Kids of all ages can be intimidated when they first learn to ski. Especially if it is on a big steep mountain better suited to intermediate to advanced skiers.
Mount Kato in southern Minnesota won't intimidate. It is a great ski are for beginners who would be happier on a small less vertically inclined mountain, but one that is generous with acreage to ski and well laid out. It is safe and well groomed and has snow making machines so that there are no nasty surprises like rocks or holes for beginners to get concerned about and there is always ample dependable snow.
In fact, it is a really sweet little area for taking your children for their first experience skiing if you are going to this region of Minnesota. The area is small enough that you will always be able to keep track of them and not lose sight of them, and the ski school is geared towards young ones. While they are in ski school, you can enjoy a few runs yourself down the intermediate and advanced trails then adjourn to the lodge to watch them from the comfort of your chair.
Kids also love the four terrain parks for snowboarding and the cool snow tubing area. If you are in the area long enough and your kids have mastered ski classes they can sign up for the junior ski racing program which is a gentle enough but still exciting introduction to the world of ski racing. Most kids love this program.
The whole family will enjoy the fact that there is a main chalet lodge serving food and a bar for adults. Chili waffle fries are the all around favorite quick food served at the chalet---a hefty pile of waffle cut French fries topped with tons of chili. If you need to buy ski clothes before hitting the slopes you can do so right at the mountain in the ski shop. And if you rent skis at the lodge you get a free ski lesson if you want one.
The skiing is spread out over 55 acres. There are 5 quad chair lifts and 3 double chair lifts plus 3 tow lifts take you to 19 trails plus there is night skiing.
If you would like to stay in Mankato, there are a large selection of hotels and motels to choose from including the Butler House B&B and the Budget Host Inn, both of which are popular choices. For dining in Mankato, there's Olives serving a nice buffet, Mazatlan for affordable Mexican food, and Jonny B's Sports Bar for fun.
Since Mount Kato is located only an hour and a half from St. Paul, Minnesota it is a logical and easy winter destination from that city. You could easily find accommodations in St. Paul and still ski Mount Kato. It is the capital of the state and it would provide a host of opportunities to keep busy while members of your family or group are at Mount Kato to ski. You can take the totally unique St. Paul Gangster Tour which will reveal a side of St. Paul's history few know, visit the Children's Museum, the Como Park Zoo, and take a riverboat on the Mississippi river.
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