What do you have open for Skiing, Snowboarding, and Snow Tubing?
~Normal hours and rates.
~Snow Tubing Park  open with 6 lanes, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Feb.20.
~4 Terrain Parks. The Park near Chair 8 Carol's Crib has been reshaped with bigger jumps and a boat. There is a new Slope Style Course set up near Chair 11, Fannie's Folly.
~Moguls on Chair 3 on (Barbi's Challenge).

We have the Alps, Meadows, Highlands open for skiing and snowboarding. The conveyors lifts in the Alps and Meadows are open upon request.

Terrain Park Features on Chair 6 (Deb's Drop): 8ft, Wide Flat Box/25ft, Wide Flat Box/16ft, Skinny Box, and 2 Small Jumps.

The Terrain Park on Chair 8 (Carol's Crib). The big terrain park is open with what you want, a bigger jump line. Down Flat Down Rail, Flat Rail, Boat, A-Frame, Mailbox, Cannon Rail, 40ft Down Rail, 30ft  Down Rail, Bottom Jump - 40ft gab step up, and a 30ft Mid Jump.
Click here to watch a video of the new terrain park feature "The Boat"

Terrain Park on Chair 11 (Fannie's Folly) has a Barrel Bonk, Small Rainbow Box, Flat Box, Wide Flat Rail, C-Bow Box, Shot Gun Rail, Flat Down Box, Down Box, and 2 Small Jumps.


Terrain Park on 13 (Dawn's Highlands) has the following 5 features - (3) 16 ft long 2ft wide down boxes, and (2) 16ft long 1ft wide down boxes.

Terrain Park on 14 (Apryl's Adventure) has an A-Frame Box, Down Rail, Up-Flat Box, Flat 25 ft Long Box, C Box, Elbow Rail

Terrain Park on 17 has a Small Jump, Wide Down Box, Skinny Down Box, Small Down Box, and Fruit by the Foot.

Please check back for updates.

What nights do you have the night rate?
The night rate is available 7 days a week from 4:30pm to close.

What type of Comp is the Rock n Ride going to be on Feb. 4 @ 2pm.
The comp on Feb. 4 will probably be a boardercross/skiercross, so get ready to jump, carve, and race.

What  happens at Afton on New Year's Eve?
Front lifts and snow tubing open until midnight. Live band 8:30pm to 12:30am, torchlight parade 10pm, snacks & party favors 11pm to 12:30am. It's a lot of FUN!

How do I get my Santa photos which were taken at Afton on Sat. Dec. 17, 2011?
Please click here to be linked to photos with Santa. Log In, Simple Search: Type in Santa, Click on Search to find your photos, Download your photos, then log out.

When can Afton Alps make snow?
Click here for a website which explains what is needed to make snow.

When I am skiing or snowboard and decide I want to go snow tubing, how much does it cost?

NEW! Discounted tubing ticket available with purchase of same day ski/snowboard lift ticket. Only $8 for 2-hour session. The snow tubing ticket can be purchased at the snow tubing park/area.

What are the hours on Christmas?

10am to 10pm.

When are Family Value Days for the 2011-12 season?

Family Value Days 2pm to close. 
2 FOR $52 LIFT TICKETS ($22/additional family member. Must have
a parent or guardian and purchase all tickets at once.)
HALF-OFF RENTALS. $4 ONE-HOUR BEGINNER LESSONS offered during group
lesson time for skiers ages 6 and up, boarders ages 8 and up.
Nothing better than family time spent on the slopes. Bring the
whole gang out and save a bundle between 2pm to close on these dates:

Sun. Feb. 5
Sun. Mar. 4
Sat. Mar. 10
Sun. Mar. 11

What was the last day for the 2010-11 season?

The last day for skiing and snowboarding for the 2010-11 season was Sat. April 9

Click here to watch a You Tube video of  Twin Tip Skiers skiing the park on Hill 1

Click here to watch a You Tube video of  Snowboarders riding the park on Hill 1

Last day for Snow Tubing Sat. March 19
Highlands Chalet and Runs closed after Saturday March 19
Meadows Chalet and Rental close after Saturday March 19

What does your Park look like?

