Steeplechase Ski Hill makes triumphant return, despite challenging winter conditions
MAZEPPA, Minn. — Just about an hour southeast of the Twin Cities, a long time ski hill is breathing new life.
"It's exciting, I skied here a long time ago back in high school," snowboarder Cameron Kvittem said.
Tucked in the hills of Mazeppa, a town just 20 minutes north of Rochester, is where you'll find Steeplechase Tubing Hill.
"It's just kind of snowballed over the years and kind of was unexpected," Steeplechase owner Justin Steck said.
Steck bought the property back in 2016, using its stunning views as a backdrop for a wedding venue. Two years ago, he brought back snow tubing—this year, an even bigger move: skiing and snowboarding.
"From the beginning there really wasn't a plan. It was just, 'let's see where we can take it and bring it back to life,'" he said.
While it was never part of his plan, he's making the plan work; adding more runs, nighttime fun, rental equipment and updating snow machines.
"The weather hasn't been the best," Steck said. "We've been making snow as fast as we can."
Mother Nature hasn't been cooperating this winter. Steck and his team have spent countless hours of late nights and early morning making sure there was enough snow for board and skis. Steck says it's worth it.
"It's really exciting to see families and friends having fun, laughing," he said. "That's something for me, that makes it really fulfilling."
For lifelong skiers like Chuck Bradford, having the ski hill back, fully open, means a lot.
"It's kind of like coming home again," he said. "You know, you grow up with your parents. You go off to college and then when you come back, yes it's the same home, but it has that nostalgic feeling. I think that's similar for this hill for me."
Bradford remembers his time fondly as a ski patroller at Steeplechase back in the day. Once he heard of its return, he knew had to come back.
"To come back is kind of a special treat for me," Bradford said. "It's a little special to return to your home hill."
And now, it's "home" for a new generation.
"You know, in winter, there's not a lot to do," Steck said. "It's definitely a way to have some fun and get back to spring time a little faster."
Steeplechase offers "extreme tubing," which happens at night, with lights and music. Steck hopes to offer "extreme tubing" very soon.
You can buy tickets online or on site. For more information, click here.