Mt. Crescent

Uffda · Post by **Uffda** » Fri Jan 07, 2022 7:56 am

Quite a long time ago, Sioux Falls bought the Great Bear ski hill and turned it into its largest park - 220 acres.

https://www.greatbearpark.com/

Uffda · Post by **Uffda** » Fri Jan 07, 2022 5:34 pm

Interesting- there was a connection

“We contacted Great Bear and the city of Sioux Falls,” said Mark Shoemaker, the executive director of the county’s conservation board. Shoemaker said Pottawattamie officials wanted to learn more about how the city operated Great Bear.”

https://www.keloland.com/keloland-com-o ... wa-county/

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Tue Sep 06, 2022 6:08 pm

Mt. Crescent Ski Area making improvements for upcoming season

HONEY CREEK, Iowa (WOWT) - The Mt. Crescent Ski Area is prepping for the upcoming season. The Mt. Crescent Ski Area, located north of Council Bluffs, was purchased by Pottawattamie County on Dec. 30, 2021. The Ski Area claims there will be significant improvements to the customer experience when the ski season begins later this year. According to Pottawattamie County Conservation, some expected improvements include the addressing of deferred maintenance, increased snow-making frequency and an updated front-of-house operation to reduce wait times. The ski area will also stay open in the afternoon and evening on some weekdays. Another long-term goal of Pottawattamie County Conservation is to connect the Mt. Crescent Ski Area to the Hitchcock Nature Center through expanded trail systems. They also want to develop new ways to have recreation opportunities in the area for all four seasons. Tickets and passes for the 2022-2023 ski season will go on sale starting Oct. 1. Pottawattamie County residents get a 25% discount on lift tickets and season passes. Seasonal jobs at the ski area will also be posted on the county’s website in the coming weeks.

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Tue Sep 06, 2022 6:16 pm

Mt. Crescent Ski Area (Iowa)

This is Mt. Crescent Ski Area! Check out the location that is only 15 minutes away from Omaha, NE. A great place to learn to ski and snowboard!

Moving up and in: Pottawattamie County gains ownership of Mt. Crescent Ski Area

KMTV 3 News Now
Pottawattamie County is gaining ownership of Mt. Crescent Ski Area as part of a plan to expand Hitchcock Nature Center.

ita · Post by **ita** » Wed Sep 07, 2022 9:00 am

https://www.pottconservation.com/blog/m ... ki_season/

Pottawattamie County residents will receive a 25% discount on lift tickets and season passes. Tickets and passes will go on sale on October 1st at www.skicrescent.com and official pricing will be announced then. Seasonal positions at the ski hill will also be posted on the county’s website, www.pottcounty-ia.gov, in the coming weeks.

Immediate updates for the 2022-2023 ski season will focus on addressing deferred maintenance, increasing snow-making and grooming frequency throughout the season, and updating front-of-house operations to reduce wait times and improve the customer experience. Mt. Crescent Ski Area will also be open in the afternoon and evening on select weekdays to better accommodate working individuals and families.

Longer-term improvements to the property will include connecting Mt. Crescent Ski Area to Hitchcock Nature Center through new and expanded trail systems, making improvements to ski trails, and developing more four-season recreation opportunities.

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Wed Sep 07, 2022 12:18 pm

Mt. Crescent getting ready for season

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Wed Sep 07, 2022 2:17 pm

Pottawattamie Conservation to run ski area, eyes expanded recreation
A little more snow this winter could go a long way.

When Pottawattamie Conservation shelled out $3.5 million this year to buy the Mt. Crescent Ski Area and land around it, some scratched their heads. What do slopes have to do with conservation? It turns out that the purchase is part of a plan to create one of the largest public nature areas in the state. Conservation is in their name, after all, and they take it seriously in Pottawattamie County. Now, they’ve made the decision to actually enter into the business of running the operations at the cozy ski slopes, with tender loving care. “That’s always a challenge for us, especially in the Loess Hills,” Pottawattamie Conservation executive director Mark Shoemaker said. “We always have to think about that resource first, but then again the recreation [at Mt. Crescent] is so unique in this in this part of the country, you have to travel to Boone or Sioux Falls to do skiing so it’s gonna be a challenge but I think we can do it. We have good staff that focuses on the natural resources, we also have staff that knows how to operate a business like this as well.”

