
Best Ski Resorts for Every Level in Des Moines, Iowa, United States
1. Mad River Glen
A cooperatively-owned resort offering challenging slopes for experienced skiers, known for its single chairlift and rustic charm.
- Cooperative Ownership: Unique ownership model allows for community involvement and decision-making.
- Single Chairlift: One of the few remaining single chairlifts adds a nostalgic touch to the resort experience.
- Rustic Charm: A charming, old-school atmosphere that sets it apart from more modern resorts.
2. Loon Mountain Resort
An expansive resort with various difficulty levels suitable for all skiing abilities, offering breathtaking views of New Hampshire's White Mountains.
- Variety of Terrain: Wide range of slopes catering to diverse skills and preferences.
- Stunning Scenery: Unparalleled views of the White Mountains create a memorable skiing experience.
- Proximity to Des Moines: Relatively closer location to Des Moines compared to other resorts, making it an accessible option for travelers.
3. Mount Sunapee Resort
A family-friendly resort with gentle beginner slopes and intermediate terrain, boasting stunning lake views.
- Family-Friendly: Ideal for families seeking a comfortable and enjoyable skiing experience.
- Lake Views: Scenic lake views add to the resort's picturesque setting.
- Gentle Beginner Slopes: Ideal for new skiers or those looking to improve their skills.
4. King Pine Ski Area
A small, affordable resort perfect for beginners and families, offering a variety of lessons and activities.
- Affordable Prices: Cost-effective option for budget-conscious travelers.
- Variety of Lessons: Offers a range of lessons for skiers of all ages and abilities.
- Family-Oriented Activities: Includes additional family-friendly activities beyond skiing.
5. Cannon Mountain
A challenging resort with steep terrain and numerous glades, ideal for advanced skiers seeking thrills.
- Steep Terrain: Ideal for experienced skiers seeking more difficult slopes.
- Numerous Glades: Multiple glades provide a unique and exciting skiing experience.
- Scenic Lift Rides: Enjoy scenic lift rides with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
6. Gunstock Mountain Resort
A versatile resort catering to skiers of all levels, featuring night skiing and a variety of dining options.
- Versatility: Ideal for groups with mixed abilities, offering suitable slopes for everyone.
- Night Skiing: Extend your ski day into the evening with night skiing opportunities.
- Diverse Dining Options: A range of dining choices, from casual to fine dining, catering to diverse tastes.
7. Waterville Valley Resort
An expansive resort with a variety of terrain and activities for all levels, including cross-country skiing.
- Cross-Country Skiing: Offers the opportunity to explore more of the beautiful White Mountains.
- Diverse Terrain: A wide range of slopes catering to diverse skills and preferences.
- Activity Variety: Includes a variety of additional activities beyond skiing, such as ice skating and tubing.
8. Pats Peak
A family-friendly resort offering gentle slopes for beginners and a variety of activities for all ages.
- Family-Friendly: Ideal for families seeking a comfortable and enjoyable skiing experience.
- Gentle Beginner Slopes: Ideal for new skiers or those looking to improve their skills.
- Activity Variety: Includes additional family-friendly activities beyond skiing.
9. Ragged Mountain Resort
A smaller resort with diverse terrain and a laid-back atmosphere, perfect for intermediates and experts.
- Diverse Terrain: Ideal for skiers looking to explore various slopes.
- Laid-Back Atmosphere: A more relaxed environment compared to larger resorts, appealing to some travelers.
- Scenic Lift Rides: Enjoy scenic lift rides with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
10. Crabapple Mountain
A small and affordable resort suitable for beginners and families, offering a variety of lessons and activities.
- Affordable Prices: Cost-effective option for budget-conscious travelers.
- Variety of Lessons: Offers a range of lessons for skiers of all ages and abilities.
- Family-Oriented Activities: Includes additional family-friendly activities beyond skiing.
11. Wildcat Mountain
A challenging resort with steep terrain and numerous glades, ideal for advanced skiers seeking thrills.
- Steep Terrain: Ideal for experienced skiers seeking more difficult slopes.
- Numerous Glades: Multiple glades provide a unique and exciting skiing experience.
- Scenic Lift Rides: Enjoy scenic lift rides with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
12. Bretton Woods Mountain Resort
A luxurious resort offering challenging slopes and a variety of amenities for all levels.
- Luxury Amenities: High-end accommodations, dining options, and activities cater to discerning travelers.
- Diverse Terrain: A wide range of slopes catering to diverse skills and preferences.
- Scenic Lift Rides: Enjoy scenic lift rides with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
13. Mount Washington Resort
A historic resort offering gentle slopes and a variety of activities for families and beginners.
- Historical Significance: Steeped in history as the former summer 'cottage' of President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
- Family-Friendly: Ideal for families seeking a comfortable and enjoyable skiing experience.
- Activity Variety: Includes additional family-friendly activities beyond skiing, such as ice skating and sleigh rides.
14. Mount Eisenhower
A backcountry ski area accessible only by snowmobile or hiking, offering untracked powder and solitude for experts.
- Remote Location: Ideal for adventurous skiers seeking solitude in an untouched winter wonderland.
- Untracked Powder: Experience the thrill of fresh, unbroken snow.
- Expert-Level Terrain: Ideal for experienced skiers seeking more challenging slopes.
15. Grafton Outdoor Center
A cross-country ski center with varying difficulty levels and scenic trails, perfect for those seeking a peaceful winter adventure.
- Cross-Country Skiing: Offers the opportunity to explore more of the beautiful White Mountains.
- Variety of Terrain: Ideal for skiers looking to explore various trails.
- Peaceful Atmosphere: A more tranquil environment compared to alpine ski resorts, appealing to some travelers.