Midwest Family Ski Resorts Reinvests $11M to Redefine the Alpine Experience at the North Shore

Lutsen Mountains Introduces Elevated Summer Experiences, New Lodging Facilities, and the Much-Anticipated Debut of Charlie’s Alpine Bistro

Midwest Family Ski Resorts Reinvests $11M to Redefine the Alpine Experience at the North Shore

Lutsen, Minn. (July 15, 2025) – This summer, Lutsen Mountains is elevating the North Shore Alpine experience with the introduction of new experiences and amenities for guests to enjoy throughout the summer season and beyond. Highlights include a Signature Gondola Experience, the much-anticipated return of Papa Charlie’s under the new name and fresh vision of Charlie’s Alpine Bistro, and the debut of Charlie’s Sunset Studios, a brand-new slope-side lodging option. The $11M capital improvements showcase Lutsen’s ongoing commitment to delivering thoughtful, high-quality experiences that make every mountain getaway more memorable, from elevated dining to stylish stays and breathtaking views.

“We’re proud to expand our resort offerings this summer with experiences that truly enhance every visit to Lutsen Mountains,” said Charles Skinner, President and Owner of Midwest Family Ski Resorts. “The new Signature Gondola Experience, the refreshed Charlie’s Alpine Bistro, and the stylish Charlie’s Sunset Studios lodging all reflect our dedication to providing exceptional amenities that elevate every visit. Together, these additions give our guests more reasons to connect, relax, and celebrate the beauty of the North Shore.”

Following the devastating structure fire that closed its doors in 2023, Papa Charlie’s at Lutsen Mountains is making its much-anticipated return with a new name, refreshed design, and expanded menu. Set to reopen as Charlie’s Alpine Bistro, the restaurant will open its doors on July 18th, welcoming guests back for breakfast, dinner, and unforgettable views. Once again offering the iconic panoramic views of Moose Mountain, the inviting new space features a beautiful open kitchen and a striking fire feature and will offer a menu that spotlights locally sourced ingredients and simple, wholesome flavors. Charlie’s Alpine Bistro will continue its music legacy with weekly acoustic performances in a refined setting that welcomes all ages. 

Immediately adjacent to Charlie’s Alpine Bistro in the newly reconstructed building is Charlie’s Sunset Studios, a new versatile, slopeside lodging option at Lutsen that perfectly suits families, couples, and groups alike. Each modern alpine-inspired studio features double queen or king beds, cozy fireplaces, fully equipped kitchenettes, private balconies, and spacious seating and dining areas. These highly anticipated studios are now open and available to book online at www.lutsen.com.

Lutsen is excited to introduce the Signature Gondola Experience, a premium high alpine ride starting at $120 for two guests that lets you skip the regular lines with priority boarding and a private gondola car, giving you more time to explore the mountain trails, take in breathtaking scenic vistas, and enjoy privacy for the duration of your ride. This exclusive offering includes VIP drinks at the Coffee Bar inside Registration and a signature goodie bag featuring house-baked chocolate chip cookies, premium bottled water, and a coupon for a free appetizer at Charlie’s Alpine Bistro (valid through November 15, 2025). Tickets can be purchased in advance online at www.lutsen.com.

About Lutsen Mountains
Located in Cook County, MN, Lutsen Mountains is the largest and most varied ski resort in the Midwest, offering 95 runs across four distinct peaks with stunning views of Lake Superior’s North Shore. Known for its true ski-in/ski-out accommodations and vibrant live music scene—seven nights a week during winter—Lutsen combines big-mountain terrain with small-town charm. As a cost-effective alternative to Western ski destinations, Lutsen is home to the Midwest’s only gondola and the region’s longest high-
speed lifts, giving skiers and snowboarders more time on the slopes and less time in line.

About Midwest Family Ski Resorts
Midwest Family Ski Resorts is a premier operator of three iconic ski areas in the upper Midwest: Granite Peak (WI), Lutsen Mountains (MN), and Snowriver Mountain Resort (MI). Known for their family-friendly environment and dedication to delivering unforgettable winter adventures, Midwest Family Ski Resorts offers legendary experiences across all three resorts. With a focus on exceptional service, state-of-the-art facilities, and a passion for winter sports, Midwest Family Ski Resorts properties are the go-to
destinations for skiers and snowboarders of all levels throughout the Midwest.

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Media Contact:
Caitlin Streams
Cary PR
caitlin@carypr.com 

Visit Cook County, Minnesota 
Visit Cook County encompasses the northeastern Minnesota communities of Lutsen, Tofte, Schroeder, Grand Marais, the Gunflint Trail and Grand Portage, commonly referred to as “the Arrowhead” and the “North Shore of Lake Superior.”  Grand Marais, Minn., has earned several national accolades — most recently, it was named America's Best Small Lake Town by Travel & Leisure Magazine, USA Today’s Best Midwestern Small Town, and Outside Magazine’s The 16 Best Places to Live in the U.S. 2016. Rekindle your sense of adventure by exploring the Superior National Forest or paddling through the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Discover what makes the communities of Cook County, Minn. “Naturally Unforgettable.” Connect on social media using #donorthmn, Twitter @CookCoVisitors, Facebook, or Instagram @donorthmn. Learn more at VisitCookCounty.com.

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