There will be facility improvements, but it’ll be more than just a spruce-up this winter. The county says skiing will be more affordable for locals, with more weekday and night sessions. County Supervisor and former Crescent Mayor Brian Shea grew up within sight of the slopes, where they’ve been skiing since 1960. “Come up here and see the amount of people up here on a cold winter day,” he said. “That’s a big deal.” Maintaining control of the Mt. Crescent Ski Area rather than simply serving as the owner allows Pottawattamie Conservation to focus on its long-term plan, protecting and conserving this key part of the Loess Hills while making it more accessible to the public.

“[The Mt. Crescent property has] actually been a piece of property that we’ve been interested in for several years,” Shoemaker said. “It’s important because it is in the globally significant Loess Hills [and] it’s immediately adjacent to Hitchcock Nature Center, so [eventually] we will be adding trails to connect to Mt. Crescent.” That connection is what outdoor lovers have been dreaming of, a bigger swatch of land from Hitchcock, connecting more of the unique hills and wildlife for hikers, trail runners, bird watchers, and nature enthusiasts. This year’s purchase of the 106-acre property, and other lands coming under conservation control, gives them the chance over the next five to 10 years to stitch together a destination that goes beyond skiing here and hiking there. “To have one of the biggest parks in Iowa, just north of Crescent, is incredible,” Shea said. “This whole stretch between Honey Creek and the ski hills has become a big deal and the conservation board’s dream is to make this a four-season playground.” As for the short term, a little more snow this winter could go a long way. “We want to let people know that the skiing operation is going to be open this season,” Shoemaker said. “We are going to hopefully reduce some rates for the Pott County residents to make it more reasonable for them to come out and use the facilities, and we hope to have a better user experience out here for anyone that’s coming out.”

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Wed Sep 07, 2022 2:25 pm

Pottawattamie County ARPA funds used for tourism, nature destination

Pottawattamie County is staying in the snow skiing business for now. At the start of 2022, the Iowa County announced a $3.5 million acquisition of the Mt. Crescent Ski Area just across the river from Omaha. Eyebrows were raised when they used $2 million dollars of American Rescue Plan Act funds in efforts to reclaim lost tourism during COVID. But it’s not just the ski area they were buying, it’s the land that it sits on.

”It’s important because it is in the globally significant Loess Hills, said Mark Shoemaker, the Executive Director of Pottawattamie Conservation. “It’s immediately adjacent to Hitchcock Nature Center, so we will be adding trails and what not to connect to Mt. Crescent, we weren’t really thinking we’d be running a ski area but that’s just kind of what we have to do at this point in time and it’s it’s going to be a great adventure for us.”

omaha79 · Post by **omaha79** » Wed Sep 21, 2022 9:33 am

reading between the lines on this, it sounds to me like they want to slowly kill this off and just return it to a nature area. That is somewhat disappointing. That verbiage of "we didn't think we'd be running a ski hill, but that's what we have to do at this point," doesn't scream of someone excited about running an attraction.

ita · Post by **ita** » Wed Sep 21, 2022 9:40 am

omaha79 wrote: Wed Sep 21, 2022 9:33 am reading between the lines on this, it sounds to me like they want to slowly kill this off and just return it to a nature area. That is somewhat disappointing. That verbiage of "we didn't think we'd be running a ski hill, but that's what we have to do at this point," doesn't scream of someone excited about running an attraction.

Actually, I think they are quite serious about continuing the ski hill and expanding usage into the summer. I contacted them about a luge idea for a possible summer attraction, and they mentioned they are looking into doing an alpine slide or mountain coaster. That was one of the ideas coming out of a meeting with a consultant that works on projects on other ski destinations. What comes into fruition is an unknown, but based on my communications with them, they are looking to make Mr. Crescent a destination for the region.

Post by **Brad** » Sun Dec 11, 2022 9:38 pm

Snow on Mt Crescent:

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Wed Dec 21, 2022 9:27 pm

Mount Crescent opens for 2022-2023 season, now with new renovations
With improvements and renovations complete, the ski area is planning a busy winter.

Johan Marin, WOWT wrote:HONEY CREEK, Iowa. (WOWT) - The cold didn’t stop people from coming to the opening of Mount Crescent on Wednesday. It is one of Pottawattamie County’s top attractions. Folks like Ella Hanson said they’ve been waiting for this for a while. “We came a couple of years ago, so we’re excited to see how it’s changed,” Hanson said. “We were going to go to drive to Kansas City to go skating, but then my dad said ‘hey, it’s actually open’ so we’re very excited,” Hanson said.

