I think theres a 2nd a little further west! Thanks Connie! However, there is a spot on the Western border of Iowa that isnt so flat and is just about perfect for us Midwesterners who havent grown up in the Rockies or other mountainous areas where skiing is an everyday winter activity! Here's a list of all the other things I could think off, even if they are stereotypes. Crescent Ski Area (@mtcrescent). Somehow this place seems to make beginners on rentals think they can hit the black diamonds. Copyright 2021 KCRG. The lodge and carpark is at the top of the slopes which means you can get stuck right in and not have to start by riding a chair lift to get to the top! What Is A Lawful Permanent Resident In The USA? Plenty of helpful staff. They have baby slops for people like me and big slops for those with more experience. View live ski conditions, snow totals and weather from the slopes right now with Sundown Mountain webcams. At Sundown, there's more than one ski lift and I found that to be a wonderful perk for beginners that wouldn't be an option at Chestnut. 46 Top Things To Do in Dubuque Iowa, Recommended By A Local! Four people rescued from Wapsi River in Buchanan County, Family rescued from North Liberty house fire, One hurt in single-vehicle rollover crash in Linn County, Suspects in more than 30 Midwest burglaries arrested after break-in at Iowa City bakery, Iowa senior Nia Carter leads the Big Ten in hits, ranks second in the NCAA, Show You Care: Miracles in Motion helps people with disabilities expand their horizons, Camp Courageous hosts annual omelet breakfast fundraiser. Oh and Galena is such a fabulous town. Skiing In Iowa USA: A Guide To Iowa Ski Resorts Distance from Chicago: 188 miles; 3.5-hour drive As the name suggests, Sundown Mountain Resort lets you glide down their cedar-lined slopes far past bedtime. Chestnut Mountain has 19 ski slopes and 2 terrain parks. Bens Den warms weary skiers by the campfire with smores and hot cocoa, while The Barn, located right off the slopes, provides drinks and bonfires. Airport shuttle, three restaurants, three bars, apparel shop, rentals, lessons with magic carpet to make going up the mountain easier for beginners, ski patrol, ATM, laundry service, and daycare. If you dont have your own gear, no worries, as you can rent some on the slopes or bring your own and enjoy a day out in the powder! You learn something new all the time. Sundown opened for the season on Nov. 27, but has now been closed for five days because of high temperatures last week. and things just started to come naturally and Im not even sure exactly what I was doingI JUST STOPPED THINKING ABOUT IT. We arrived at Sundown Mountain around 6pm Fri, later than we expected after checking into Hotel Julien but still an adequate amount of time to utilize the ski special until midnight. This is a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery. So when Mother Nature does not do the work for them, they have to do it themselves. Sundown is a true Midwest ski resort destination offering great snow and an unforgettable winter experience. Hope to see you back soon :). Accident number 2 = I brought the bunny hill chair lift to a standstill after I managed to get my skis tangled up with my instructors! When everybody else is sleeping, they are out making snow, Mark Gordon, general manager, said. Located 70 miles north of Duluth, this 202-acre resorts 35 ski runs are joined by little luxuries on-site lodging (a mix of 67 suites, from one to four bedrooms each, plus an indoor pool), restaurants, and a spa. Will likely get a season pass next year. Jim coached us the whole way down! I visited at 2pm and there were no lines at the ticket windows, no wait time for boots and we could go straight up and grab our skis. Nice lodges with decent priced food. During ski season the lodge is warm and offers a great variety of quick food for lunch. 100% snowmaking on EVERY trail, excellent grooming and . This is not Colorado, don't expect high speed lifts, and 2500 vert of fresh powder, but also don't expect to pay $150 dollar per lift ticket and a arm and a leg at lunch. Still, there were a TON of beginners out of control where they shouldn't be. Were a true Midwest ski resort destination offering great snow and an unforgettable winter experience. Season Passes - Chestnut Mountain Resort Plan Your Stay Reserve online or call 1-800-397-1320 to speak with us directly. Harbor Springs, MichiganDistance from Chicago: 376 miles; 6-hour driveThis loveable little resort named after founder Nubby Sarns opened in 1958 and continues its affable family-friendly vibe to this day. usually go to chestnut, but decided to shake it up and hit sundown instead and won't be back for a whileOverall the snow was awful ,but this might have to do with the ice storm days earlier. If youre a first-time skier or need more confidence, most resorts offer private or group lessons. Weekends are very important to us, he added. We may