The state of Iowa, known for its snowy and cold winter climate, features a few different ski areas. While the slopes are a modest height, these resorts offer fun for skiers close to home or anyone passing through the state.
Seven Oaks
Seven Oaks, located in Boone, offers skiing, snowtubing and snowboarding. Seven Oak's 275-foot vertical features 13 runs, four lifts and a 30-acre snowtubing park. Open for the season in December, Seven Oaks is open Wednesday through Friday in the evenings and all day on the weekends.
1086 222nd Drive
Boone, IA 50036
(515) 432-9457
www.sevenoaksrec.com
Sleepy Hollow Sports Park
Sleepy Hollow, one of the locations for the Des Moines Winter Games, is an outdoor sports complex located in Des Moines. Activities include snowtubing on one of the 15-story lighted hills, skiing on trails ranging from beginner to expert or snowboarding the park's jumps and rails. Sleepy Hollow offers free beginner lessons and daily snow grooming. Be sure to check out the Des Moines Winer Games held each year in January or February, featuring a wide range of winter sports including the Polar Plunge, Snowmobile Competition, Snow Sculpting Competition, Broomball, Snowball Softball, Snowbowl Flag Football, Downhill Snow Bike, Snow Kayak Races, Cardboard Sled Races and Xtreme Cross Country Race.
4051 Dean Ave.
Des Moines, IA 50317
(515) 262-4100
sleepyhollowsportspark.com
Mount Crescent
Mount Crescent, located in the Loess Hills of Iowa, features a vertical 300-foot drop and runs 2,000 feet in length. Mount Crescent offers four lifts, nine trails, half pipe, terrain park and snow tubing. The Mountain Bar & Café, Mount Crescent's two-story lodge, features hearty meals and refreshing beverages. Trained instructors are available for group and private lessons. Skiing season begins in December and continues into March.
Mount Crescent
17034 Snowhill Lane,
Honey Creek, IA 51542
(712) 545-3850
skicrescent.com
Sundown Mountain Resort
Sundown Mountain, with two lodges looking over 100 square miles, offers 21 trails and two terrain parks. Lodges feature cafeterias, big-screen TVs, lounges, fireplaces and a Pizza Haus. Weekend activities include barbecues and free live music. Children's programs at Sundown teach children as young as 4 to ski or snowboard.
16991 Asbury Road
Dubuque, IA 52002-9493
(563) 556-6676
sundownmtn.com
About The Author
Sommer Sharon has a bachelor's degree in IT/Web management from the University of Phoenix and owns a Web consulting business. With more than 12 years of experience in the publishing industry, her work has included "Better Homes and Gardens," "Ladies' Home Journal," "MORE," "Country Home," "Midwest Living," and "American Baby." Sharon now contributes her editorial background by writing for several Internet publications.
