First Time Skiers and Snowboarders

Trying a new sport can be daunting, regardless of if you are 6 years old, 36 or 66. Here are some things to help make your first time fun and memorable. If you have any questions after reading this page, Mount Kato’s staff is here to help you. Give us a call at (507)625-3363

You probably shouldn’t expect to conquer expert runs your first time on the slopes, but that doesn’t mean you have to stick to the beginner runs either.

Avoid borrowing skis or snowboards from others since they are typically setup based on that individuals height, weight and ability.

You should never find yourself alone on the slopes. Buddy up with at least one other person, make sure you choose ski buddies with an equal amount of experience.

The danger of going with a larger group of people is that they may push you to go on terrain you’re not comfortable with yet.

Plan Ahead

It’s always a good idea to check Mount Kato’s website to see the latest information on which runs & lifts are open; and to get current weather & snow conditions, all of which are available at mountkato.com/snow-report .
We now have lift tickets available online as well. Save time and money by purchasing your tickets beforehand at mountkato.com/tickets .

Familiarize yourself with our facilities at mountkato.com/trail-map. When you get here make sure you pickup a Mount Kato brochure which has a trail map and additional information about our services, features & upcoming events.

What To Wear

Dressing appropriately is key to staying warm and dry. Don’t wear jeans or sweatpants, cotton absorbs water and loses its ability to insulate.

The Best Thing To Do Is To Wear Layers

A Base Layer:

Choose a thin, wicking, thermal top and pants, made from synthetic materials like polypropylene. Wool is also a good option as it naturally regulates heat, wicks sweat and has antimicrobial properties. Wool also retains 80% of its heating properties when wet. Avoid cotton, it doesn’t have the wicking properties you’ll need on the slopes and loses it’s heating properties when wet. Wear only one pair of socks to keep your feet from sweating too much. Your socks should be thin but warm. If you’re renting boots, choose slightly thicker socks for comfort. Make sure they have padding to protect your shins when they press against your ski boots.

A Middle Layer:

Fleece is a great choice. It’s available in different weights and is great for wicking and insulation. Cotton won’t wick moisture or insulate as well. Choose fabric that’s a cross between form-fitting and bulky. Wear a sweater or jacket with a half- or full-zip with standup collar. This will keep you warmer. Look for underarm zippers known as “pit vents” to allow sweat to escape properly.

An Outer Layer:

A Jacket something roomy enough to comfortably accommodate your layers but not too loose or bulky. Make sure it’s a waterproof and properly insulated ski jacket – not a hoodie or a sweatshirt. Ski jackets use special fabrics, insulation and features to keep you warm. These include waterproof-breathable fabrics, heat-retaining insulation, and a powder skirt or closeable cuffs and hem. Pants, actual ski pants made for the slopes. They have an inner powder cuff that you slide over your boots to prevent snow from getting in. Your pants should fit well and allow you to move comfortably.

Ski Gloves:

Make sure that they’re designed for skiing. Regular gloves won’t give you the protection you need. Ski gloves are thicker and have a rubber lining on the outside for easy grip. If you plan on skiing in a very cold climate and/or harsh terrain, buy gloves with wrist protection and a built-in inner glove.

Wear Goggles

Spend the extra money on high-quality goggles. They’ll protect you from snow blindness and help you to navigate cloudy conditions with few shadows. They’ll also protect you from flying debris that can get caught in your eyes.

A Neck Gaiter

is a felt tube that you slip on your neck. Pull it over your mouth on especially cold days. Always keep the bottom of the gaiter under the collar of your ski jacket.

Rent A Helmet:

We have rental helmets here at Mount Kato. A hat will keep your head warm, but a helmet will protect you from head injuries. Make this a rule for any condition you could be skiing in. If you decide to purchase a helmet, they come in basic low-tech varieties or high-tech forms with headphones if you want to listen to music as you ski.

Sun Screen:

No matter what the conditions are on the slopes, this is a must. You can get a sunburn even if it’s cold and overcast. Opt for SPF 15-30, depending on how fair your skin is.

Mount Kato’s Tech And Accessory Shop

Many of the above mentioned items are available right here. Call ahead to ensure we have what you want in the size you need. (507)625-3363 Ask for The Tech Shop.

Once You Arrive At Mount Kato

You can explore Mount Kato virtually right here on this interactive trail map. Just click on the map for more information about the trails and facilities.

