Minnesota, United States

Capital City: Saint Paul
Closest Airport: Minneapolis Saint Paul International
Population: 4,919,479
Resort Areas Include: Minneapolis/ Saint Paul - Grand Marais - Afton
Snow Season: November/December - March/April
Main Language: English
Currency: United States Dollar

Minnesota may be known as the land of 10,000 lakes, but as the US' most northerly state outside Alaska, it also gets some seriously cold weather. And in the high ground, that means plenty of nature's finest white stuff.

There are around 20 ski resorts in Minnesota, ranging from the beginner-friendly Steeplechase, to good all round resorts like Spirit Mountain, Andes Tower Hills or Wild Mountain. As a rule there's not much vertical in the state, which cross-country enthusiasts won't lose too much sleep over, but for downhill skiers and riders things are over pretty quickly.

The notable exception is Lusten Mountain. With over 300 metres (well over 1,000 feet), 85 runs and about 500 acres across four mountains, it not only dwarfs the other ski resorts in Minnesota in height, but overall terrain.

If you prefer to hit the snow with the smell of gasoline in your sinuses, there are over 24,000 kms (15,000 miles) of snowmobile trails across the state.