The county purchased the ski resort last December, with management taking control in July. “This year was amazing. A lot of people on our team have been excited about Mount Crescent for a while,” said Kylie Gumpert, promotions and outreach coordinator for Pottawattamie County. She said there’s been improvements made to the resort’s infrastructure. “We added four new snowmaking machines that have double the capacity as the other ones, and we made some electrical updates that will help us reach more parts of the hill that rely on natural snowfall,” Gumpert said. Gumpert said they’ve also expanded the side trails so more people will be able to ski on the resort. Other renovations included improving their ticketing system and revamping their lodge kitchen. However, she wants the public to expect more in the months ahead. “Our goal is to make Mount Crescent a four-season place where people can appreciate and enjoy the natural surroundings of the hills year-round,” Gumpert said.

Cermak · Post by **Cermak** » Wed Dec 28, 2022 7:03 am

Hopefully things work out well for Mt Crescent. Last winter wasn't the best with warmer than normal temps and not much natural snow. It's a good winter attraction for the Omaha area and easy to get to.

Post by **Brad** » Wed Dec 28, 2022 8:22 am

Cermak wrote: Wed Dec 28, 2022 7:03 am Hopefully things work out well for Mt Crescent. Last winter wasn't the best with warmer than normal temps and not much natural snow. It's a good winter attraction for the Omaha area and easy to get to.

The next 10 days isn't looking good. Hopefully we have enough below freeing hours at night they can keep making snow.

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Sun Jan 15, 2023 1:30 pm

Mt. Crescent to offer free ski and snowboard lessons this month

HONEY CREEK, Iowa (KMTV) — Local residents looking to get their ski on and gain confidence in one of the most popular winter pastimes can do so at Mt. Crescent Ski Area. Mt. Crescent will be offering its 1, 2, 3 Learn to Ski/Snowboard Lessons free of charge on select dates later this month in honor of National Learn to Ski & Snowboard Month.

lpgforms · Post by **lpgforms** » Fri Jan 20, 2023 10:26 am

Went there last night and we had a great time. All of the trails were open except the south trails which are open so rarely. BUT they were making snow on those trails and grooming them last night. So maybe this weekend.

The next ten days will be excellent for making snow!

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Thu Jan 26, 2023 6:14 pm

Mount Crescent Ski Area improving under county's ownership

In its first season open under Pottawattamie County ownership, Mount Crescent Ski Area is looking forward to another great season. Kylie Gumpert with the Pottawattamie County Department of Conservation said they've been focused on improving the experience, which means more snow. Four new snow machines were purchased by the county, making it possible to reopen ski trails that had been closed to skiers for a decade. Maintenance technician Dan Borgaila said the machines pump as much as 200 PSI of water up the hill at a few gallons per minute.

'It's going awesome so far':
Mount Crescent Ski Area improving under county's ownership
Pottawattamie County took over the ski area last year

CRESCENT, Iowa (KMTV) — In its first season open under Pottawattamie County ownership, Mount Crescent Ski Area is looking forward to another great season. Kylie Gumpert with the Pottawattamie County Department of Conservation said they've been focused on improving the experience, which means more snow. Four new snow machines were purchased by the county, making it possible to reopen ski trails that had been closed to skiers for a decade. Maintenance technician Dan Borgaila said the machines pump as much as 200 PSI of water up the hill at a few gallons per minute. Gumpert said most of the trails are currently open and the rest will open soon. She wants everyone to continue enjoying what Mt. Crescent has to offer.

Cermak · Post by **Cermak** » Mon Feb 06, 2023 8:35 am

My guess is they will be struggling to stay open during this most recent mild spell we are currently in .

Post by **Brad** » Mon Feb 06, 2023 9:01 am

Cermak wrote: Mon Feb 06, 2023 8:35 am My guess is they will be struggling to stay open during this most recent mild spell we are currently in .

Except the 14th, the night time temp drops below freezing every day, most days down in to the 20's. They can keep making snow.

lpgforms · Post by **lpgforms** » Mon Feb 06, 2023 6:34 pm

They have at least 2 feet of snow on the ground and if they can keep up snowmaking at night I think they will be ok. Now if we could get one nice 6 inch snowfall....

