Ski Resorts in Iowa

The National Climatic Data Center advises that Iowa gets an annual average of 32 inches of snow, and that snowfall begins in late October and extends through mid-April. Iowa's cold winter temperatures, as well as its long snow season create favorable ski conditions, which benefit its resorts. The local ski areas are small and have limited vertical and amenities, but their affordable lift tickets and overall convenience make them a viable day trip for Iowa residents. Don't expect on mountain lodging or multiple dining facilities. You will need to stay in the local town for overnight visits.

Mt. Crescent

Mt. Crescent is a small ski resort in Honey Creek, Iowa. The resort is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. It is open from 2 pm to 9 pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays, 9 am to 9 pm on Friday and Saturday and 9 am to 8 pm on Sundays. Its terrain park, tubing hill and night skiing and riding make it a popular resort for local school kids. Four lifts service nine trails, whose terrain is divided into 40 percent beginner, 30 percent intermediate and 30 percent advanced. This is not a destination resort, so amenities are limited; but equipment rentals and lessons are available. The area gets an annual average of 30 inches of snow.

Mt. Crescent Ski Resort
17026 Snowhill Lane
Honey Creek, Iowa, 51542
(712) 545-3850
skicrescent.com

Sundown Mountain

Six lifts service 21 trails on Sundown Mountain's 60 acres of terrain, which is divided into 35 percent beginner, 43 percent intermediate and 22 percent advanced. This Dubuque area resort gets an average of 45 inches of snow. Sundown has a terrain park, night skiing and a racing program.

Sundown Mountain
16991 Asbury Rd.
Dubuque, Iowa, 52002
(563) 556-6676
sundownmtn.com

Seven Oaks Recreation

Seven Oaks is a year-round recreation area, which offers "ski and Sleep" packages at various Boone, Iowa hotels and motels. The area has skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing, and even offers a free lesson to first time skiers and riders. Its 30 acres of terrain are home to nine trails, which are serviced by three lifts. This beginner to intermediate ski resort is divided into 25 percent easy terrain, 50 percent intermediate and 25 percent advanced terrain. The area gets an average of 40 inches of snow each year. Night skiing is available on weekends.

Seven Oaks Recreation
1086 222nd Drive
Boone Iowa, 50036
(515) 432-9457
sevenoaksrec.com

Article Written By Lisa Mercer

In 1999, Lisa Mercer’s fitness, travel and skiing expertise inspired a writing career. Her books include "Open Your Heart with Winter Fitness" and "101 Women's Fitness Tips." Her articles have appeared in "Aspen Magazine," "HerSports," "32 Degrees," "Pregnancy Magazine" and "Wired." Mercer has a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the City College of New York.

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