As the winter winds sweep across southeastern Minnesota's rolling hills, Steeplechase Ski Area just north of Rochester is transforming into a winter sports enthusiast's paradise. The distinctive whistle of snow machines fills the crisp air as owner Justin Steck oversees what might be the owner's most ambitious season yet.
"We've really focused on expanding our offerings this year," Steck explains, gesturing toward the newly expanded snow tubing park, which now is a significant draw to people visiting property. But that's just the beginning of Steeplechase's winter evolution.
The crown jewel of this season's improvements is the introduction of a brand-new terrain park, a feature noticeably absent during previous winters. "We're adding more rails and some big jumps," Steck says with evident enthusiasm. The park, which opened briefly before the holiday break, is now being finished to provide adrenaline-seeking snowboarders and skiers with the new challenges they crave.
For those new to winter sports or traveling light, Steeplechase has maintained its commitment to accessibility. Their well-stocked rental shop offers a full range of skis and snowboards, making it easy for newcomers to try their hand at winter sports without a significant equipment investment.
The pricing structure remains remarkably competitive for the region. Snow tubing sessions run $18 for an hour or $25 for two hours, while lift tickets and equipment rentals are priced at $55 and $40 respectively. However, the real value lies in their season pass program, which Steck describes as "a game-changer for frequent visitors."
Starting this season, $300 secures a pass that not only covers the remainder of this winter but extends through the entire 2025-26 season. Perhaps most impressively, the pass includes access to Steeplechase's mountain partner network, connecting pass holders to 38 additional ski areas across the country.
As the sun sets behind the snow-covered slopes, it's clear that Steeplechase isn't just a ski area – it's a testament to the growing vibrancy of winter recreation in southeastern Minnesota. With these expansions and improvements, it's positioning itself as a crucial destination for both local winter sports enthusiasts and visitors seeking their next snow-covered adventure.
I have to congratulate Justin as he has always been an entrepreneur not afraid of a challenge! I recall meeting Justin in 2010 where he was remodeling houses to try and turn them into rentals or homes for others to purchase once he had remodeled them. His passion of real estate renovations lead him to owning a company that did interior insulation and roofing. Over years of knowing Justin his determination to seek new challenges and do the work necessary to make a business venture a success is obvious. In 2016 Justin purchased Steeplechase and year after year he has been working to improve the business!
Located at: 59468 423 ave Suite c, Mazeppa, MN, United States, Minnesota
This article was created with assistance from AI
This article was made with assistance from AI