Cross-Country Skiing in Polk County
Cross-country skiing is a great way to exercise in the winter. It burns more calories per hour than any other sport, by using almost every muscle in your body. It’s also a peaceful way to enjoy the winter season.For those who enjoy cross-country skiing, Polk County offers several scenic locations. Groomed cross-country ski trails can be found in Jester Park and Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt. Trails will be groomed after a snowfall over six inches. A groomed trail is maintained with a groomer to pack the snow and tracksetter to lay classic tracks.
Jester Park
At Jester Park (ski trail map) there are almost 6.1 miles of trails. The Outdoor Recreation & Wellness Center and the campground registration area will serve as trailheads. Trails will lead skiers through the woods, near Saylorville Lake and along the edge of the golf course.
Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt
Flat trails can be found at Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt (ski trail map) in northeastern Polk County. Trails will wind through the woodlands, following the old Skunk River channel. Many different loops will be groomed, all beginning from the campground.
There are many other places to cross-country ski in Polk County parks that do not have groomed trails. A scenic route beginning at the covered bridge at Easter Lake Park leads skiers along the shoreline of this beautiful lake on the Southside of Des Moines.
Learning how to cross-country ski is as easy as walking. The motion of your arms and legs alternating when you walk is the same when you ski.
Read also: Skiing at Brighton at Night
Cross-country ski rentals are available inside the Outdoor Recreation and Wellness Center, adjacent to the nature center. Snowshoes, cross-country skis, boots and poles are also available to rent. Skis and snowshoes will only be rented if there is at least 6 inches of snow on the ground. RESERVATIONS are strongly encouraged! Online ski reservations are available by clicking here.
Closed for all activities on Sunday, December 28th. Reopening for all activities on Monday, December 29th at 10am.
Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding at Seven Oaks Recreation
Seven Oaks is the place to ski, snowboard and snow tube in central Iowa! Midland Power Cooperative recently did a wonderful story about what’s happening at Seven Oaks, and a bit about our history.
Seven Oaks Recreation is family-owned and operated and offers year-round outdoor recreation in central Iowa. Our seasonal activities include skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, canoeing, kayaking, river tubing and paintball. Our winter activities include skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing. We offer 650 ski rentals, 250 snowboard rentals, and 120 snow tubes to outfit all ages.
Our slopes consist of 12 runs varying from beginner to expert and offer a terrain park, rail yard, beginner area and a 4-chute snow tube park. “The Lodge at Seven Oaks” provides ample seating with a great view of the slopes, fast food, hot drinks and Coal Creek Lounge. Please note that outside food from competing restaurants, crockpots, kettles, or outside alcohol are not permitted.
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Skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing at Seven Oaks makes for a great family or group activity for all ages - group rates and FREE ski and snowboard lessons available. Seven Oaks also offers several nightly discount programs.
Here's a glimpse of what visitors are saying about Seven Oaks:
- "This is a great place in Iowa to come spend either a whole day or an afternoon..."
- "Great slope for families and new riders. The instructors were amazing and my kids were flying down the slopes by the end of the afternoon."
- "What an awesome experience! The kids loved this and the location is perfect. This lodge had it all, food, drinks and plenty of space for everyone."
Summer Activities at Seven Oaks
Seven Oaks Recreation’s summer activities include full-service canoe, kayak and river tube floats on the Des Moines river 7 days a week. We are excited to be celebrating 19 years of full-service river floats! We offer 64 canoes, 50 kayaks and 300 river tubes and plenty of cooler tubes for your paddling or floating adventures.
Even if you don’t know how to canoe or kayak, you will enjoy our canoe/kayak/river tube floats. Our river trips are fun for beginners as well as experienced canoe/kayak paddlers. You can paddle your way down the river, or simply relax, float, and enjoy miles of wooded bluffs. Discover a new outdoor activity your whole family will love.
All-Weather Skiing at Sleepy Hollow Sports Park
Drop into Sleepy Hollow for thrills - with or without the chills - on the world’s biggest all-weather downhill run. Fly down the giant 600-ft. slope on Sleepy Hollow tubes. Then, hop on the easy lift for a quick ride back up the hill. On special days, you can even bring your skis or snowboard to test your skills on the all-season slope.
Read also: Night Skiing Guide: East Coast
The unique SnowFlex® hill is designed for every skill level and almost every age, 3 and up. It’s easy to drop in! The new Sleepy Hollow Snowflex run is open Wednesday - Sunday starting May 25, 2024.
Get directions to the park, located in a wooded valley on the east side of Des Moines. Then, get ready to slide. When it comes to safety, rules rule. Before you glide down the slope, pull long hair back and wear closed-toe shoes. Casual athletic attire is also recommended, so you can move easily and look good doing it. Read more about slope safety.
Family reunions. Birthday celebrations. Corporate meetings. The lodge at Sleepy Hollow is a quaint spot to gather for any reason in any season. Let your next celebration begin!
2024 Hoang: Seven Oaks (1)
Get your gear tuned up with pro-level service and fast turnaround before your winter ski trip. Been there. Done that. Wear this. Sleepy Hollow gear is available in most sizes.
Downhill fun? Check. More? Check. Sleepy Hollow is also home to your favorite seasonal events in central Iowa, like the classic Renaissance Faire, the super scary Halloween Scream Park, and more.
🚨 NOW OPEN! Take a ride down the slopes any time of the year at sleepyhollowsportsparkdm The World’s biggest all-weather downhill run is full of fun and another great addition to the Des Moines metro. We had so much fun sliding down the slope and enjoying the beautiful views today! 🧡 600 feet slope🧡 Every skill level from 3 years up 🧡 Purchase tickets before you go!
Adventures are meant to be shared. And sometimes, bragged about.
Other Ski Areas
| Ski Area | Lifts | Terrain Mix | Longest Run | Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mt. Crescent | 4 (1 quad, 1 double, 2 surface) | 33-34-33 | 2200′ | Usually December through mid-March |
| Welch Village | 7 (1 quad, 2 triples, 2 doubles, 2 surface) | 40-40-20 | 4000′ | Usually late November through mid-March |
Note: Terrain Mix is represented as Beginner-Intermediate-Expert percentages.
