Mount Kato Ski Area

Southern Minnesota ski area near Mankato with 19 trails, 10 lifts, and a 240-foot vertical drop.

Key Stats

Vertical Drop
73m (240ft)
The height difference between the top and bottom of the mountain
Summit Elevation
165m (541ft)
How high the highest lift or peak reaches
Base Elevation
91m (299ft)
Height of the main base village — higher means cooler, drier snow
Annual Snowfall
130cm (51in)
Average annual natural snowfall — higher is better for powder days
Trails
19
Total number of marked runs on the trail map
Lifts
10
Total number of lifts including chairlifts, gondolas, and t-bars
Resort Size
54 acres
Total groomed and patrolled terrain

Terrain Breakdown

The percentage of marked trails in each difficulty level. A higher beginner percentage means more terrain suitable for novices and families; a higher advanced percentage means more challenge for experts.

Beginner
21%
Intermediate
42%
Advanced
37%

Best For

When to go

Average monthly snowfall and snowpack depth, with the typical operating window shaded.

Mount Kato Ski Area's heaviest snowfall lands in December; the snowpack peaks in January.

snowiestdeepestJulAugSepOctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJun
Snowfall
peaks Dec
Snowpack
peaks Jan
Typical season
Nov – Apr

Snowfall: NOAA, 30-year normals (1991–2020).

Snow depth: NOAA, daily station data (1994–2023).

Location

Set in the rolling farm country of southern Minnesota, this small hill sits along the Minnesota River valley near Mankato. It is a low, continental-interior spot far from any mountains, shaped by cold winters and gentle terrain.

Getting there

Easy to reach

Fly into Minneapolis (MSP), about 1.5 hours from the resort by road.

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