not have the same dizzying, ear-popping altitudes as Utahs Snowbird or Colorados Vail, but us Midwesterners still have plenty of ski-worthy slopes at our fingertips. Chestnut Mountain Resort - Galena, IL - Hotel Guides As the ski resorts in Iowa arent exactly the biggest, by buying a season pass you can actually get dicounts at other Resort Partners around the Midwest and across the USA! Going out adjusting guns, making sure that we push down the snow we are making, keeping track of the guns and making sure they work properly. Skiing in Iowa is most definitely a thing! How Is Climate Change Impacting The Water Cycle. The lower elevations of the Mount Scenery support dry evergreen forest with species such as white cedar, sea grape, and redwood, cacti, mountain mahogany, grassy meadows. Under the freshly groomed and mademade snow from the previous night was a week's worth of 45+ degree temps handywork. At Sundown Mountain, we have something for every skier or snowboarder; whether you are an experienced winter enthusiast or just learning how to get down the hill, Sundown Mountain offers plenty of snowy fun and an unforgettable Midwest winter experience. Rampage | Local ski resorts provide winter fun This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. At Chestnut, you must purchase a ski lift ticket even if you never leave the bunny hill which doesn't even allow an opportunity to ride the lift. . Here are some ideas for things to do in Dubuque. Now my husband and I take our own daughter (12 yrs old) skiing there every winter as well. Sundown Mountain--January 12 & 13, 2019. I went with my 13 yo son (we are both novices) on Sunday. Though the hill is nothing compared to Colorado or resorts in California (Squaw) friendly staff make this place a must visit while in the midwest. Rates start at $15 for a 2hr tube rental and lift ticket. and it seemed too good to be true. It has given us a little time to try to get some of the seasonal employees from downtown Galena that they would be losing their jobs now, you know, to at least get them on board, but we are hoping that we can maybe get some more college kids here in the next couple of weeks and help us get through our busy Christmas week.. Would recommend it if you are looking for a nice inexpensive ski resort that isn't overly crowded. With 53 runs scattered across 248 skiable acres with nine lifts and a 427-foot vertical drop, its nestled in one of the most picturesque parts of northern Michigan, just 30 minutes south of the launch point to lakefront oasisMackinac Island. An 800-foot-long snow-tubing chute is a wintry riff on waterslides at the nearby Water Park Capital of the World, Wisconsin Dells. Actually, it wasn't that cold outside, not like when you are skiing with several layers of protective gear on. (5 green runs compared to 2). 98% of travelers recommend this experience. that include Tips Up Food & Spirits (with two fireplaces and bowls of hot chili), Mollys Mountaintop Coffee (in lieu of making smores, order the smores latte) and The Barn (ski-in only, with a firepit). You don't need to be a skier to find this a place worth visiting. The main thing that stood out was how friendly and outgoing the instructors were while we were walking around. Sundown Mountain Resort Dubuque has 21 ski runs (green, blue and black diamond) and 2 terrain parks. Friendly staff that does a good job keeping it a fun environment - you didn't have a bunch of kids making fun of people who fall or swearing and smoking on the hill. Mount Scenery is the highest point in the Kingdom of the Netherlands at an elevation of 2,877 feet, and it is located within the Saba Municipality. Offers may be subject to change without notice. The mountain is found within the Curacao Christfellpark which is a reserve and wildlife park in the Dutch Caribbean. Non-Competitive Team - $350.00 This level includes all training sessions. Chestnut Mountain Resort, Galena, Illinois Topher Donahue/Getty Images Perched near the banks overlooking the Mississippi River, the 220-acre Chestnut Mountain Resort boasts a 100-room. We had a blast and again the staff did an outstanding job with our group. We liked the layout right away as the set-up of the 2 main lodges is more condensed than at Chestnut; close enough to one another to walk in heavy ski boots back and forth from the beginner area to the lodge where food & drinks are located to take breaks. 