Updated 2020/2021 Winter Season
Even when there’s not a lot of snow in Des Moines, you don’t have to drive to Colorado to enjoy a decent day of downhill skiing, snowboarding or tubing. Whether you’re looking for a day-trip to enjoy a little winter fun or want to spend an entire weekend on the slopes, Iowa ski resorts offer many great options. They all offer programs for beginners and children, so even your young ones can enjoy these winter wonderlands.
All of the resorts make their own snow and begin their season in late November and are open through mid-March. Be sure to check resort websites or call ahead for weather reports and slope closures.
Mt. Crescent Ski Area
17026 Snowhill Lane • Honey Creek, IA 51542 • (712) 545-3850
Lift Rates: $24 – $44. Ages 5 & Under are $5.00 with a ticketed adult.
Number of Ski Runs: 2 Greens/Easy; 4 Blues/More Difficult; 3 Blacks/Most Difficult
Additional Activities: Snow tubing, sledding and snowshoeing is available. They also offer summer ziplining.
Children’s Programs: Weekend and week day private and semi-private ski and snowboarding instruction is available – Little Shredders (4-7 year olds); Weekend Warriors (8-12 year olds); 5 Star Group Lesson (13 year olds and up). They also have a Ski and Snowboard Development Program available for kids ages 7 to 17.
Lodge: Equipment Rentals, Restrooms, Concessions, Gift Shoppe are all on site.
Seven Oaks Recreation Center
1086 222nd Drive • Boone, IA 50036 • (515) 432-9457
Lift Rates: $12 – $40
Number of Ski Runs: 3 Greens/Easy; 4 Blues/More Difficult; 1 Black/Most Difficult; 3 Freestyle areas
Additional Activities: Snow tubing is available. They also offer several summer activities.
Children’s Programs: They offer FREE Mini Lessons for Skiing and Snowboarding. In addition they offer Private (paid) Ski and Snowboard Lessons and a Youth Ski Development and Race Team for 7 to 17 year olds.
Lodge: Equipment Rentals, Restrooms, Concessions, Gift Shoppe are all on site. Guests are also allowed to bring in outside food.
Sundown Mountain Resort
16991 Asbury Road • Dubuque, IA 52002 • (563) 556-6676
Lift Rates: $31 – $62. Children 5 & Under are FREE (with paid adult).
Number of Ski Runs: 8 Greens/Easy, including a kid’s area; 8 Blues/More Difficult; 3 Black/Most Difficult; 2 Freestyle areas
Children’s Programs: FREE Lift Ticket Program – from opening day through the end of the season, they offer the opportunity for all 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade students to receive a FREE lift ticket. They have a designated “Kids Park” for children ages 4 – 11. They also offer 4-Session Weekend Lessons for those visiting just for the weekend and a Learn-To-Ski or Snowboard Program.
Lodge: Equipment Rentals, Restrooms, Concessions, Gift Shoppe are all on site. Guests are also allowed to bring in outside food.
Sleepy Hollow Sports Park – CLOSED for the 2020/21 Winter Season Due To COVID-19 Pandemic
4051 Dean Avenue • Des Moines, IA 50317 • (515) 262-4100
Winter Activities: Snow tubing, Zipfy and Stiga sledding. They also have several other summer and fall events and activities that they host.
Lift & Rental Rates:: $20-$37.
Lodge: Equipment Rentals, Restrooms, Concessions, Gift Shoppe are all on site.
Where does your family like to ski, snowboard or tube in Iowa? Are there other resorts we should add to our list?
