MAIN Sports Skiing Iowa Ski Resorts & Snow Reports

Most noted for its rolling plains and fields of corn, in winter Iowa becomes a skier's paradise with a handful of great skiing areas around the state.

15 minutes from Iowa City and as convenient to Omaha NE rises the Mt. Crescent Ski Area providing winter sports enthusiasts with acres of ski trails (9 in all) with some runs up to 2,000 feet in height with a 300-foot vertical drop, as well as snowboarding terrain.

Along with ski and snowboard rentals, instructors are also on hand for beginner, intermediate and advanced skiers and snowboarders. And with 30 inches of average snowfall, Mt. Cresent also comes fully loaded with 20 snow cannons to keep the powder coming no matter what the weather.

For Des Moines residents, nothing comes closer than Sleepy Hollow Sports Park located right in the city offering 9 ski trails, snowboarding terrain, and a snowtubing hill. Family-friendly is the operative word here as Sleepy Hollow frequently lures kids and parents with free beginner lessons and special events day or night throughout the season.

Meanwhile, more serious-minded winter skiers in Des Moines can take the 40-minute drive southwest to the Seven Oaks Ski Area located in Boone with 35 skiable acres and 11 ski trails featuring 1,675-foot summit elevation and a 275-foot vertical drop. Snowboarders and snow tubers are also welcome with free lessons for beginners.

For big, breathtaking beauty, however, nothing beats Dubuque's Sundown Mountain resort offering scenic vistas from their two mountaintop lodges (now offering wireless Internet access) with 21 ski trails served by 6 lifts, snowboarding terrain, instruction, and "Fabulous Friday" runs until midnight.

More about Iowa skiing and snowboarding around the Web:

Iowa Ski Reports - Excellent overall guide to Iowa ski resorts with comparisons, visitor reviews, snow reports, photos.

Vacation Information on Iowa Ski and Snowboard Areas - A general guide to Iowa ski resorts with map, visitor reviews with information on facilities and amenities, photo galleries.

Iowa Ski Trail Update - Current reports available from sources around the Web including snowfalls, road conditions, and information on cross-country ski trails.

also see related features -> Expert Skiing Tips

Fitness & Training for Skiers | How to Choose the Right Skis

How to Ski | How to Buy the Right Ski Boots