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Mon Feb 13, 2023 2:34 pm

Outlook Enrichment hosts skiing event at Mt. Crescent Ski Area

Fox 42's Chandler Farnsworth reports how one local organization that works with the visually impaired helps the step out of their comfort zone.

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Sat Mar 04, 2023 7:24 pm

Mt. Crescent Ski Area sees boom in business under county’s new ownership

HONEY CREEK, Iowa. (WOWT) - With winter coming to an end, people hit the slopes one last time this weekend at Mt. Crescent Ski Area. It’s the first season the park has been owned and run by Pottawattamie County. The county purchased the resort for $3.5 million and now they’re working on more developments. Saturday, the weather was sunny and slightly warm, but still saw lots of snow on the resort’s hills. “Yeah you just want to take it all in before it gets too warm and you can’t ski at all,” Skier Zach Barnhart said.

Zach Barnhart, like many people this weekend, came out to the resort to enjoy the last days of the snowy slippery slopes Barnhart isn’t a stranger to the resort, he’s been coming out for a while with his family and has seen the mountain undergo lots of changes. “I think it’s all improved and it’s all better this year hands down they now have the whole mountain so that’s great,” Barnhart said. “It’s better for advanced skiers like myself.” Since the start of the season, the resort’s side trails have been expanded, four new $160,000 snow machines have been added, and some electrical upgrades have been made.

The county is now working on more upgrades. This summer they’re planning to add hiking trails that connect with the Hitchcock Nature Center. “The long-term goal is to create space where the community can come and take advantage of the wonderful hills and use it all year round,” Andrew said.

Mt. Crescent will officially end its season next Sunday.

Post by **Brad** » Sun Mar 05, 2023 3:30 pm

Its great they made it to the second weekend in March.

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Fri Mar 10, 2023 9:12 am

First season under county ownership shows overwhelming support for Mt. Crescent Ski Area

Only 15 miles northeast of Omaha, Mt. Crescent is a haven for local skiers and snowboarders trying to get a little time in on the slopes without going hundreds of miles away from home. Reporter Madison Bonin took to the slopes to see how the first season under the county’s ownership has been going at Mt. Crescent Ski Area.

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Mon Mar 13, 2023 10:06 am

Mt. Crescent Ski Area hosts final weekend of activities for the season

HONEY CREEK, Iowa (KMTV) — Most folks are excited to get spring underway but some headed to Iowa for a chance to enjoy the last that winter had to offer at Mt. Crescent Ski Area on Sunday. The final weekend of snow on the slopes featured half-price night skiing, snowboarding, sensational sledding and a snow sculpture competition. Contestants in the sculpture contest had a chance to win prizes including season passes for next year.

“We have been pretty busy all year long but typically late in March, we see viewership decline a little bit so we usually see a little bit of bump. People getting their last chance. We had a great ski snowboard session yesterday. (A) lot of folks out getting their turns in and getting their practice in before they head out to Colorado for family ski trips,” said Site Manager Chris Andrew. The slopes closed at 3 p.m. on Sunday so folks will have to wait until next year to hit the slopes at Mt. Crescent.

ita · Post by **ita** » Tue Jul 18, 2023 6:19 pm

https://www.pottconservation.com/blog/p ... _ski_area/

In 57 days of operation, Mt. Crescent expenses totaled $642,814. Revenue more than doubled the expenses, bringing in $1,376,513. Revenue over expenses at closing was $691,025. With total operating expenses, including full-time employee salaries and benefits, and insurance for the property, total profit of the 22-23 season was $469,048.

“We understand there has been interest from our citizens on the return on investment of this property,” said Mitch Kay, Chief Financial Officer for Pottawattamie County. “Some of the conservation efforts may be hard to quantify in monetary returns, but a first-year return on Mt. Crescent of over 25% of the $1.84 million investment is outstanding.”

According to data presented, ten percent of the revenue from the 22-23 ski season came from Pottawattamie County residents. The remaining ninety percent was produced by visitors from outside the county, signifying Mt. Crescent plays a significant role in local tourism opportunities.

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Tue Jul 18, 2023 9:15 pm

Success in the snow

Pottawattamie County update on Mt Crescent

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Thu Jul 20, 2023 6:48 pm

Pottawattamie County ownership of Mt. Crescent Ski Area, one year later

Pottawattamie County made money in its first year operating the Mount Crescent Ski Area.

