Downhill Fun for Everyone

Downhill Fun for Everyone

By Haley Banwart

Hit the slopes at some of Iowa's best ski resorts, snowparks and sledding hills

Whether you prefer surfing the snow on a sled, snowboard or set of skis, wintertime activities offer a fun and thrilling escape from the confines of home.

From the heart-pounding anticipation of balancing atop a hill to the adrenaline-filled excitement of careening down a powdery snow path, there’s a restorative magic to these forms of outdoor recreation.

And in Iowa, you don’t have to go far to find it.

Spend a Day at Seven Oaks

Conveniently located along the Des Moines River Valley just 5 miles west of Boone, the northfacing slopes at Seven Oaks Recreation suddenly rise above the flat central Iowa terrain dotted by surrounding acres of corn and soybean fields.

The facility has been family-owned and operated since 1997 and offers year-round outdoor recreation, including skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing during the winter season.

In addition to outfitting 650 ski rentals, 250 snowboard rentals and 120 snow tubes to visitors of all ages, Seven Oaks features 11 impressive vertical runs as well as a terrain park, rail yard and a beginner area designed to accommodate skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels, plus a four-chute snow tube park.

“We may not have mountains in Iowa, but aside from the pitch and length of the runs, you’ll enjoy the same experience at Seven Oaks as any other ski area from the gear to the groomers,” says Seven Oaks Co-owner and General Manager Joel Bryan.

“Mother Nature plays a key role in our business, and while winter is sometimes viewed negatively, we feel very fortunate to be able to provide a family-friendly atmosphere. It’s a place where you can hear laughter and music playing, watch as fellow skiers try new tricks or warm up with a cup of hot chocolate at the lodge.”

Learn a New Sport for Life

During the 2020-2021 season, Seven Oaks welcomed a record number of visitors when the COVID-19 pandemic turned life upside down and drove many families to find safe ways to spend time together outdoors.

According to Bryan, business hasn’t slowed down since, but that shouldn’t stop first-timers from joining in on the fun.

“Before you arrive, be sure to check out the first-time visitor guide on our website,” Bryan advises. “We offer free mini-lessons and paid private lessons for beginners and encourage you to come in with an open mind.”

“Dozens of other skiers and snowboarders will be learning alongside you, so come into the experience with realistic expectations and be ready to have a blast,” he adds.

For Bryan, the most rewarding aspect of his role is seeing families smiling and exhausted after spending a day on the slopes.

“Skiing is a true sport for life; it’s something you never grow out of,” he shares. “I love watching kids come here with their families, learning the sport and making lifelong memories together.”

Visit Seven Oaks at 1086 222nd Dr. Boone, IA 50036

Explore Other Iowa Snow Destinations

Mt. Crescent Ski Area, Honey Creek

Travel along Iowa’s western border, and you’ll find Mt. Crescent Ski Area etched among the bluffs. With a peak elevation of 5,118 feet, Mt. Crescent skiers and snowboarders can enjoy a little over 15 miles of marked trails and a variety of slopes fit for newcomers, intermediates and experienced shredders. If sledding is more your style, make a reservation to slip and slide down Mt. Crescent’s scenic sledding hill, which spans the length of three football fields.

Cone Park, Sioux City

Located in the southeast corner of Sioux City, the crown jewel of Cone Park’s 35 acres of dedicated recreation space is the state-of-the-art 700-foot hill that features multiple lanes of snow tubing excitement. Admission to the park includes a 3-hour session with unlimited rides, access to single or tandem snow tubes and a 450-foot carpet lift that will whisk you to the top. Stay after dark on select weekends and enjoy an evening of snow glow tubing complete with music and a colorful LED light show.

Sundown Mountain Resort, Dubuque

Overlooking 100 square miles of eastern Iowa countryside, Sundown Mountain is another skiing hot spot where visitors can spend a fun-filled day flying down the slopes with friends and family. Home to 21 runs carved out among picturesque cedar trees, the resort also features a variety of terrain parks and several lodges and warming stations. Feel the need for speed? Venture over to the free timed racecourse for some friendly competition.