PRE-ARRIVAL INFORMATION
AFTON ALPS Basecamp
There’s so much to look forward to on a trip to Afton Alps, and so much to prepare. From getting to the hill, to planning your stay, finding the best gear, and hitting the slopes, we make it easy with a wealth of resources designed to help get you straight to the fun.
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU IN THE SNOW COVERED VALLEY! , opens in a new window
Check out the info below to finish planning your trip and helpful resources to prepare. Have more questions?
Get To Know The Resort
Preparing For Your Trip
Packing List , opens in a new window
- Helmet: The use of helmets is strongly recommended. Children age 14 and under must wear a winter sport protective helmet while participating in ski & ride school, subject to local regulations. In addition, children and teens under age 18 who participate in designated children's classes or programs must wear a helmet. Rental helmets are available at our children's ski school locations for your convenience.
- Warm clothes including moisture wicking base layers, mid layers to trap body heat, and water-resistant outerwear, warm calf-high socks, and gloves or mittens.
- Goggles or sunglasses
- Sunscreen is recommended, even on cloudy days.
- Don’t have your own gear? Rent with Afton Alps and let our experts fit you with the best boots, skis or snowboard for your best day on the mountain.
- Lift Access: Lift Tickets can be purchased online in advance. Anyone accessing any location on the snow must have a valid lift ticket. All lesson participants must have a valid lift ticket or pass. Group Lessons can purchase their ticket as a part of their package.
First time on mountain this season? Make sure you review and sign the waiver in your account prior to your trip.
Getting Here , opens in a new window
Information about your arrival and parking.
PARKING
There are various areas to park at Afton Alps depending on where you want to launch from. At the top there is the Highlands and Alpine which provides easy access to the slopes for passholders! At the base there is the Alps, LZ and Meadows area.
Parking for tubing is located at the Alpine Chalet.
Arriving on Mountain
You've made it! Here are some tips for your on-mountain arrival
Make your way to our Alps Village. Here you will find our silver Guest Services Building, where you can purchase lift tickets and right next door through the village is our rentals. Coming on a busy day and don't want to wait in multiple lines? Purchase online in advance and then utilize the Express Lift Ticket Pick-Up!
Already have your Epic Pass, Lift Ticket card, and gear? Insider tip - Park up top at the Highlands for easy access right on the hill!
The More You Snow
- Afton Alps is the Twin Cities winter retreat nestled down in the St. Croix River Valley that goes above and beyond to deliver an unparalleled mountain resort experience on and off the slopes.
- Dodge the weekend skiers by parking “up top” and launching from multiple access points.
- Take time to explore! We four different chalets including five incredible places to eat, drink and après - keep exploring! And don't for get to check out our Bubly Tubing Park for thrills like snow other!
- Pause to take in the views! Fun facts: Did you know Afton Alps is the largest ski resort in the Twin Cities metro? Encompassed by the beautiful Afton State Park, guests enjoy breathtaking valley views from above in the Meadows. Truly a retreat only 25 minutes from the busy capital of St. Paul, Minnesota.
- Scavenger hunt: find and ski down through the tunnel (yes, Afton has a tunnel) to the Highland steeps.
- Be sure to book everything you need in advance on the website – even rentals! Secure your ticket and rental ahead of your arrival, and save time and money!
- Sign up for the My Epic app and check the alerts to get the latest real-time updates on the mountain. In order to keep MY Epic stats as current as possible, Afton Alps is transitioning to a GPS based tracking system, versus the physical use of equipment, referred to as gantries. This change will provide the same My Epic service. Guests will still have the option to track stats at the resort, which includes, mountain vertical, time on mountain, highest elevation and distance. The change will require one very important step – turn on the tracker. This step must be completed at every visit, prior to starting your day on the slopes. To do that, simply open the app, and select start tracking. The start button appears in multiple locations.
First Time Skiing or Riding? , opens in a new window
Plan Your Day On The Mountain
Start Your Day Off
Get yourself comfortable with your surroundings as you find your way to the lifts. Check out the trail map on the MyEpic app. And for a little fun, see if your day on the hill has an event!
Refuel During the Day
Take a break and refuel for lunch, dinner, or even just a snack! Great views and great food.
Ending Your Day
Après drinks on the deck under the lights or pop inside for a bite to eat. Afton Alps offers night skiing & snowboarding, so stick around and ski under the lights in the St. Croix River Valley.
Are you a Pass Holder? , opens in a new window
Complete Your Trip
Recommended Get Your Gear