12 Awesome Things To Do In Cala D'Or, Mallorca | Cala D'Or Guide Spain, The Garden At 120: A Sky Garden Alternative | London, UK, 6 Must See Stops On A Marathon To Key West Florida Road Trip! As mentioned above, Sundown Mountain is on the edge of Dubuque, however there is a whole range of things to do and see in the Downtown area. Also, like skiing the category of snowboarding you choose will all depend on your skill level. Those 2 situations were my only accidents! Trail Map. Guests can enjoy a variety of activities for all seasons, like ski and snowboarding. Another side effect of the plentiful beginners was frequent stoppage of an already very long lift ride. They are pretty cool with people bringing there own coolers.They do have do have a bar in the main lodge, with a number of craft brews on tap, and live acts play on the weekends. The Travel & Leisure article highlights the resort's 85-acre 21 ski runs, lodges, and warming stations as reasons for placing it in the Top Ten. Chestnut Mountain has 100 slopeside rooms in close proximity to an indoor pool, sauna and jacuzzi. Across the bridge in Galena, Illinois, staff at Chestnut Mountain Resort are also in deep producing snow. The mountain is home to some animals such as lizards, iguanas, and some birds. Mad River Loft Bar & Grill is joined by a quick-serve cafeteria for high-altitude dining. The Chestnut Mountain Resor t is among the best Illinois ski areas for people of all ages. They do a good job grooming when it gets sloppy out and keep the snow well maintained. Sundown Mountain 60 Reviews #16 Outdoor Activities, Nature & Parks, Ski & Snowboard Areas 16991 Asbury Rd, Dubuque, IA 52002-9493 Save GradAbroad Buenos Aires, Argentina 13 15 Please fix your operations and train staff; otherwise a nice place Review of Sundown Mountain Reviewed December 26, 2019 I found it ridiculously easy to turn left but struggled to turn right. WIJARA (Wisconsin/Illinois/Iowa Junior Racing Association) includes 9 Midwest Ski Teams: Sundown Mountain, Chestnut Mountain, Tyrol Basin, Cascade Mountain, Snowstar, Hidden Valley, Blackhawk, Four Lakes, & Wilmot. It never felt overcrowded and the staff was friendly. Sundown Mountain (Dubuque) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go Sundown does the best with well what they have. Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Read up on pros, cons and other comments in reviews left by fellow skiers and riders. Home - Sundown Mountain Resort Thats what Im hoping for! The snow is almost always well groomed. The mountain, though it has been dormant for a long time it is considered potentially active due to groundwater heating. Thankfully he didnt get hurtand then continued to mock me for the rest of my lesson while he whizzed by asking if I wanted his help to go faster. These high points of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, both on mainland Europe and in the Caribbean, serve as major tourist attractions for both the wildlife supported therein as well as the activities supported by these areas. and it was the best decision of this trip. Sundown Mountain Junior Race Team 17026 Snowhill Ln,Honey Creek, IA 51542 Tel:712-545-3850, Recommended by LeAnna from Well Traveled Nebraskan, A post shared by Mt. Warm Cabins great for groups and lovely restaurant and rental store. There is a lot that goes into snow making.. Chestnut Ski Resort Galena, IL Boasting an impressive array of amenities, accommodations, comforts and activities, Chestnut Mountain is the choice Illinois travel destination. Race Teams - Sundown Mountain Resort I have never snow skied, but you do make it look like fun. Food & beverage was very good and reasonably priced. The building will be active Winter 2015. And if inclines and declines aren't really your thing, the Mckenzie Cross-Country Trail also offers Nordic Skiing over 10 miles of all-level trails traversing Huron-Manistee National Forest. Troy is the third highest point in Netherlands at an elevation of 1,818 feet. And they have a lot of openings. La Vida Nomad | Sitemap, 5 Closest Ski Resorts to the Big Apple: NYC. They do have some wraps and salads, although the super health conscious would do better bringing there own food. Copyright 1995-2023 Mountain News LLC. If youre a newbie and dont think youll get off the bunny hill, its actually cheaper to get just a pass for the beginners area. I visited a second time and attempted to go down Sunbowl a couple of times, but I was miserable. Glad to hear you had a great time! What restaurants are near Sundown Mountain? Such activities include mountaineering, rock climbing, hiking, and bird sighting, as well as watching wildlife. When youre ready to hit the hay, take advantage of the resort's luxe lodging options which span condos, traditional hotel rooms, cottages, and entire homes for rent. Main lodge was very nice, large with tall ceilings, and I liked that you purchase tickets and get equipment in the same lodge, unlike at Chestnut. Its also an absolutely ideal location for kids to learn how to ski and snowboard before dishing out the big bucks to go to the huge, expensive ski resorts in the US. All rights reserved. Ski and Stay, Galena, IL 61036 - Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa I might be stuck on the green slope still but Id be up for that haha . Clearly this place understands how to strike a fine balance between adventure and leisure. Normally, we have about 350 to 400 (employees) and I can say we are quite below that this time; probably at least a hundred employees short at this moment, he explained. My legs seemed to be doing OK but by the end my arms were dead and I was struggling to pull myself along on the flat with my poles! 