Find ski buddies in Minneapolis

The Twin Cities have a surprisingly active ski scene for such a flat part of the country. Hyland Hills and Buck Hill, where Lindsey Vonn learned to race, are on the edge of the metro, with Afton Alps, Welch Village and Wild Mountain a short drive further out. These are small hills, so evening sessions, race leagues and park laps are the norm. For bigger vertical, locals drive north to Lutsen above Lake Superior or fly west to the Rockies. Winters are long and cold, and the riders who embrace them tend to be a friendly, hardy bunch.