only Halfpipe: A Buck Hill Icon

 

You may have heard this once or twice, but it’s worth saying again:

Buck Hill is home to the Midwest’s ONLY halfpipe.

And this season, it’s back, cut clean, and ready for riders who want to elevate their line, boost their style, and push progression.

A great halfpipe is more than a feature—it’s a proving ground. It’s where riders learn edge control, amplitude, timing, switch confidence, and true freestyle flow. It’s a rare gem in the Midwest, and we’re proud to offer something that keeps riders coming back from across the region.

If you’ve been wanting to learn pipe riding or dial in your tricks, this is your winter.

 

5. Uphill Access: First Tracks, Sunrise Views & Pure Solitude

If you’ve been craving quieter mornings, untouched corduroy, or a new way to move your body outdoors, Uphill Access at Buck Hill is about to become your new obsession.

Whether you’re training for a backcountry trip, looking to switch up your fitness routine, or simply seeking solitude away from crowds and noise, uphill travel delivers an entirely different hill experience. First ascend starts Friday, January 2nd! 

With Uphill Access, you can:

• Make first turns on freshly groomed trails

• Start your day with a sunrise overlooking Crystal Lake

• Escape the rush and find your own rhythm

• Train with gear you’ll use for backcountry touring

• Enjoy a peaceful, self-paced workout in nature

Reach the top, take a deep breath, adjust your goggles, and drop into a line that feels like pure winter bliss.

If you’re dreaming of something new this season, grab your gear and join us for Uphill Access at Buck Hill.

Why This Season Is the One to Commit: Get Your Season Pass

 

With new terrain-park features, iconic events, the Midwest’s only halfpipe, must-ride spring days, and an après-ski scene that just keeps growing, the 25/26 winter season is shaping up to be something truly special.

A Season Pass is hands-down the best way to enjoy everything Buck Hill has to offer:

• Unlimited riding all winter
• Best value per day on the hill
• Access to every major event
• No blackout dates
• The freedom to ride when the snow (or stoke) hits

If you love winter, if you love progression, if you love being part of a community that lives and breathes snow—now is the time to lock in your pass.

 

 

Final Thoughts: Winter Is Calling—Are You Ready?

Whether you’re here for the parks, the pipe, the races, the parties, or the powder days, Buck Hill is gearing up for a season built around progression, hype, community, and celebration. From the Downhill Disco to the Rattlesnake Banked Slalom to our brand-new Coastal Jibs rails, the hill is ready—and we can’t wait to welcome you back.

See you on the snow.
25/26 is going to be legendary.

Get Off the Sidelines

This Weekend….We’re Back!

Opening back up this Friday at 3:00 PM (more info here) – with more terrain open, more lifts running, and longer operating hours, I want to take a moment to speak to a very specific group of people — maybe you.

The parents who watch from the base area.
The adults who keep saying “next year.”
The folks who bundle up the kids, bring them to Buck Hill, and then… stay on the sidelines.
The ones who wonder whether skiing, snowboarding, or even tubing might be for them too.

This message is for you.

I didn’t grow up skiing or snowboarding. I played basketball my entire life. I didn’t pick up skiing until I was 28. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned since being on snow, it’s this: Winter changes entirely the moment you choose to be part of it.

What These Sports Actually Do For You

Skiing, snowboarding, and even snow tubing aren’t just activities — they’re gateways. They spark joy, euphoria, confidence, and a surprising sense of well-being. They nudge you out of your comfort zone just enough to remind you that you’re still capable of learning something new… and loving it.

When you’re on the snow, life’s noises disappear — it’s like the gates to your own Neverland quietly open, a place where the real world loosens its grip and you get to breathe again.

There’s no script.
No tasks calling your name.
No deadlines chasing you.
No weight on your shoulders.

Just you and a blanket of snow beneath your feet — guiding you downhill one turn at a time. And when the day ends, that feeling stays with you — a gentle reminder that life doesn’t always need to be so rigid.

The Magic Isn’t Age-Restricted

Over the past two seasons, I’ve watched my wife (36) and my mother-in-law (61) go from sitting on the sidelines to learning how to ski — and it’s been life-changing for them. I’ve watched them fall, laugh uncontrollably, get back up, and keep going — and in those moments, you could see the stress of life lift right off their shoulders. What started as “maybe I’ll try it someday” turned into Wednesday-night mother-daughter ski nights, capped off with a cocktail at Buck ’54 (the best après bar ever… I might be a little biased!).

You’re not too old.
You’re never too young.

Your journey doesn’t need to look like theirs — but it can start the same way: by simply saying yes.

This Winter… Just Go

Don’t wait.
Don’t overthink it.
Don’t convince yourself you’re too old, too busy, or “not outdoorsy enough.”

Go because you can.
Health isn’t an infinite resource.
Tomorrow isn’t guaranteed.

I promise the minute you get on the hill (get a couple ski or snowboard lessons under your feet) you will find yourself smiling without even knowing you were.

So This Weekend… Get In the Game

If you’ve been watching from the sidelines, this is your invitation — your nudge per se — to jump in:

Take a ski or snowboard lesson.
Buy a snow tubing ticket.
Come experience winter in a way that might just change your life.

Snow has a way of giving back more joy than you expect.
It fills your soul, creates memories you’ll carry forever, and helps you find purpose, clarity, and so much more.

And who knows… maybe this weekend is where your story shifts.
Where winter becomes the season you actually look forward to.
Where you stop just getting through it — and start truly loving it.

See you this weekend.

Stay Rad,
Nate Birr
President | COO