10 Ski Resorts within 3 hours of Chicago, Illinois - Leisurely Lifestyle Chestnut Mountain Resort - Galena, IL - Step Outside Your racer will train right along side of the competitive team learning skiing fundamentals . They have a few terrain parks, naturally, but how many resorts do you know that also house a full-on tubing park? With a whopping 74 runs plus six terrain parks and one of the highest elevations in the Midwest at 1,942 feet, this resort, dating to 1937, is also one of the oldest in North America. All rights reserved. This level includes all training sessions and entry and coaching at the 4 WIJARA Race League events (Chestnut Mountain, Sundown Mountain, Cascade Mountain and Tyrol Basin). If you've never skied, it's a great place to learn. The slopes were all fairly empty too. Wakefield, MichiganDistance from Chicago: 401 miles; 6-hour driveFormed in 2014 after a merger between two of the Midwests premier resortsIndianhead and Blackjackthis monstrous destination offers everything you need for a Midwestern ski weekend at its best. Published: Dec. 10, 2021 at 2:51 AM PST. We truly found Southern hospitality north of the Mason-Dixon line. Well send you our daily roundup of all our favorite stories from across the site, from travel to food to shopping to entertainment. Hidden Gem & Great Alternative to Chestnut Mountain - Tripadvisor If you are required to enter a bib number to proceed with registration, just enter 599 or if allowed, leave the field blank. Boy were we blown away! I grew up in Iowa and had no idea there was a ski resort in Dubuque! With the opening of the VAM mountain in WIjster - complete with a cycling "Col"-, the province of Drenthe has a new peak. When we left at 4pm, the Friday night cheap special was just about to kick in and it was absolutely PACKED. Anyhow, I did not throw on my skis and shush down the mountain instead, I walked around to see what was there. The Mountain Center has benches with space underneath them to store shoes. If you have any questions or just want to say hi, feel free to contact me! Chestnut Ski Resort - Indy Pass The mountain has mostly primary and secondary rainforests on its slopes, cloud forests, mosses and a rich diversity of flora and fauna. There is a teeny tiny, almost flat run, that I started off on to just practise going in a straight lineit was so flat my instructor beat me to the top just by skiing uphill while I took the magic carpet up! We were driving around to see his place of work and stumbled upon this ski area by accident (my friend does not ski). Review of Sundown Mountain, Dubuque, IA - Tripadvisor The lessons are drop-in and the times are posted online which I found very convenient. You must sign TWO (2) liability forms WIJARA & Iowa for. 16991 Asbury Rd. DUBUQUE, Iowa (KCRG) - It is snow-making time at Sundown Mountain Resort in Dubuque. But after 30 minutes of practising, something seems to click (no, not my bones or jointssomething in my head!) See how Sundown Mountain stacks up in the reviews, on and off the slopes, from skiing and family activities to the aprs scene. Chestnuts location in Galena (one of ourtop Midwest winter vacation spots) perched high on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River provides a unique environment from which to survey your surroundings before tackling the resorts 19 runs, three terrain parks, 10 lifts, and an impressive-by-Midwestern-standards 475-foot vertical drop. Fuji & Hakone 1 Day Tour From Tokyo (Return by bullet train in option, BEST Niagara Falls USA Side & Washington D.C. 3-Day Tour from New York City, Looking for the Howler Monkey in Beards - Bremen, Lamanai Mayan Ruins Tour from Ambergris Caye, 8-Days Tour in Grand Teton Yellowstone and Glacier National Park. That itll just come naturally next time! Then it was straight on to the bunny hill where we practised how to turn. Most day trippers from Chicago stick to Chestnut. Sundown Mountain Reviews | OnTheSnow We will definitely return. Wilmot, WisconsinDistance from Chicago: 66 miles; 1 hour, 15 minute driveWilmot used to be in the same class as suburban resorts that dont amount to much more than a few slushy bunny hills, but the little mountain just across the Wisconsin border has seen some significant upgrades since Vail Resorts purchased the property in 2016 and cashed in $13 million worth of renovations. Just about 20 minutes to Omaha, or two hours West of Des Moines, Mt. When I took my family to Sundown Mountain in Feb. 2017 for our first ski trip, I didn't know what to expect. At Sundown Mountain, we have something for everyone; whether you are an experienced winter enthusiast or just learning how to get down the hill, Sundown Mountain offers plenty of snowy fun and an unforgettable Midwest winter experience.