Not only is this the second-highest point in the state, but skiing has taken place here anchored by Rib Mountain since the 1930s, with Fred Pabst (Pabst Brewing Company heir and a skier himself) as the first owner and operator. Would recommend it if you are looking for a nice inexpensive ski resort that isn't overly crowded. Conveniently located in the heart of the Midwest, Sundown Mountain Resort attracts skiers and snowboarders of all abilities looking for their winter adventure. My kids liked it better than chestnut. Season Passes - Chestnut Mountain Resort Plan Your Stay Reserve online or call 1-800-397-1320 to speak with us directly. The Chestnut Mountain Resor t is among the best Illinois ski areas for people of all ages. Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Conveniently located in the heart of the Midwest, Sundown Mountain Resort attracts skiers and snowboarders of all abilities looking for their winter adventure. Those 2 situations were my only accidents! If you havent been yet, I highly recommend it. Ive had more experienced riders give me good tips, nearly every time I go there. So before considering all snow sports as a complete write off, I wanted to try skiing. Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. This year however, we discovered the hidden gem that is Sundown Mountain in Dubuque, IA! Here's a list of all the other things I could think off, even if they are stereotypes. Youd be surprised what happens each time you go again! Sundown Mountain Resort16991 Asbury Rd.Dubuque, IA 52002563-556-6676. If you've never skied, it's a great place to learn. I pretty much had the whole slope to myself yet still managed to plough down a small child that was standing under a treeits like my skis had a mind of their own! Nice lodges with decent priced food. Maybe next winter Ill come over and we can ski together! 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. The Quill is the second highest point in Netherlands at an elevation of 1972 feet. 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. Netherlands is a country in Western Europe that is slightly less than twice the size of the U.S. state of New Jersey, covering an area of 41,543 square kilometers and bordering only two countries, Germany and Belgium. I stayed on the bunny hill, practising my turns by myself and improving my stance so I wasnt locked in a wedge the whole way down. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Sundown Mountain, Chestnut Mountain, Tyrol Basin, Cascade Mountain, Snowstar, Hidden Valley, Blackhawk, Four Lakes, & Wilmot Chestnut Mountain - January 7/8, 2023; Sundown Mountain - January 21/22, 2023; Devil's Head - February 4/5, 2023; Tyrol Basin - February 25/26, 2023; CLICK HERE for the current 2023 WIJARA Team Standings 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. Race Teams - Sundown Mountain Resort Somehow this place seems to make beginners on rentals think they can hit the black diamonds. Putting this into perspective, a ONE day lift pass in Aspen Colorado is $164! Weekends are very important to us, he added. Sundown Parks Video & Photo Contest 2023. The stratovolcano is located on the Sint Eustatius Island in the Caribbean. Read up on pros, cons and other comments in reviews left by fellow skiers and riders. Full Review . As far as the building set-up, we took your advise and we are in the middle of making a new lodge that will house all ticketing and rental in ONE convenient location! I have skied before in the midwest (e.g., Boyne resorts in northern Michigan), but had not heard of Sundown Mountain. The 475-foot vertical drop mountain has over 150 snow guns and the runs are groomed daily. I think part of my problem was that I was over thinking what I had to do too much right leg does this, left leg does thatI just couldnt seem to put the two techniques together. 16991 Asbury Rd. Shhh. The mountain is home to some animals such as lizards, iguanas, and some birds. Anyhow, I did not throw on my skis and shush down the mountain instead, I walked around to see what was there. Just about 20 minutes to Omaha, or two hours West of Des Moines, Mt. We spent 6 hours on the mountain total and my daughter did not even want to stop then, despite being exhausted. If you are looking for somewhere to stay in Dubuque, the Hotel Julien is a 20 minute drive from Sundown Mountain, located in the Downtown District. She often seeks out wine bars, coffee roasters, cheesemongers' shops, art museums, antiques and vintage stores, yarn shops, and sprawling parks when she travels. When I return Ill be tempted to visit at the same time, even if it is slightly more expensive, just to avoid the crowds. I did skiing and my daughter tried snowboarding for the first time ever. Rampage | Local ski resorts provide winter fun Some of the areas have been protected for ecotourism to promote conservation of wildlife by the tourists. Non-Competitive Team - $350.00 This level includes all training sessions. Chestnut Mountain Race Team - 2022/2023 CMRT Registration What restaurants are near Sundown Mountain? Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. My large family has been going to the same ski resort (Chestnut Mountain in Galena, IL) since I was a teenager. After her lesson ended the instructor congratulated her on how well she had progressed and encouraged her to keep practicing on the bunny hill. Under the freshly groomed and mademade snow from the previous night was a week's worth of 45+ degree temps handywork. Stop to eat at Fried Green Tomatoes! The lessons are drop-in and the times are posted online which I found very convenient. Thanks! When you think of ski resorts, they are often associated with being expensive, especially when it comes to lift passes! One thing that surprised me the most when I moved to Iowa, was that there was actually a ski resort! Im Kylie and welcome to Between England & Everywhere, an adventure travel blog! Chestnut, with the hotel and Village Ski Center located on top of the ski hill, features a 475-foot vertical drop, which is big in this part of the Midwest. Troy is the third highest point in Netherlands at an elevation of 1,818 feet. 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. 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. 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). Food & beverage was very good and reasonably priced. Accommodations; Rates & Packages; Book Now! There are 11 ski runs at Seven Oaks including a bunny hill for beginners and a couple of terrain parks. When we informed her we were just checking out the mountain in advance, she started telling us all about the facility and the group lessons. Nineteen ski and snowboard trails cut through solid rock bluffs range up to 3,500 feet in length and are geared to all levels. Were a true Midwest ski resort destination offering great snow and an unforgettable winter experience. They have the typical mid west terrain parks, and they do try to setup 1 short mogul run. Field of Dreams Movie Site Guided Home Tour in Dyersville, Small-Group Vineyard and Orchard Tour with Wine Tasting in Muscoda, Canoeing and Kayaking in Mississippi Wildlife & Fish Refuge, Participate in a Fun Scavenger Hunt in Davenport by Zombie Scavengers, Cedar Rapids City Scavenger Hunt Excursion by Zombie Scavengers, Iowa City Scavenger Hunt: City of Literature, Adventurous Scavenger Hunt in Davenport by 3Quest Challenge, Adventurous Scavenger Hunt in Davenport by Crazy Dash, Davenport City Scavenger Hunt Excursion by Wacky Walks, Explore Cedar Rapids with a Unique Scavenger Hunt by Wacky Walks, Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Cedar Rapids by Operation City Quest. How big is the difference between the northern and southern - Quora 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. I love winter but would you believe I havent tried skiing? As weather cools down, ski resorts in the tri-state area look - KCRG Don't forget to submit your own Sundown Mountain review! Cadillac MichiganDistance from Chicago: 283 miles; 4.5-hour driveThis 30-run resort features steep slopes, two peaks, five aerial lifts, and plenty of backcountry terrain if you're in the market for a snowy path less traveled. Sundown Mountain Resort Dubuque has 21 ski runs (green, blue and black diamond) and 2 terrain parks. DUBUQUE, Iowa (KWQC) - Sundown Mountain Resort in Dubuque is now open for the winter ski season. I have never snow skied, but you do make it look like fun. Hidden Gem & Great Alternative to Chestnut Mountain, Especially for Beginners! Chestnut Ski Resort Galena, IL Boasting an impressive array of amenities, accommodations, comforts and activities, Chestnut Mountain is the choice Illinois travel destination. Thompsonville, MichiganDistance from Chicago: 312 miles; 4.5-hour driveInstead of being crammed into some broken down old lodge, you can rent badass private homes or high-end condos and throw your own socially distant aprs ski party at this Thompsonville stunner. 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. (563) 556-6676 Lots and lots of ice. Copyright 2021 KCRG. When it doesnt snow, the resort is maintained by 150 snow guns (believe me, its cold enough for the snow not to melt once it is there!) You learn something new all the time. Rates start at $15 for a 2hr tube rental and lift ticket. It never felt overcrowded and the staff was friendly. Website. Otsego, MichiganDistance from Chicago: 159 miles; 2.5-hour driveWith 12 lifts, 20 runs, two terrain parks, and 100 acres of skiable terrain topping out at 850 feet with a 300-foot vertical drop, Bittersweet is typical of the small cluster of resorts in southwest Michigan that also includesSwiss Valley andTimber Ridge. Another "pro" is if you are a season pass holder to Sundown you can get free skiing/boarding at Silver Mountain in Kellogg, Idaho. Such activities include mountaineering, rock climbing, hiking, and bird sighting, as well as watching wildlife. For this reason, its easy for Chicagoans to plan a weekend trip here (the Windy City is only a three-hour drive away). I found it ridiculously easy to turn left but struggled to turn right. If you are required to enter a bib number to proceed with registration, just enter 599 or if allowed, leave the field blank. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC. 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! 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. 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. All rights reserved. Some of these mountains are home to a rich biodiversity of plants and animals unique to the climates in the country. Mount Bohemia Ski Resort, Mohawk, Michigan, Chestnut Mountain Resort, Galena, Illinois, Perfect North Slopes, Lawrenceburg, Indiana, Giants Ridge Recreation Area, Biwabik, Minnesota, 10 Mountains You've Never Heard of but Need to Ski This Winter. See how Sundown Mountain stacks up in the reviews, on and off the slopes, from skiing and family activities to the aprs scene. 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). 16991 Asbury Rd. Her instructor (a female snowboarder) was very positive and encouraging which I believe inspired my 12 yr old to not want to give up and switch to skis; she was determined to master snowboarding! Glad to hear you had a great time! 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! 19 trails are in two parks Far Side Terrain Park (with a quarter pipe and two half pipes) and Chestnut (with a 475-foot vertical drop). During ski season the lodge is warm and offers a great variety of quick food for lunch. Kristine Hansen is a design, food and drink, and travel writer based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In winter, however, its the closest thing Chicagoland has to a respectable ski establishment. Near the Kentucky and Ohio borders in southeastern Indiana, this resort features 23 trails across three parks that are a mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced. Last year we were lucky and got a lot of natural snow, it stayed cold, so we were pretty fortunate, he mentioned. You must sign TWO (2) liability forms WIJARA & Iowa for. It might be basic, but its definitely a thrill, providing a diverse ski experience for all ages with 12 lifts, three terrain parks, night skiing, and ski-in, ski-out accommodations, to boot. Youll find inspiration, itineraries and guides about all things adventure travel. Chestnut Mountain--January 5 & 6. It was my friend and I first time, we rode the bunny hills for most of the morning/afternoon. Ive been a couple of times! Considered one of the best skiing sites in the Midwest, you can reserve a stay at the 120-room lodge that has Sunset Grille for fine dining along with three other restaurants. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. 98% of travelers recommend this experience. I think theres a 2nd a little further west! We went to Sundown Mountain a few days after Christmas. 100% snowmaking on EVERY trail, excellent grooming and . 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. The resort sports 21 trails catering to all levels, and when youre ready to take a break, head over to one of their onsite lodges. Once a bib number is issued, SRT will submit final roster info & bib numbers will be noted for the season. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Sundown Mountain (Dubuque) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go Please fix your operations and train staff; otherwise a nice place Sundown Mountain ski resort opens up slopes on Thursday for - KWWL It looked like a pretty nice place to ski, not a big place with lots of choices, but a fun location. But all things considered, is a very nice hill that will keep most people busy and interested all day long! Mount Scenery is on the island of Saba in the Caribbean, which is now part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands after the Netherlands Antilles was dissolved. SUNDOWN MOUNTAIN (Dubuque) - 2023 What to Know BEFORE You Go - Tripadvisor With 58 runs spread out across 80 acres of skiable terrain plus a sizable backcountry and heaps of well-groomed cross-country trails, this family-owned resort overlooking the scenic Betsie Valley about 30 miles southwest ofTraverse City might just be one of the Midwests best-kept secrets. Dubuque, IA 52002 Menu. . They also have live music on some evenings. The vertical drop on Indianhead Mountain is 638 feet, and Blackjack Mountains is 490 feet. The mountain is found within the