In Business: Buena Vista Ski Area Near Bemidji Celebrates 75th Anniversary

The Buena Vista Ski Area has been a staple of the Bemidji community for quite some time – 75 years, in fact.

In 1949, Leonard Dickinson officially opened the Buena Vista Ski Area just a few miles north of the city of Bemidji. Since then, the ski area has grown into one of the biggest tourist attractions for northwest Minnesota.

2024 marks Buena Vista’s 75th anniversary, so for their annual Ski Patrol fundraiser held before the official opening, the current owner wanted to celebrate the area’s history.

“We have so many special photos throughout this chalet that we’re going to be showing and displaying,” said Suzanne Thomas, the owner of Buena Vista Ski Area. “Collecting stories from people who have skied here in the past and just wanting them to show what the generations before brought forth.”

Before Buena Vista opens up to the public each year, they hold a ski swap and gear sale to raise funds for the Ski Patrol for the upcoming season.

“We get about 15% of all the sales that come through today, and that 15% typically goes to all of our medical supplies, our medical training that we do out here each winter,” explained Matt Schmid, Buena Vista Ski Area’s Ski Patrol Director. “All of our patrollers volunteer here helping out patrons come in and get signed up for skis or boots or snowboards. And we’ve got some cross-country ski gear this year.”

Leonard Dickinson would sell Buena Vista in 1988 to the Thomas family, although Leonard’s daughter Muffy can still be seen around the village, most likely playing the piano. The Thomases plan on keeping Buena Vista within the family.

“It’s very special that we can still call this place our home. It’s a place of home for everyone in the winter and in the summer,” added Suzanne. “We have four daughters and their children and three grandchildren – they’re all part of it, and we’re just so blessed to have many wonderful employees in Ski Patrol and our guests and continue to be here for the community. What could be better?”

To celebrate 75 years, Buena Vista will bring a new event to the area called the Christmas Village of Lights, a self-guided tour through a Christmas light display in the Buena Vista Ski Village. Admission is completely free and is held every Saturday throughout the Christmas season. Exact dates and times can be found on the Buena Vista Facebook page.