Welch Village Ski & Snowboard Area

Category:	Ski Resort
Address:	26685 County 7 Blvd, Welch, MN 55089, USA
Phone:	+1 651-258-4567
Site:	welchvillage.com
Rating:	4.2

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 7

Gonflyn

I remember this place being better in previous years. Seems like the management has gone downhill, staff seems to be vaguely distant and or not very personable. On several occasions, while buying our tickets, in the cafeteria and also at Madd Jaxx bar, the employees were either talking to another employee while we were waiting or seemed distracted by something more important, leaving us feeling a little ignored, it was rather rude. Rule number one, pay attention to the customer first, look them in the eye and make them feel like you want them there. As far as the skiing goes, there doesnt seem to be much going on. It struck us as a place for skiers who like to cruise or maybe some of the race crowd, which is fine because thats mainly what we do. But if we were snowboarders or park skiers I think Id be appalled at the lack of terrain and freestyle opportunities. When I was there a few years ago, there were some giant jumps, boxes and rails on the front hill as well as a halfpipe. Then another year there was just an ungroomed, neglected halfpipe tucked away on the east side and a few boxes and rails on the bunny hill. What happened? It seemed like the place was just getting interesting and now has regressed into a hole in the wall. They must have decided it was more in their interest to attract the skier only family segment than a varied crowd wanting more action, but it seems like the up and coming kids wont want to go there for long if they dont cultivate a little more variety and excitement. The place just feels stodgy. I also went the first year they opened up the back bowl and was sorely disappointed. A few narrow flat runs followed by about a five second steep drop, truly underwhelming. I guess I have been comparing it to Afton Alps in my mind, where we have skied quite a lot. The back bowl is nothing like the Highlands at Afton. Aftons Landing Zone terrain park is in another dimension altogether, even the offerings at Buck Hill for Freestyle are better than what Welch has going on. I really feel there are better places around the Twin Cities. Welch just seems a little cliquish and stuck up while not really offering anything memorable. Even the employees at Afton, which is much bigger and now a corporate owned area, are friendlier and offer better customer service. I can see if Welch is trying to go for a more laid back get-away kind of feel, but for $49 for a lift ticket we feel its overpriced, theres just not enough value there to warrant the drive out again anytime soon.

A Private User

I decided to go to Welch because they have a back bowls area for more advanced skiers. I went to Welch on Tuesday and after I paid for my ticket I noticed that I could not get to the back bowls area because the lift that brings you to them were not running. I went back to the ticket counter to ask them how was I to get to the back bowls. The lady told me that they are only open on the weekend. I was very disappointed because I drove all the way here from the north west Metro just for the bowls. I told her that the website does not state that and nowhere at the ticket counter does it say that they are only open on weekends. She said that they unusually have a sign but didn’t that day. I felt that they mislead me and just wanted to get me there and take my money. If you live closer to Afton save your gas money and go there. Welch does have anything better to offer.

Jim Hofer

What Welch lacks in service it makes up for in skiable terrain. With the best runs in the metro youd be hard pressed to find a better place for a days worth of skiing. The chalet is dated as compared to other local ski operations. There is a good variety of food offered in the food court. A bar at the main chalet and one on the far side of the ski hill, Mad Jaxx, give adults an opportunity to relax with a beverage and to catch the game. If ambiance is important then you may want to consider other options. If a larger variety of skiable terrain suitable for all age and abilities is important then youve found your place. Welch offers a wide range of lesion options and family day packages. Although nothing can compare to Out West, Welch makes the most out of its terrain and gives skiers a great opportunity to enjoy their Winter Sport locally.

Grace Ackerman

If you live somewhere within a 1hour range to go to welch, I would recommend going. Welch is so awesome for beginners! It has a lot of green runs if your a beginner. It has a wide range of blue and blacks too. There are a few reasons I rated this 4 star. One, the chair lifts are pretty slow. I timed one time I whent there and I spent way more time on the chair lifts than on the slopes. Two, the cafe food is a bit pricey so I would bring your own food. Three, all there really is is just slopes. Yeah there is moguls and other stuff like the terrain park. You see I like that stuff but what I love is tree trail runs. Now those are fun!! They only have minny ones not full ones like at Colorado, Big Sky, and other big resorts. Hope my review helps you guys. Believe me, its fun, it just need a few changes!

Sean Devereaux

Really bad customers service, from everyone! I even saw a cook yelling at little kid. Ive never had a positive interaction with anyone on thier staff. Even when someone reached out to my after a previous negative interaction they offered no apology for the actions of thier staff and didnt do anything to make it right. I had had a season pass for 8 years but that means nothing to them. The only reason Ive gone back is because I was given a few day passes. Welch will try to hide behind being "family owned" thats no excuse for treating people poorly. Ohhh and they suck at grooming, thier bumps are a joke, they used to have a fun park but they got rid of that years ago. Overall if your actually spending your money go somewhere else. Afton is closer and youll be treated well by friendly curious staff.

Kyle Stendel

Some people say Afton is better, but the trade is this place has something for every skier and snowboarder. If youre a wimp, they have beginner runs, if your a pro, they have diamond runs. If you like to do tricks and be cool in front of your friends, they have a terrain park for that. If your not an experienced Skier, they have the Ski Link learning center to help you with the basics of Skiing. Heck, if your a parent and youre not into the whole skiing thing, they have a bar inside the main chalet building on the second floor. There is also a cafeteria that has a variety of food options, including some healthy options as well.

Ken Carman

A great place for learning the sport. For its age it is relatively well maintained but improvements are modest for all the years of going there. Only once have I had a Child of mine in a lesson unfortunately it was in a group setting and a complete waste of her morning. The 25 runs she would have had in on her own would have been more beneficial than waiting in line for two hours to try three turns and give example of her lift use proficiency. I did not notice exceptional efforts of any snow making. The open runs were fine. Any day skiing is better than work.