So you've decided on Wild Mountain for your ski trip. Good choice. It's not the biggest name out there, and that's precisely its charm. You get reliable snow, terrain for everyone, and fewer lift lines than the mega-resorts. But planning any ski trip has its quirks, and Wild Mountain is no exception. I've been skiing here for over a decade, watching it grow and figuring out all the little secrets that make a day here perfect versus just okay. This guide is that accumulated knowledge—the stuff I wish I knew before my first visit.
What's Inside This Guide?
- Before You Go: Tickets, Rentals, and Reservations
- How to Get to Wild Mountain and Where to Park
- The Mountain Breakdown: Trails, Lifts, and Secret Spots
- Where to Crash and Where to Feast
- What to Do When You're Not Skiing
- Putting It All Together: A Sample 3-Day Itinerary
- Your Burning Questions, Answered
Before You Go: Tickets, Rentals, and Reservations
Let's talk logistics first. Wild Mountain's address is 372 Wild Mountain Rd, Taylors Falls, MN 55084. It's about an hour's drive northeast of the Twin Cities. Their typical season runs from late November to late March, but always check the official snow report before you make the drive. Hours are 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM on weekdays and 8:30 AM to 9:00 PM on weekends/holidays.
Now, the money part. A common mistake is buying a full-day lift ticket at the window. Don't.
For rentals, the on-site shop is convenient but can get swamped. If you're a beginner or have kids, book your rental gear online at least 48 hours in advance. It guarantees your size and saves you from waiting in a 45-minute line at 9 AM. If you're an intermediate or expert skier with your own boots, consider renting just skis from a shop in the city before you drive up—sometimes it's cheaper and you skip the resort rush entirely.
How to Get to Wild Mountain and Where to Park
Driving is the only real option. From Minneapolis-St. Paul, take I-35E north to MN-95, then follow the signs. Parking is free, which is a huge plus. The main lot fills up by 10:30 AM on a powder Saturday.
My strategy? Aim to arrive by 9:15 AM. You'll get a decent spot, have time to gear up calmly, and be on the first or second chair up. If the main lot is full, don't panic. The overflow lot is a short walk and often feels closer to the base lodge than the back of the main lot anyway. They run a shuttle, but I usually just walk—it's a good warm-up.
The Mountain Breakdown: Trails, Lifts, and Secret Spots
Wild Mountain has a 300-foot vertical drop. Don't let that number fool you. What it lacks in sheer height, it makes up for in well-designed, varied terrain. The trail mix is about 25% beginner (green circles), 50% intermediate (blue squares), and 25% advanced (black diamonds).
For Beginners & Families
The Moose Hill area is your best friend. It's served by its own slow chairlift, away from the faster skiers. The runs here are wide, gentle, and perfect for finding your legs. The ski school meeting spot is right here. A subtle error many new skiers make is staying on Moose Hill all day. Once you can comfortably link your turns on "Easy Does It," ask your instructor or a staff member about taking the Wild Chair to the top. The green run down from there, Lumberjack, is longer and more rewarding, giving you a real sense of accomplishment.
For Intermediate Skiers
You'll live on the Wild Chair and the North Chair. Timberwolf and Boom Run are classic, fun cruisers. My personal favorite for a quiet, challenging blue is Whitetail off the North Chair—it's often less crowded and has a nice, consistent pitch. If you want to practice short turns, the skier's left side of Boom Run is usually groomed into perfect corduroy in the mornings.
For Experts
The Extreme Chair services the double-black diamond terrain. Inferno and Devil's Dive are steep, often moguled, and hold snow well. The real local's secret isn't the named trail, though. Look for the gladed area between Inferno and Devil's Dive. It's not officially marked on the map, but it's maintained. On a powder day, this is where you'll find the freshest tracks hours after the main runs are tracked out.
