beginner's guide
New to Skiing and Snowboarding?
Is Sundown a good place to learn to ski and snowboard?
Sundown has remained a favorite vacation destination for thousands of Midwest winter sports enthusiasts for over 50 years. It is a great place to learn to ski or snowboard. When you learn at Sundown Mountain, you’ll train with some of the best professionals in the Midwest, and have lots of options for beginner terrain to practice on.
Never been skiing in your life,? Want to get better at skiing or boarding? Sundown Mountain offer some of the best skiing and boarding terrain in the Midwest.
1. We offer group classes or private instruction for skiers of all ability levels at sundown mountain.
2. At Sundown, our instructors will focus on what you need to improve your skiing and snowboarding abilities. If it’s your first day on skis, you have a very good chance of learning to ski or board, learning to turn and stop in no time.
3. If you have never been skiing in your life, we have an extremely gentle slope near our mountain center building. It’s a perfect place for new skiers and snowboarders. As your abilities grow, we offer more challenging slopes, serviced by our four chair lifts and 2 surface lifts.
4. Beginner tip- Our online store is a great resource. It allows you to buy your tickets for the day, reserve your rental, and even book a group or private lesson before you arrive.
Learning to ski or snowboard can be one of the coolest skills you’ll ever learn. While you’re having the time of your life, you’re improving the skills you learned here at Sundown Mountain.
As you prepare for your visit, here's a list of the essentials:
- Warm Clothing: Dress in layers with thermal undergarments, a mid-layer of fleece or wool, and an outer waterproof jacket and pants. Staying dry is key to staying warm.
- Helmet: Helmets are essential for safety. If you’re renting from us, a helmet is included with your rental.
- Goggles: Protect your eyes from sun, wind, and snow with goggles that have anti-fog and UV protection.
- Gloves or Mittens: Make sure your hands stay warm with waterproof and insulated gloves or mittens.
- Socks: Wear ski or snowboard-specific socks for warmth and moisture-wicking properties.
- Neck Gaiter/Balaclava: Keep your face and neck warm on particularly cold or windy days.
If you forget anything, visit our Gift Shoppe inside the North Lodge for essential gear like goggles, gloves, and more. You can also grab a souvenir while you’re there!
Where To Take a Break From The Slopes
Apres Skiing– Sundown offers some great food and beverages in our North in South lodges. Both are family friendly, where great views of the hill, live music on Friday Saturday and plenty of hot chocolate and cheese curds… Our Tips Up bar offers great views of the mountain and plenty of craft beer and cocktails.
Lodging– Sundown mountain has a variety of resort partners that offer a wide variety of options for an overnight stay.
We encourage you to explore the oldest city in Iowa….
Gift Shop– Forgot a pair of gloves? Want a momento of your trip? Need a pair of goggles? Our gift shop is located near the entrance of Mountain Center.
At Sundown Mountain Resort, we strive to create an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere for everyone, whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned skier. We look forward to seeing you on the slopes!