Welch Village is one of the best run ski areas around. The staff are very freindly, the facilities are extremely clean, and the runs are kept up well.

Terain: Welch is situated in a river valley on a bluff. When you hear the word bluff, you probably won't think of a ski area, but you might think of a short one sided hill. Well, yes bluffs are short one sided hills, but they are also STEEP!!! Welch easily has the best terain around with a great variety. It has everything from green and blue cruisers like Belle Creek Ridge or Long way Home, to big and steep black runs like Bakkelyka. Not to mention the fact that there are usually a couple runs with moguls, there are currently two chute like double black diamond runs (Rock Face and Tree Face), amd comming December 26th is a huge expansion in the back dubbed "The Back Bowl". The Back Bowl will be all black diamond runs and one double black. The only other ski area around that claims to have a bowl of some sort is Afton Alps with "Belinda's Bowl". I've skiied Belindas Bowl and it only counts as a bowl because it is shaped odly, but The Back Bowl at Welch really is a bowl... at lesat for MN.
*Beginner Terain: Beginners will have fun at welch at the beginner area riding their very own double chair, and also using the nice new quad which services a couple nice green cuisers, a good first blue, and also an easy black diamond that can easily one's first black run. Beginners should also check out the triple lift on the east side. This lift takes you to several green and blue cruisers. And never fear beginners because there is a green run going down from every run.
*Intermediate Terain: Intermediates will love Lookout, the run right in front of the chalet, and the blue cruisers by the triple. If you're a strong intermediate, challenge yourself on the steep blacks runs like Dan's Dive, Pete's Pike, Bakkelyka, and if you're brave enough, Chicken. Intermediates will also love trying out Birch Ridge, Ceder Fork, and Lift Face. These runs are accesed by the new quad on the west side, and are all narrow black diamonds that aren't too steep.
*Expert Terain: Experts will feel right at home on steep runs like Chiken, Bakkelyka, and Pete's Pike. You can find some action by going up the quad on the west side and going on Rock Face or Tree Face, the area's double black diamonds. There are also usually some moguls somewhere. Starting December 26th, experts will have The Back Bowl to play in.

Service: The service is just fine! Never had any problems, everyone is very nice!

Crowds: I have not had any crowd problems thanks to Welch's great uphill capacity. The Chalet can get a little crowded but I've never had trouble finding a table.

Faciities: All the facilities are wonderfull! I have never seen a nicer ski area bathroom!! Great food area.... just awesome!

In conclusion.... GO THERE!!!