Curacao Christfellpark which is a reserve and wildlife park in the Dutch Caribbean. Chestnut Mountain Race Team - 2021/2022 CMRT Registration - WildApricot snow was good people are friendly and the terrain park is good. There is a lot that goes into snow making.. If youre a newbie and need some motivation, skiing is not only unbelievably exhilarating, its also an awesome substitute for your boring winter workout routine, improving coordination, strength, and flexibility. Hidden Gem & Great Alternative to Chestnut Mountain - Tripadvisor Even though last year had been their busiest season yet, Gordon said he is hopeful they will have another successful year. Sundown Mountain Resort. I visited a second time and attempted to go down Sunbowl a couple of times, but I was miserable. Planning a Sundown Mountain ski trip or just heading up for the day? Winter vacationers visit Sundown Mountain ski resort because it offers a variety of terrain and snowy fun for all ages and abilities, allowing families to experience everything skiing and snowboarding have to offer. Wausau, WisconsinDistance from Chicago: 275 miles; 4-hour driveLocated within the chilled-outRib Mountain State Park overlooking the highest point in Wisconsin, this resort offers more room to roam than the crowded confines of popular alternatives like Cascade along with Wisconsins highest vertical drop measuring 700 feet. 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! The resort sports 21 trails. Click here for our Frequently Asked Questions Page, Total Vertical Drop of 475 feet, with Runs Carved Among Picturesque Cedar Trees, 21 Scenic Trails with Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced Runs, 2 Terrain Parks with Progressive Features, 2 Mountain Top Lodges Overlooking 100 Square Miles of Countryside, Kids Park Facility for Children Ages 3-11, Ski and Snowboard Lessons for All Ages and Abilities, Sundown Parks Video & Photo Contest 2023. Snow-making machines further the fun at these resorts, too, making a day at the slopes easily within reach. (5 green runs compared to 2). I have been to ski resorts all over the world and consider my hometown ski resort of Sundown as a friendly welcoming place. sundown mountain vs chestnut mountain Sundown Mountain in Dubuque is 3 hours from Chicago. The mountain is located within the dry curacao area which is composed of the main limestone in contrast to the mainly hard quartzite of the mountain. 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. Sundown & Chestnut Ski Resorts Win Accolades as Best in Midwest 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. 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. And once you and your (vaccinated, boosted, and masked) buddies throw on those extra layers, it wont take long to drive out to a place where you can cruise atop pristine white powder. Skiing is not for me, but at least I gave it a go! Im a British repatriate who lived in Iowa USA for 4 years! 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, Please complete 1 Registration Form per Family, Please complete 1 SRT Concussion Form per Racer, Sundown Mountain Resort As you may know, Im not a fan of the cold so I picked a warm day to visit Sundown Mountain. Seven out of ten times we are normally open by Thanksgiving, so this has been an unusual year, Michael Murphy, the resorts general manager, commented. 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. Maybe someday. Mount Crescent has 9 ski slopes, 1 terrain park and a sledding hill. The Resort Partners cover: 3 Iowa ski resorts, 2 in Illinois, 2 in Wisconsin, 1 in Idaho, 2 in Colorado, 2 in New Mexico, 2 in Arizona and 1 in Utah! 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. 10 of the Best Ski Resorts in the Midwest The mountain supports a wide variety of flora and fauna including cacti, iguanas, lizards, the white tailed deer, and a wide variety of bird species. The main thing that stood out was how friendly and outgoing the instructors were while we were walking around. 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.. Murphy mentioned he is excited to welcome people back to the slopes. It also allowed me to practise getting on and off the chair lift without the fear of bringing the big main chair lift to a stop and having all the professionals look down on the idiot newbie skier! Chestnut Mountain Resort - Galena, IL - Hotel Guides Most day trippers from Chicago stick to Chestnut. We couldn't have done it without him!! Just like skiing snowboarding is separated into many different categories including freestyle, freeride, and downhill. Harbor Springs MichiganDistance from Chicago: 370 miles; 6-hour driveSince youre already driving all the way up to Michigan, you might as well scout out a place where you can not only ski, but sleep, shop, and eat all in one place.