|
|
|
||
|
|
 |
|||||||
 |
Published Jan/Feb 2006 |
||||||
|
A dusting of Midwest ski getaways prepares for local schussers.
By Diana Lambdin Meyer |
|||||||
 s the winter Olympics dominate sporting news around the world, the Jamaican bobsled team always gets its fair share of media attention. The contrasting image of athletes from this tropical island competing in an otherwise arctic sport demands respect and attention.Likewise, attention should be given to snow skiing resorts of the Midwest. A landscape often equated with rolling fields of corn, wheat and soybeans can indeed provide a winter ski fix. Many families find it less expensive to introduce their children to snow sports in the Midwest. Others prefer to practice their skills with a local weekend before indulging in a more traditional week’s vacation at major western resorts. And for those lacking the time or money to head to the big mountains, your ski getaway is not far from home. Chestnut Mountain, Galena, Ill. The majestic view of the Mississippi River is a highlight of a ski vacation at Chestnut Mountain Resort near the Iowa/Illinois border eight miles outside the historic community of Galena, Ill. Chestnut Mountain is consistently rated as one of the top 10 ski resorts in the Midwest. With 17 trails ranging from beginner to expert, a 475-foot vertical drop, six chair lifts, three surface lifts and a seven-acre terrain park, Chestnut Mountain has something for those of all skill and age levels. Chestnut Mountain is the grandfather of Midwest ski resorts, first welcoming schussers to the hill void of chestnut trees in 1959. Over the years, the hilltop has filled in with a 120-room lodge, a 20,000-square-foot ski services center and a reputation for a quality family ski weekend. The strength of Chestnut Mountain’s reputation lies with its opportunities for beginning skiers. The learning area is the largest and considered the best for beginners in the Midwest with a little more than 10 acres with three triple chairs, a handle tow and magic carpet. About 30 percent of the runs at Chestnut are for beginning skiers and about 30 percent are for advanced. Like most resorts in the Midwest, much of the powder at Chestnut Mountain is man-made. Beginning in November, if Mother Nature is not cooperative, the resort’s 62 snow guns keep fresh powder on the 60-inch base, which is groomed each night. Throughout January and February, the slopes are open until midnight each Friday and Saturday. Obviously weekends are the busiest time at any ski resort, but Chestnut Mountain accommodates about 4,000 skiers a day without creating long lines at the lifts. A note of caution to those whose primary ski experiences are at higher altitudes on the slopes in western states: The humidity of the Midwest creates a much colder skiing environment than experienced in other parts of the country, so extra insulation may be necessary. The cold is particularly intense at Chestnut Mountain, where the north wind rushing up the side of the mountain from the Mississippi River below can be as breathtaking as the view. A particularly entertaining weekend for anyone older than 40 to visit Chestnut Mountain is Jan. 7–8. During Jimmy Buffet weekend, a Buffet cover band, Pirates Over 40, will entertain parrot heads from 9 p.m. until 1 a.m. on Jan. 7. Discover another great time the weekend of Feb. 25–26. That’s when Chestnut Mountain celebrates Mardi Gras with a winter carnival, Cajun food and drinks, a Zydeco band and more. Employees dress in Mardi Gras costumes and guests are welcomed to do so as well. While it is totally possible to spend the entire weekend on the slopes or around the fire at Chestnut Mountain, schedule at least a few hours to explore downtown Galena. Once a haven for antiquing, Galena has evolved into an eclectic and sophisticated art community with an equally intriguing selection of restaurants and teahouses from which to choose. Galena also has more than 50 bed-and-breakfast inns that offer an additional experience for your Midwest snow skiing getaway. Paoli Peaks, Ind. In the rolling hills of southern Indiana, Paoli Peaks has been welcoming skiers since 1978 and each year adds a few more twists and turns to the 300-foot vertical drop. This season, the beginners’ area has been smoothed, creating a gentler terrain, and a 300-foot moving sidewalk or “carpet” has been added to move the snow bunnies up the hill. About 25 percent of the trails at Paoli Peaks are beginner slopes, 55 percent intermediate and the remainder for experts. Those accomplished skiers will appreciate a new terrain park, “The Lost Park,” added for their pleasure this season. That totals three terrain parks at Paoli Peaks. The season extends to mid-March in Paoli, but you can take advantage of more ski time on weekends with the Midnight Madness sessions on Friday and Saturday from midnight until 5:30 a.m. Snow Creek, Weston, Mo. Snow Creek Ski Area is located just about 10 miles from the Kansas City International Airport in the antebellum community of Weston. Celebrating its 20th season this year, Snow Creek boasts a 300-foot vertical drop, two triple chairlifts, one double chairlift and three rope tows. About 60 percent of the trails at Snow Creek are for intermediate skiers and 30 percent for beginners. Those beginners are treated to a Sunday night special from 4 to 8 p.m. when they receive lift tickets, equipment rental and a lesson for just $30. More experienced skiers or snowboarders, however, are drawn to Rattlesnake Park, a five-acre terrain park that includes a dramatic collection of jumps, bumps, mounds, rails, table tops, pipes and more. Hidden Valley, Eureka, Mo. About 20 miles southwest of St. Louis is Hidden Valley Ski Area where beginning skiers have a number of new opportunities to learn this season. Hidden Valley has added two new beginning areas that are wider and have fewer obstructions than the existing “Easy Street” and “Skid Row” slopes. The Badlands terrain park, which was added in the 2004-05 season, has been expanded and an additional terrain park called “Outlaw” has been developed for more advanced boarders and skiers. Those with experience also will appreciate the newly developed glade area, which allows expert skiers a chance to ski between trees. The 30-acre ski area has a 310-foot vertical drop and two triple chair lifts, one quad lift and three tow ropes. The season at Hidden Valley, the Midwest’s most southern ski resort, lasts only about 70 days, but additional snow-making equipment this season may extend the life of powder at Hidden Valley. This winter, go out and play at a regional ski area and enjoy the nearby towns that offer many amenities. Though you may not make the Olympic ski team, you will have a wonderful winter weekend getaway. Diana Lambdin Meyer is a contributor from Parkville, Mo. |
|
||||||
^ to top | previous page |
|||||||
|
|||||||
|
Contents may not be reproduced in whole or in part unless expressly authorized in writing by AAA Traveler Magazines.
Copyright © 1999 - 2007 AAA Traveler Magazine | 12901 N. Forty Dr. | St. Louis, MO 63141 |
|||||||
