Snow Resorts in Iowa

Iowa is known for cold, snowy winters, making it the perfect place to take advantage of everything the slopes have to offer. Home to many ski resorts, Iowa means families will undoubtedly find what they seek, whether that means downhill skiing, cross country skiing, snowboarding or snow tubing. Bundle up and hit the slopes.

  1. Sundown Mountain

    • Located near the Mississippi River, Sundown Mountain in Dubuque has been awarded the National Ski Area Association Award of Excellence several times and boasts the highest vertical climb of at least three surrounding states.

      Sundown Mountain offers skiers and snowboarders 21 trails, four chair lifts, two conveyor carpets and two terrain parks. Other resort amenities include two lodges, both with full cafeterias, a gift shop, children's programs, ski corral and a full-service ski patrol for safety. Lessons, private or group, are available in the pro-shop as well.

      Sundown Mountain

      16991 Asbury Road

      Dubuque, IA 52002

      563-556-6676

      sundownmtn.com

    Mt. Crescent Ski Area

    • Western Iowa is home to Mt. Crescent Ski Area in the Loess Hills, less than a 20-minute drive from Omaha, Nebraska. This 50-acre ski area has eight downhill ski runs, a terrain park and two chair lifts for skiers and snowboarders. Winter enthusiasts looking for a different form of entertainment can enjoy snow tubing at Mt. Crescent. The snow tubing area features a 600-foot vertical drop and a surface tow rope for getting back to the top.

      The lodge features the Mountain Cafe & Bar, offering food and beverages for skiers and non-skiers alike. Also found in the lodge is the ski shop, which has equipment rentals-both ski and snowboard-and private or individual lessons.

      Mt. Crescent Ski Area

      17026 Snowhill Lane

      Honey Creek, IA 51542

      712-545-3850

      skicrescent.com

    Sleepy Hollow Sports Park

    • Located in Des Moines, Sleepy Hollow Sports Park has activities for everyone to enjoy. Sleepy Hollow offers skiing and snowboarding for every skill level, from beginner to expert. Snow tubing also is offered on a 15-story hill, complete with lights for nighttime fun. Snowboarders will enjoy the park's rails, jumps and other terrain features. Anyone in need of skiing or snowboarding lessons can take advantage of Sleepy Hollow's free beginner lessons offered daily.

      Sleepy Hollow also is home to the Des Moines Winter Games, hosted at the beginning of each year. These games include unique activities such as the polar plunge, snow kayak races, softball played with snowball, a sculpting competition and more.

      Sleepy Hollow Sports Park

      4051 Dean Ave.

      Des Moines, IA 50317

      515-262-4100

      sleepyhollowsportspark.com