Click here to link to a You Tube video of Alex Miller riding in a couple of the parks at Afton

Click here to watch Evan give us a Tour of the (New Design) Park on 8 Carol's Crib

What is Summerizing?

How to keep your ski gear in good shape during the summer months

1. Reasons to summer wax:  applying wax to the base and edges keeps the bases from drying out and the edges from rusting during the summer months, when humidity can wreck havoc with your equipment.
2. Bring your ski equipment inside your house.  A climate controlled house will keep your equipment from rusting.  If you leave it in your garage humidity and oxidation will attack your metal edges and cause rust to any exposed edge.
3. When finding a spot for your equipment make sure it is out of sunlight.  Sunlight can fade your equipment causing discoloration.
4.  Keep boots buckled during the summer, this allows the plastic to stay formed for re buckling. 
5. Cutting a fabric softener in half and placing both halves in boots. Helps to fight odors over summer, and scare off mice. 

 Tips to tune your skis for man made snow?
Click here for information about tuning your skis for man made snow.

When does the Mountain Bike Trail Open for the  season?
The Mountain Bike Trail opens late April and is usually open until mid October. The trail is open from 7am till Sunset, the daily trail fee is $9. The Mt. Bike trail closed for the 2011 season on Monday Oct. 24. We are setting up the snow making machines for the winter.

How do you remove dip stains from the chairlifts on jackets and pants?
Treat the spot with either Simply Green, GoJo, Dawn Dish Soap, Spray n Wash, or a stain remover of your choice.
 Wash the jacket/pants as directed on the garment tag.
Do not dry - spots may need to be treated more than once.
Some people take their jacket to the local dry cleaner to have it cleaned

How do I get to Afton from St. Paul?

Take 94 East go south (right) on 95 / Manning Ave. go east (left) on County Rd. 20 / 70th St. go north (left) at the Afton State Park on Peller Ave. S. follow the signs to one of the 4 Chalets

How do I get to Afton from 494?
Take 494 East to Highway 61 North take a right to Bailey Rd. Take Bailey Rd. to the top of the hill and take a right on County Rd. 20 (aka Military Rd.) it will become 70th St.go north (left) at the Afton State Park on Peller Ave. S. follow the signs to one of the 4 Chalets

What was the first year that Afton Alps was open?

Afton Alps first year for skiing was 1963. The first year for golfing was 1989.

Is Afton Alps an easy place to bring a group?

Yes, Afton Alps makes it easy for you to bring a group skiing, snowboarding, or snowtubing. Call 651-436-5245 press 0 and ask for Debbie in group reservations.

Do you have lessons at Afton Alps?

Yes, we have lessons for beginner to expert skiers and snowboarders. Call 651-436-5245 to set up a lesson or a series of lessons (many of the lessons are available online).

Do you rent Helmets at Afton Alps?

Yes, we have youth and adult size helmets for rent in the Rental Shops.
Helmet Rental $8, optional Beanie an additional $5.

What are some Fun Websites for Children?

Snow Monsters

Next Snow

Snow Funny

Never Ski or Snowboard with Scissors

What hours is Afton Alps open during the winter?

Hours of Operation in the Winter for Skiing and Snowboarding
Open Daily Mon. - Thurs. 9:30am to 9:30pm
Fri. Sat. & Holiday Dates 9am to 10pm,
Sun. 9am to 9:30pm
New Years Eve. Dec. 31, 9am to 12 midnight

Snow Tubing Park
Open Thurs Night 4:30pm to 9:30pm
Fri. Sat. & Holiday Dates 10am to 10pm Sun. 10am to 9:30pm
New Years Eve. Dec. 31, 10am to 12 midnight

These hours are subject to change early and late in the season.
Please call 651-436-5245 for the most up to date information.

What type of rental equipment does Afton Alps have?

Afton has skis, poles, ski boots, tele skis & boots and snowboards & boots for rental.
Afton also has Junior and Adult Helmets available for rental.

How many rental shops does Afton have?

Afton has 3 rental shops and a high performance rental center. The rental shops are located in the Alps, Meadows, and Alpine Chalets. The high performance skis, telemark, and snowboard rental is in the Alps Chalet (Ski Shop/Retail Shop). Must have an ID.

