New to Skiing or Snowboarding? Start at Base Camp.
For over 50 years, Sundown has been where Midwest skiers and snowboarders get their start. Base Camp is our dedicated learning area, designed to give first-timers a comfortable, low-pressure place to find their footing before heading out to the rest of the mountain.
With over 100 instructors, the largest team in the region, you’ll learn from some of the best professionals in the Midwest.
What’s at Base Camp?
Base Camp is set apart from the main slopes, so you can practice at your own pace. Get tips from our helpful guides, or go self-guided with signage that walks you through the basics.
- Sunshine: our gentle beginner hill, perfect for learning to turn and stop
- Magic Carpet: a conveyor lift that makes getting uphill easy, no chairlift required
- Beginner Chairlift: ready when you are to take the next step
As your skills grow, the rest of the mountain is waiting, with more challenging terrain served by four chairlifts and two surface lifts.
- Lessons for every level. We offer group and private lessons for skiers and snowboarders of all ability levels at Sundown Mountain.
- Instruction that fits you. Our instructors focus on what you need to improve. If it’s your first day, you’ll be learning to turn and stop in no time.
- Start at Base Camp. If you’ve never skied or snowboarded before, Base Camp is the perfect place to begin. Our dedicated learning area features Sunshine, our gentle beginner hill, along with a magic carpet and beginner chairlift. Get tips from our helpful guides, or go self-guided with signage that walks you through the basics. As your skills grow, you can explore more challenging terrain served by our four chairlifts and two surface lifts.
- Beginner tip: book online. Our online store lets you buy your Beginner Special, reserve your rental, and book a group or private lesson before you arrive.
Learning to ski or snowboard is one of the coolest skills you’ll ever pick up. And every time you hit the slopes, you’ll be building on what you learned right here at Sundown Mountain.
Where To Take a Break From The Slopes
Apres Skiing– Sundown offers some great food and beverages in our North and 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 memento 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!