
The Trollhaugen Troll is bringing winter to the Midwest early. Trollhaugen Ski Area, Wisconsin, one of the Midwest’s best-known ski resorts, is set to host its annual Open Haugen event on October 4 and 5. Trollhaugen will use leftover snow from last season to build its hike terrain park for an open session on Saturday, October 4, followed by a professional and amateur rail jam on Sunday, October 5. Saturday tickets are $25, and Sunday Rail Jam tickets are $30. Pre-registration is required to participate.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Open Haugen event. There will be various festivities to go along with the riding, such as a coat and food drive, live music, a ski and snowboard swap, a shop sale, hay rides, chairlift rides, and more. The resort will also open up its kitchen and will fire up an outdoor grill.
Trollhaugen has been snow farming for its annual Rail Jam for several years and has perfected the technique of covering last season’s snow in hay and tarp and preserving it for the following season.

Saturday, October 4, will be broken up into three 90-minute sessions. The park setup will have beginner and intermediate features, and is accessible by rope tow or hiking. All ages are welcome for the Saturday session.
Rail jams will be held on Sunday, October 5. The am jam is the first contest, and will have intermediate and advanced features. Ages 17 and under are welcome, and the contest will run for two hours. Prizes will be awarded for the top boy and girl for skiing and snowboarding, and for the top grom as well. The pro jam, which is recommended for ages 18 and up, will have the same setup, with cash prizes for the top male and female skier and snowboarder.

Trollhaugen is famous across the United States for its terrain park and fast-paced rope tow laps. It is typically one of the earlier resorts to open in the Midwest, with a passionate following of skiers and snowboarders who call the resort home.
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Trollhaugen is located just short of an hour north of Twin Cities Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota. Trollhaugen features 23 runs, four terrain parks, three chair lifts, and rope tows across 280 feet of vertical. The area consists of 80 acres of skiable terrain, and the longest run at Trollhaugen is 2,500 feet.