How do you make snow?

When the temperture is below 32 degrees (freezing) we blow air and water through pipes, and hoses to a nozzel on a snowmaking machine. When the water and air spray into the cold air, the water turns into snow.
Click here for the science of making snow http://www.snowathome.com/snowmaking_science.php

When does Afton open for the ski and snowboard season?

We usually have a few runs open in Mid-November, although this varies and is dependant on the weather. We need temperatures at or below 32 degrees and low humidity to make snow. We have been open as early as Oct. 31 when we had a Halloween snow storm.

What type of lift system do you have in the Snow Tube Park?

The system is called a Wonder Carpet which is a rubber conveyer belt which you stand on with a Snow Tube and the conveyer takes you to the top of the hill. The system is similar the conveyer walkway systems in airports, it's simple to use.

Do you need metal edges on your snowboard to ride at Afton Alps?

Yes, snowboards are required to have metal edges. Wood or plastic edges are not allowed on the slopes.

Can you ride snow skates at Afton?

Afton requires metal edges, bindings, and retention devices to prevent runaway equipment. Snow skates don't have bindings so they are not allowed on the slopes at Afton.

What type of snowboards are allowed at Afton Alps?

Snowboards are required to have metal edges, bindings, and a retention device to prevent runaway equipment. We also recomment a stomp pad so that your free foot will not slip off the the board when you get off the chairlift or wonder carpet.

What can happen if I bounce, swing the chairlift, or push off too agressively when getting off  the chair.

The cable that holds the chairlift can bounce out of the tracks. The chair that is swinging can hit a tower or a support. If the above happens, the chairlift can become damaged and the people on the chairlift may need to be evacuated with ropes. Please refrain from bouncing or swinging on the chairlift for your and others safety.

What are your hours for Skiing and Snowboarding?

Afton is open for Skiing and Snowboarding Mon. - Thurs. 9:30am to 9:30pm Fri. Sat. and Holiday Dates 9am to 10pm Sun. 9am to 9:30pm The exceptions are Christmas Eve when the hours are 9 am till 4:30 pm The Holiday Dates (9am to 10pm) Nov. 24-25, Dec. 23 - Jan. 2, Jan. 16 and Feb. 20 and New Years Eve the hours are 9 am till 12 midnight.

When and what are the Holiday Lift Ticket Rates?

The Holiday Lift Ticket Rates Apply Nov. 24-25, Dec. 23 - Jan. 2, Jan. 16 and Feb. 20. The lift ticket rates are the full price weekend / holiday rates. Adults 13 & Older $42 Child 12 & Under $31 Senior 62 & Over $31, Afternoon 2 pm to Close Adult $36 Child & Senior $26 4:30 to Close Adult $29 Child & Senior $23

Which terrain park features are available at Afton Alps?

20 foot down box, Booters, Flat down box, Trap box, 45 foot table, Flat down rail, C bow box, C rail, Rainbow rail, Coffin box, 20 foot flat box, Uphill shot gun barrel, Single round rail, Miniature battleship, Mail box Small tables

When can I pick up a season pass card?

When the Alps office is open. The same hours as the ski area is open. Call 651-436-5245 before you come out.

Is Snow Tubing Open?

Snow Tubing is open for the 2011-12 season. Snow Tubing is usually open from December to March. Please call 651-436-5245 or click here for the Snow Tubing page.

How much does it cost to put items in the Fall Fair Swap?

The cost is $2 per item with a maximum cost of $10. Afton receives 20% of the sales.

What are the current office hours?

Office hours:
During the winter the office hours are the same as ski area hours. Open Daily Mon. - Thurs. 9:30 am to 9:30 pm Fri. Sat. & Holiday Dates 9:00 am to 10:00 pm. Sunday 9:00 am to 9:30 pm. On Christmas eve the hours are from 9am to 4:30pm and Christmas day (December 25) we are open from 10am to 10pm. The above hours can very at the beginning and the end of the season. You can check the snow report at: http://www.aftonalps.com/snow_report for daily updates. Please call 651-436-5245 or during the summer call the clubhouse at 651-436-1320

Which Departments at Afton Alps are currently hiring?