Where to Crash and Where to Feast
Wild Mountain itself doesn't have a slope-side hotel. You're looking at lodging in nearby towns like Taylors Falls, Forest Lake, or even Stillwater for more options. Here’s a quick comparison of solid choices:
| Lodging Option | Location & Address | Why It Works for Skiers | Approx. Price Range (Night) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wildwood Lodge | Closest option (5 min drive) 400 Rivercrest Rd, Taylors Falls |
Rustic cabins with fireplaces. Some have kitchens. Feels like a true mountain getaway. | $120 - $200 |
| Chain Hotel (e.g., Holiday Inn) | Forest Lake (20 min drive) Along I-35 |
Predictable, includes breakfast pool/hot tub for apres-ski. Best for families who want amenities. | $90 - $150 |
| Vacation Rental (Airbnb/VRBO) | Taylors Falls area | Ideal for groups. Full kitchen, living space, often a fireplace. You can cook meals and split costs. | $150 - $300+ |
Food on the mountain is standard ski lodge fare: burgers, fries, pizza. The Summit Lodge at the top of the Wild Chair has the best views. Pack a snack bar in your pocket to avoid long lunch lines at peak time (12:30-1:30 PM). For dinner, you must drive into Taylors Falls. Drive-In Restaurant (yes, that's its name) is a local institution for classic American food. For something nicer, The Watershed Cafe in nearby Osceola, WI has fantastic food and a great atmosphere.
What to Do When You're Not Skiing
Wild Mountain has a solid snow tubing park. It's a blast and requires zero skill. Book a two-hour session online. If you're staying the weekend, explore Interstate State Park in Taylors Falls for stunning winter river gorge views. Stillwater, about 25 minutes south, has charming shops and restaurants if you want a break from the ski vibe.
Putting It All Together: A Sample 3-Day Itinerary
Here’s how a perfect winter weekend might look:
Friday: Check into your lodging by late afternoon. Grab an early dinner in Taylors Falls. Hit the grocery store for breakfast items and snacks. Early to bed.
Saturday (Ski Day): Up by 7:30 AM. Quick breakfast at your place. Arrive at Wild Mountain by 9:15 AM. Ski hard until about 2:30 PM, beating the lunch rush with your packed snack. Quit while you're still having fun, return gear. Apres-ski hot tub or nap at the lodge. Dinner reservations at 7:00 PM in Taylors Falls or Stillwater.
Sunday (Flex Day): Sleep in. Option A: Another half-day of skiing (your legs will thank you for the shorter day). Option B: Snow tubing session at Wild Mountain. Option C: Winter hike in Interstate Park followed by a late brunch before driving home.
Your Burning Questions, Answered
What should you pack for Wild Mountain that most first-timers forget?
A neck gaiter or balaclava. The lifts can be windy, and it's better than constantly adjusting a scarf. Also, a small backpack to layer your clothing—you'll shed layers by midday. Most crucially, a second pair of socks. Nothing ruins a second day of skiing like putting on damp socks.
How can beginners avoid the crowds and find the best snow at Wild Mountain?
The biggest mistake is clustering at the base. Take the Moose Hill chair for your first run, but by your second lap, head to the Wild Chair. The green run from the top (Lumberjack) is almost always less crowded than the base area greens after 11 AM. For the best snow, intermediate skiers should head to the North Chair first thing in the morning. It gets morning sun and the corduroy there lasts longer.
Is Wild Mountain a good choice for a family's very first ski trip?
It's an excellent choice, arguably better than the more intimidating big resorts. The scale is manageable, the ski school is reputable, and the free parking and lower overall cost reduce stress. Book a half-day lesson for the kids (and maybe yourself) on the first morning. It's the best investment you'll make. Rent helmets for everyone—they're included in most kids' rental packages and available for adults.
What's the one thing that makes Wild Mountain different from other Midwest resorts?
Its focus on snowmaking and grooming. According to operational data they've shared, they have one of the most powerful snowmaking systems in the region per acre. This means they open earlier and maintain better conditions during mid-season thaws than many nearby hills. You're more likely to find good, skiable snow here on a marginal weekend.
Wild Mountain won't have the endless vertical of the Rockies, but it delivers a consistently great, accessible, and surprisingly varied ski experience. It's a resort built for fun, not for Instagram bragging rights. Plan ahead with these tips, focus on the skiing, and you'll have a trip you'll want to repeat every winter.