While the great state of Iowa is known for its agriculture, natural lakes and impressive tornadoes, it is not generally known for its ski resorts or epic powder skiing. Iowa is a Midwestern plains state, part of the Corn Belt and the American Heartland. That's why Iowans and Americans alike may not realize that Iowa is a state full of rolling hills with five ski resorts. In addition, there are ski resorts within driving distance of Iowa in four surrounding states.
Seven Oaks Recreation Area
From December through March, Seven Oaks Recreation Area becomes a ski area in Boone, Iowa, in the Des Moines River Valley. This lift-serviced resort has 30 skiable acres and is open from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., so there is night skiing available, and separate day-and-night or combo passes can be purchased for different prices. Season passes are also available, and these include free and discounted tickets to Sundown Mountain and Seven Oaks's sister resorts in other states. Seven Oaks has a terrain park, lessons and rentals for both skiers and snowboarders, and snow tubing for the kids.
Sundown Mountain Resort
Sundown Mountain is a lift-served ski resort in Dubuque, Iowa. Sundown Mountain has 55 skiable acres and boasts 475 vertical feet of terrain -- the most vertical terrain of any ski area in Iowa and all other surrounding skiable states, except Wisconsin. Sundown Mountain is open from December through March and has night skiing all days except Sunday. Resort patrons may purchase a season membership, or day, night and combo passes can be purchased on a daily basis. Sundown Mountain has rentals and lessons for skiers and snowboarders and a separate terrain park for the kids.
Mt. Crescent Ski Area
Located 2 miles north of Crescent, Iowa, Mt. Crescent Ski Area is sometimes considered an Omaha ski area, as Omaha, Nebraska, is only 15 minutes away. With four lifts and 40 skiable acres, this old cornfield provides 300 vertical feet of terrain, rentals and lessons for skiers and snowboarders. Open December through March on Wednesday through Sunday, Mt. Crescent also has night skiing and snow tubing with season passes, or day, night and combo passes are available.
Riverside Hill Ski Area
Riverside Hill is a local ski hill in Esterville, 8 miles outside Iowa city. It has 40 skiable acres, three lifts, two T-bars and one rope tow. Riverside Hill is open Wednesday through Sunday from December through March, offering night skiing and ski and snowboard rentals.
Sleepy Hollow Sports Park
Sleepy Hollow Sports Park is a summer water park that offers snow tubing, skiing and snowboarding on 20 skiable acres with access from three lifts and two rope tows, from December through March. Sleepy Hollow is open for day and night skiing Wednesday through Sunday and on holidays. Sleepy Hollow has ski and snowboard lessons and rentals.
Ski Resorts Near Iowa
There are ski resorts in four of the states bordering Iowa that are within driving distance from most locations in Iowa. These include: Powder Ridge, Buck Hill, Andes Tower Hills and Wild Mountain in Minnesota; Great Bear in South Dakota; Snowstar in Illinois; and Devil's Head in Wisconsin.
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