We are looking for a mechanical person for a Full Time postion during the winter. Please contact Ken Speltz at 651-436-5245 ext 218

Do you cancel or reschedule lessons when it's cold?
If the area is open we run lessons as scheduled. When it's cold we recommend adding additional layers of clothing, a neck gator, a face mask, a hat or helmet, mittens rather than gloves, hand and/or foot warmers. The instructors will take a break, and will go inside one of Afton's 5 warm chalets, when people are cold.

What are the skier types?

SKIER TYPE I # Cautious Skiing at lighter # Release/Retention Settings # Ski Conservatively # Prefer Slower Speeds # Favor Lower than Average Release/Retention Settings # Type I Settings Apply to: "Entry Level Skiers Uncertain of Their Classification"
SKIER TYPE II # Moderate Skiing at Average # Release/Retention Settings # Ski Moderately # Prefer a Variety of Speeds Ski on Varied Terrain, Including Most Difficult Trails # Type II Skiers are all Skiers who do not meet: ALL the descriptions of either Type I or Type II
SKIER TYPE III # Aggressive Skiing at Higher Release/Retention Settings # Ski Aggressively # Normally Ski at High Speeds # Prefer Steeper and More challenging Terrain # Favor Higher than average Release/Retention Settings

What are the lift rates and hours on Christmas Eve?

Hours 9am till 4:30pm Adults 13-61 $42 Child 6-12 $31 Senior 62+ $31
Night Rate Starts @ 1pm Adults 13-61 $29 Child 6-12 $23 Senior 62+ $23

What are the hours on Christmas Day?

10am to 10pm

Last day for skiing and snowboarding for the  season?

The last day for the season is usually at the end of March or the first part of April.

What are the hours for Skiing and Snowboarding on New Years Eve?

The hours for Skiing and Snowboarding on New Years Eve are from 9am to Midnight.

What are the hours for Snow Tubing on New Years Eve?

The hours for Snow Tubing on New Years Eve are from 10am to Midnight.

When does the night rate start?

The night rate (7 days a week) is from 4:30 pm till close.
Night Rate  Adults 13-61 $29, Child 6-12 $23, Senior 62+ $23

What are the hours for Skiing and Snowboarding on Christmas Eve?

The hours for Skiing and Snowboarding on Christmas Eve are from 9am till 4:30pm

What are the hours for Snow Tubing on Christmas Eve?

The hours for Snow Tubing on Christmas Eve are from 10 am to 4:30 pm.

How much does it cost to do the Rock and Ride?

To compete in the Rock and Ride some cost $5, and some are free with a paid lift ticket. Please register at the tents at the bottom of chair 8 in the Meadows.

What is the minimum age for the Ski and Ride Simplified program?

Ski and Ride Simplified is for age 10+

Do you close the ski area if it is too cold?

Afton may close part of the area if it is cold. For example we may close the Highlands, the restrooms will be available in the Meadows (if chairlift 9 or 10 are running) and Alps. Food and beverage service will be available in the Alps Chalet. The only times Afton has closed is for a power outage or sustained high winds that would effect the operation of the chairlifts.

Where can I get a job application?

Go to our employment page then click on the pdf link or come to the Alps office to pick up an application or call 651-436-5245 and we can send or fax you a copy

Who is the contact person for Ski Patrol?

Susan Vermeland at sbvermeland@q.com

Are there Military Discounts?

Yes for you and your immediate family 25% off lift tickets for skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing and rentals. Please present your military ID to receive this discount.
Discount not valid on lessons.

What sizes of Ski Boots do you have in Rental?
We have ski boot sizes between  child size 9, and adult size 17.

What sizes of Snowboard Boots do you have in Rental?
We have snowboard boot sizes between child size 12 and adult size 15.

What sizes of Telemark Boots do you have in High Performance Rental?
We have adult sizes 5 through 14 Tele Boots.

Are there AASI or PSIA Discounts?
Yes, you will need to present your current AASI or PSIA membership card at the ticket booth to receive your discount off the lift ticket price.
Level I receives $5 off.
Level II receives $10 off.
Level III receives 1/2 off.