Detroit Mountain isn’t just a ski hill. It’s a year-round, community-powered recreation area that makes getting outside easy—no matter the season.

It offers mountain biking, Nordic skiing, tubing, hiking, trail running, a snack shop, and even trolls. Real ones. Big ones. And if General Manager Tom Thiel has his way, there’s a lot more on the horizon.

Meet The Guy Running It

Tom Thiel never planned to manage a ski area. He worked in the wine and spirits industry until a friend tipped him off about the open GM role at Detroit Mountain. He applied, landed the job, and now commutes daily from Moorhead—though he dreams of one day living in Detroit Lakes.

“I’ve always loved skiing and mountain biking, but I didn’t expect to make a career out of it,” he said. “Now, I can’t imagine doing anything else.”

Though he’s only been in the role since October 2023, Thiel has already helped guide a new master plan, expanded snowmaking, and adapted to a spike in visitors brought in by Detroit Lakes’ new troll attractions.

What You Can Do At Detroit Mountain

In The Winter:

22 downhill ski runs, with something for every skill level
Tubing hill with 8–10 lanes and a conveyor lift
Nordic ski trails (about 9 km, with new snowmaking and lights coming)
“Learn to ski” programs and weekly school group sessions
Full-service lodge with rentals, food, drinks, and warm hangout

In The Winter Months:

8 downhill mountain bike trails (lift-served on weekends)
13+ miles of single-track for biking, hiking, and running
At least one massive troll from artist Thomas Dambo
An on-site snack shop serving espresso, ice cream, and merch
Trail connection to Mountain View Park and six more miles of single-track

Detroit Mountain is one of only three lift-served downhill mountain bike parks in Minnesota. That alone makes it a destination.

The single-track trails are open daily, dawn to dusk, from spring through early fall. The downhill bike park runs Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., once conditions allow.

Did You Know?

Detroit Mountain is one of only three lift-served downhill mountain bike parks in Minnesota!

Designed For Fun

Detroit Mountain isn’t exclusive. It’s not about image or gear. It’s about getting people—especially families—outside.

“People don’t end their ski journey here,” Thiel said, “but a lot of people start it here. And that’s what makes this place special.”

The mountain offers gear rentals, including top-tier Trek dual-suspension bikes. Trail access is affordable. The atmosphere is relaxed. And the facilities are built to support everything from first-time visitors to diehard locals.

“Even people in the Detroit Lakes area don’t always realize how much we offer,” Thiel said. “We’ve got school groups, seasoned skiers, trail runners, weekend hikers. It’s all here.”

Bike Rentals Available

What’s New

Last year, Detroit Mountain added a snack shop and merch station in its tubing lodge, repurposed for summer use. The space includes bathrooms, AC, coffee, and treats—perfect for families hiking to the trolls.

Those trolls are part of a larger art installation across Detroit Lakes by Danish artist Thomas Dambo.

The trolls have brought in thousands of new visitors. “We were overwhelmed, honestly,” Thiel said. “People started showing up in droves. We had to act fast to support them.”

Meanwhile, Detroit Mountain is expanding its Nordic trail system, thanks to a $1.5 million Legacy Grant from the State of Minnesota. The new loop will feature lights and snowmaking, giving skiers more hours and an earlier season.

Future Plans

A new 10-year master plan outlines the mountain’s next phase of growth. That includes:

Expanded lodge space
More lift capacity
A new on-property campground for tents and short-term stays
Trail connections to Ortenstone Gardens (a new sculpture park with its own troll)

The campground would fill a growing need in the area. “A lot of older campgrounds have gone seasonal,” Thiel said. “We want to give people a place to pitch a tent, ride bikes, and spend the weekend.”

Why It Works

Detroit Mountain thrives because people use it. Locals show up. Volunteers step in. Grants get written. The mountain has momentum because it earns it—season after season.

“We just want to give people reasons to get outside and have fun,” Thiel says.