Sundown Mountain Resort
Experience the beauty of the Driftless Area with 21 ski runs and 2 terrain parks, perfect for a winter adventure.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, better snow
Sundown Mountain Resort
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better snow
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the beauty of the Driftless Area with 21 ski runs and 2 terrain parks, perfect for a winter adventure.
"Beautiful scenery and great lessons, but be prepared for the cost and challenging slopes."
🎯 Lessons for Beginners
Professional instructors offer thorough and patient lessons, perfect for first-time skiers and kids!
💰 Food Costs
Food is pricey; consider bringing snacks or budgeting extra for meals at the lodge.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Scenic Sunset Views
North Lodge
Experience breathtaking sunsets over the Driftless Area while enjoying the slopes or relaxing at the lodge.
Varied Ski Runs
Entire Resort
With 21 runs, there's something for every skill level, from beginner-friendly slopes to challenging terrain.
Terrain Parks
Designated Parks
Test your skills on jumps, rails, and other features in the resort's two dedicated terrain parks.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Skiing
Budgeting for Your Mountain Trip
Best Times
Insider Tips
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🎯 Lessons for Beginners
Professional instructors offer thorough and patient lessons, perfect for first-time skiers and kids!
💰 Food Costs
Food is pricey; consider bringing snacks or budgeting extra for meals at the lodge.
⚠️ Beginner Slope Caution
Some visitors find the beginner slope challenging; be prepared for steeper inclines.
🚗 Parking Lot Conditions
The parking lot is unpaved and can get muddy on warmer days.
Ski Slopes Nearby
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Lessons for Beginners
Professional instructors offer thorough and patient lessons, perfect for first-time skiers and kids!
💰 Food Costs
Food is pricey; consider bringing snacks or budgeting extra for meals at the lodge.
⚠️ Beginner Slope Caution
Some visitors find the beginner slope challenging; be prepared for steeper inclines.
🚗 Parking Lot Conditions
The parking lot is unpaved and can get muddy on warmer days.
✨ Driftless Area Beauty
Enjoy the picturesque scenery of the unique Driftless Area.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Sundown Mountain Resort offers beautiful scenery and good ski lessons, but visitors should be aware of the high costs for food and lift tickets. Some guests have also noted challenging beginner slopes and expressed concerns about an unwelcoming atmosphere for people of color. Despite these issues, many find it a convenient and enjoyable destination for winter sports.
"The place definitely lives up to its name! Such a beautiful place to snowboard in terms of a chill view especially during the sunset in the north lodge and just riding. Be cautious though of an undertone of racism. If you are a person of color almost everyone is going to give you “the look”, even the kids. Despite that there were friendly people I ran into and had conversations with me. The employees are mostly teens anywhere from 15-18 about 85% and adults 45+ 15%. I’ve been 2 times and I’d go again simply because it’s the closest place to snowboard for me. I had fun overall but if you are a POC go in a group of people you trust and that have your back. Food is over priced. I payed $20 for a bacon cheeseburger which had one piece of bacon on it, fry’s and a drink."
Shermiah Doughtry
"Our first time to ski 😊We got the 1 hr lesson to ski with Jay and Joe at 12.30. They are professional and really helpful with wonderful attitude to teach, so we learned a lots from them and my daughter got really excited. We were there all day. So much fun"
Ch J
"The lessons that Sundown instructors give are exceptional. They are so thorough and patient with kids. My kids have shown up never skiing before and leave the lesson with the basics and confidence to ski anything."
Eric Locke
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Sundown Mountain Resort is located in Dubuque, Iowa. It's accessible by car, and the drive from Peoria is often recommended as a worthwhile trip for skiing. The resort is situated within the scenic Driftless Area, known for its unique topography.
Yes, there is parking available. However, be aware that the parking lot is unpaved and can become muddy, especially on warmer days.
Many visitors travel by car. It's considered a good option for a day trip or weekend getaway from cities like Peoria.
Public transportation options directly to the resort are limited. Driving is the most common and convenient method for most visitors.
Winter driving conditions can vary. It's advisable to check local weather and road reports before your trip, especially if traveling during snowy periods.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Lift ticket prices can be considered high, especially for families. It's recommended to check the official Sundown Mountain Resort website for current pricing and potential deals.
While specific discounts aren't detailed, visiting on weekdays or during off-peak times might offer better value. It's always a good idea to check for any promotions on their official site.
It's generally recommended to purchase lift tickets in advance, especially during peak season, to ensure availability and potentially save time. Check the resort's website for online booking options.
Operating hours can vary by season and day of the week. Always check the official Sundown Mountain Resort website for the most up-to-date hours of operation before your visit.
The resort primarily focuses on skiing and snowboarding with 21 varied ski runs and 2 terrain parks. Information on tubing or other activities should be verified on their official website.
🎫 ⛷️ Onsite Experience
While Sundown Mountain Resort offers varied runs, some visitors note that even the beginner slope can be challenging for absolute novices. It's recommended for those with some prior skiing or snowboarding experience.
Yes, Sundown Mountain Resort offers exceptional ski lessons with professional and patient instructors, highly recommended for beginners and children.
The resort features two terrain parks with various features for skiers and snowboarders looking to practice tricks and jumps.
The resort offers beautiful scenery, especially during sunset. However, some visitors have noted an undertone of racial insensitivity.
While the lessons are great for kids, the challenging slopes might be a concern for very young or inexperienced beginners. Families should assess their comfort level with the terrain.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The resort has a lodge with a bar and grill offering food. However, dining can be quite expensive, with a bacon cheeseburger and fries costing around $20.
Yes, many visitors find the food at Sundown Mountain Resort to be overpriced. Bringing your own snacks is a common suggestion to save money.
While not explicitly stated, bringing your own snacks is a practical tip shared by visitors to manage costs.
Specific dietary options are not detailed in reviews. It's best to check with the lodge directly or be prepared with your own food if you have specific dietary needs.
Reviews suggest the food is overpriced, with one mention of a burger having only one piece of bacon. Quality may vary, but the cost is a consistent point of concern.
📸 📸 Photography
The North Lodge area offers beautiful sunset views, perfect for photography. The scenic Driftless Area landscape also provides stunning backdrops.
Yes, the resort is known for its beautiful scenery, especially the views of the Driftless Area and during sunset.
Sunset is highly recommended for photography due to the stunning views from the North Lodge.
Absolutely! Capturing action shots on the ski runs and in the terrain parks can make for dynamic photos.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, always be mindful of other visitors and resort staff.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🏂 Snowboarders & Skiers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Slopes: Skill Levels at Sundown
For those seeking to learn, the resort offers highly-rated lessons. Instructors are described as professional, thorough, and patient, particularly with children.
Ultimately, while Sundown Mountain Resort offers variety, it's crucial for visitors to honestly assess their skill level. Experienced skiers and snowboarders will likely find enjoyable challenges, while beginners might benefit most from taking advantage of the excellent instructional programs offered.
The Driftless Area: A Unique Landscape
The scenic beauty of the Driftless Area is a significant draw for visitors to Sundown Mountain Resort. The resort itself offers stunning views, particularly from the North Lodge during sunset, which many find to be a highlight of their visit.
Exploring the Driftless Area can add another dimension to your trip. Beyond the resort, the region is known for its charming small towns, outdoor recreational opportunities like hiking and biking, and unique geological formations.
Understanding the Sundown Experience: Beyond the Slopes
The staff at the resort are predominantly young, with a mix of teenagers and older adults. While many visitors have positive interactions, some reviews mention hearing staff use inappropriate language.
Finally, the parking lot is unpaved and can become a muddy mess on warmer days, which can be an inconvenience.
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