Mount Kato

Just a mile south of Mankato, Minnesota. Nestled in the valleys created by the confluence of the Le Sueur, Blue Earth, and Minnesota rivers, making great terrain for... skiing, snowboarding, tubing, & mountain biking

19 Trails
Terrain Parks
Snow Tubing Park
3 Double Chairs
5 Quad Chairs
2 Conveyor Lifts

Tubing Park

Our Snow Tubing Park has four lanes and is serviced by a conveyor lift.
Don't miss our Glow Tubing Nights.

Little Beaver

Little Beaver is where the majority of our Learning Center programs take place. There is a fenced off learning area that includes the conveyor lift. A great place for our guest not quite ready for riding the lifts.

Timberwolf Trail

Looking for the easiest way down from the top or returning from the lifts in the back? Timberwolf Trail is what you want.

Wolf Chute

One of our narrow chutes, Wolf Chute descends quickly from skier's right on Wolf Ridge and merges with Timberwolf Trail.

Wolf Ridge

Part of our racing program area, Wolf Ridge is open to everyone most of the time. Nastar and Midwest Race League along with all the youth racing programs do use this run and it's starting tower, so be aware of any race activities that may be taking place.

Big Brave

Popular with our more advanced guests, Big Brave is the centerpiece of our north facing slopes. A great place to watch the action is from The Lift Bar & Grill sun deck.

Brave Chute

Tucked between the trees and lift two is one of our steepest trails, Brave Chute is a great place to show off your advanced skills.

Little Brave

Located under lift one, Little Brave is another advanced run that is steep and fast. The farthest west of our steep central slopes, Little Brave is a great run when we have fresh powder.

Wild Deer

Our north facing slopes begin to mellow as we move to the west, Wild Deer is the perfect pitch to feel like you are flying down the slopes.

Eagle Ridge

A mellow run with a steep knoll in the center, Eagle Ridge is a great place to be on a sunny day.

Sundance

This is where the wild tricks get launched, Sundance is the main terrain park on the north slope. The big jump near the end of the run is where the park riders tend to display their skills

Sleepy Hollow

Our easiest trail, Sleepy Hollow starts at the top and gently meanders to the "Backside" trails. Sleepy Hollow is great for beginners to develop their skills.

Birch Coulee

Birch Pass

Birch Pass connects the top of lift six to Birch Coulee.

Big Hawk Ridge

Popular with all ages and abilities, Big Hawk Ridge is a great choice for the whole family.

Little Forest

Little Forest is sometimes home to one of our terrain parks. It often is configured as a regular ski trail. Little Forest is accessible from lift six which has great views of the other ski trails on the "Backside" of Mount Kato.

Sleepy Creek

Sometimes configured as one of our terrain parks, Sleep Creek is another great intermediate trail. All the lifts on the "Backside" of Mount Kato can be accessed from Sleepy Creek.

Little Crow

Of the trails accessible from lift seven, Little Crow is the least challenging way down. Starting out moderate then mellowing to flat as it merges with Sleepy Hollow, Little Crow is the perfect trail for those that find the other trails off of lift seven a little intimidating.

Tommahawk Chute

Looking for a little adrenalin rush? Tommahawk Chute may be what you are looking for. This is a narrow chute that drops down from Big Bear and intersects with Sleepy Hollow/ Little Crow. Experts Only.

Big Bear

Big Bear is a favorite with many of our regulars. It starts out mellow then drops over a steep knoll with a mellow runout at the end. Big Bear is serviced by Lift Seven.

Rental Shop

If you need to rent equipment for skiing or snowboarding our rental shop will have what you are looking for.

Main Chalet

The Chalet is located at the base of Big Brave near Lifts Two & Three.
The Tech Shop, Snowsports Learning Center, Food Court and The Lift Bar & Grill are located in the Chalet, as are the public restrooms.

Ticket Office & Guest Services

The Ticket Office and Guest Service are located in the brown wood frame structure next to the Main Chalet.

Locker Room / Ski Patrol

Ski Patrol and our seasonal lockers are located in the first building, right in front of Lift #1.

Snowsports Bell Tower

Mount Kato Snowsports lessons meet at the bell tower next to lift #4.
The Snowsports Learning Center and Office are located in the Main Chalet