Representatives from all the supporting organizations cut the ribbon on the grand opening of Charlie's Alpine Bistro. All photos by Tryg Solberg. 

By Tryg Solberg - Boreal Community Media - August 18, 2025

In June of 2023, a fire consumed the original Papa Charlie's building, which had operated for several decades, until it was completely lost. Construction of its replacement, Charlie’s Alpine Bistro, began in October of 2024. The project followed an impressive timeline with its completion in mid-July. A ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, August 15, officially welcomed guests to the freshly finished eatery that sits at the base of Lutsen Mountains in Cook County. Local musician Bump Blomberg played an acoustic set in the special performance cutout area that sits adjacent to the dining floor. 

During the event, Linda Jurek, the executive director of Visit Cook County, introduced the key players in the construction project. Four representatives from Kraus-Anderson attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Josh Prouty was the site superintendent for Kraus throughout the building project. Prouty said that at peak construction in the weeks before opening, there were 30 workers on site. After putting in some long days towards its completion, he is thankful that the community can enjoy the conclusion of the work. 

Charles Skinner Jr. and his daughter Charlotte Skinner represented Midwest Family Ski Resorts, the owner of Lutsen Mountains and Charlie's Alpine Bistro. Skinner noted the excitement of the opening after a delayed start to construction while insurance was being processed. 

Minnesota's District 3A Representative Roger Skraba was also at the ceremony, where he praised the $10 million investment from the Skinners, along with $475,000 from the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board (IRRR). Stauber mentioned that it's a worthy investment given the unique terrain and location on which Lutsen sits. A representative from the IRRR couldn't attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony, but the investment covered infrastructure and utility improvements that supported the construction of the new building.

The new building features modern design with an excellent view of Lutsen Mountains' surrounding terrain. Zak Trimble, the chief operating officer of Lutsen Mountains, said that there are about 15 employees for the newly opened bistro. During the winter season, he manages about 120 employees for the resort’s whole operation. 

Adjacent to the new restaurant are eight units of studio lodging called the “Sunset Studios”. With 9,300 square feet of new space, Lutsen Mountains' guests will have expanded options for food and lodging with ski-out access.

 Charlie's Alpine Bistro sits in the same location as the previous Papa Charlie's Restaurant under the Gondola at Lutsen Mountains.

 Platters of gourmet food sit out for attendees of the events on Saturday afternoon. Bump Blomberg set the ambiance with acoustic music.

 Charlotte Skinner is the chief financial officer and chief operating officer of Midwest Family Ski Resorts.

 MN Representative Roger Skraba attended the ceremony.