Minnesota’s Massive Number Of Rinks Makes Us Among Top Winter Recreation States

The Land Of 10,000 Lakes is known for its beautiful summers and long, harsh winters. But, the cold weather doesn't mean that we have to sit inside the house watching television all day.

A new study by LA Travel has ranked the top US cities for winter recreation. Using metrics like average snowfall, temperatures and the number of Christmas markets, ice rinks and ski resorts, the website says New York is the top state for winter fun.

Today I learned that the state of New York gets almost twice as much snow annually (68.6") than Minnesota (33.1"). In addition, New York has a large number of ice rinks (115) and 50 ski resorts, which gives them an 'overall winter score' of 9.29.

Minnesota finds itself ninth on the list. New York, Michigan, Wisconsin, Colorado, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Vermont all finished ahead of Minnesota in the rankings.

Minnesota's ninth ranking was buoyed by its huge number of ice rinks with 192. LA Travel says that number adds up to 3.36 rinks per 100,000 people and is nearly 3x more than Massachusetts.

One reason that Minnesota didn't finish higher was its relatively low number of ski resorts (18), which is half as many as Wisconsin's 36 and well below New York's 50. Interestingly, Michigan and New York both have more ski resorts than Colorado's 39.

“Winter sports in the US bring together adrenaline, tradition and community in a way few other countries can. Across the country, states transform into playgrounds for skiers, snowboarders and ice skaters as snow covers the mountains and lakes freeze over. From the iconic slopes of Colorado and Vermont to the bustling ice rinks of New York. These experiences, whether competitive or recreational, foster a sense of winter charm and adventure that’s unmatched, LA Travel said in a release. 

What’s remarkable is how winter sports adapt to the landscapes and cultures of different regions. The alpine traditions of the Northeast offer a quaint and festive charm, while the vast, rugged terrain of the West provides dramatic backdrops for high-energy thrills. Even in states with less snowfall, innovations like artificial ice rinks and snowmaking equipment keep the spirit alive. Winter sports not only showcase the beauty and diversity of the season but also provide an opportunity to embrace the cold, turning it into something to celebrate.”