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Mon Oct 02, 2023 10:25 pm

Mount Crescent Ski Area explores expansion, improvement options

CRESCENT, Iowa (WOWT) - The Loess Hills landform in Western Iowa is truly one of a kind — the only one like it in the world. Amid that ecological wonder sits the Mount Crescent Ski Area. It changed ownership last year, taken over by Pottawattamie County, and it turned a profit. Now, planners are thinking big thoughts about what this area could become. “It’s really about understanding the long-term vision for this place and what’s best for Mount Crescent,” said Pottawattamie County Conservation Director Jeff Franco. “[Figuring out] what’s best for Hitchcock Nature Center as part of Pottawattamie County and then the larger Council Bluffs-Omaha metropolitan area.”

Post by **Brad** » Wed Dec 27, 2023 8:26 am

Started making snow!

Mt. Crescent wrote:Our Christmas wish came true, it's finally cold enough for snowmaking. We fired up the machines early this morning and will be back to take advantage of cold temps later tonight.
Keep an eye out for a more detailed snowmaking report from wild man Snowhunter Dan!
No official opening date yet, but we're doing everything we can to get you out here ASAP. More to come later this week.

Louie · Post by **Louie** » Wed Dec 27, 2023 11:07 am

Brad wrote: Wed Dec 27, 2023 8:26 am Started making snow!

Mt. Crescent wrote:Our Christmas wish came true, it's finally cold enough for snowmaking. We fired up the machines early this morning and will be back to take advantage of cold temps later tonight.
Keep an eye out for a more detailed snowmaking report from wild man Snowhunter Dan!
No official opening date yet, but we're doing everything we can to get you out here ASAP. More to come later this week.

Trying to get my 9 year old in for lessons this year, sounds like that will be soon finally!

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Wed Dec 27, 2023 11:27 am

Louie wrote: Wed Dec 27, 2023 11:07 am
Brad wrote: Wed Dec 27, 2023 8:26 am Started making snow!

Mt. Crescent wrote:Our Christmas wish came true, it's finally cold enough for snowmaking. We fired up the machines early this morning and will be back to take advantage of cold temps later tonight.
Keep an eye out for a more detailed snowmaking report from wild man Snowhunter Dan!
No official opening date yet, but we're doing everything we can to get you out here ASAP. More to come later this week.

Trying to get my 9 year old in for lessons this year, sounds like that will be soon finally!

Good luck for year 9 year old lessons at Mt. Crescent!

Cermak · Post by **Cermak** » Fri Jan 05, 2024 6:29 am

I

Coyote wrote: Wed Dec 27, 2023 11:27 am
Louie wrote: Wed Dec 27, 2023 11:07 am
Brad wrote: Wed Dec 27, 2023 8:26 am Started making snow!

Mt. Crescent wrote:Our Christmas wish came true, it's finally cold enough for snowmaking. We fired up the machines early this morning and will be back to take advantage of cold temps later tonight.
Keep an eye out for a more detailed snowmaking report from wild man Snowhunter Dan!
No official opening date yet, but we're doing everything we can to get you out here ASAP. More to come later this week.

Trying to get my 9 year old in for lessons this year, sounds like that will be soon finally!
Good luck for year 9 year old lessons at Mt. Crescent!

They should have a good stretch here now to build up the base. To withstand any thaws we might get in January and February. And hopefully carry the season into March.

lpgforms · Post by **lpgforms** » Sun Jan 07, 2024 5:20 pm

They opened up all the trails except the Merry Lane. Looking forward to this snow and getting out there on Wednesday evening. I am very impressed with the snowmaking improvements over the past 2 years.

Greg S · Post by **Greg S** » Thu Jan 11, 2024 2:26 pm

With the snow storm headed this way, KETV had a few business that have announced closures for this weekend. I understand why, but still found it a little humorous that Mt, Crescent is closing both Saturday and Sunday this weekend.

skinzfan23 · Post by **skinzfan23** » Thu Jan 11, 2024 2:30 pm

Greg S wrote: Thu Jan 11, 2024 2:26 pm With the snow storm headed this way, KETV had a few business that have announced closures for this weekend. I understand why, but still found it a little humorous that Mt, Crescent is closing both Saturday and Sunday this weekend.

For real....isn't that what they make a living from? Thats like an ice cream shop closing because its hot outside.

Louie · Post by **Louie** » Thu Jan 11, 2024 3:21 pm

skinzfan23 wrote: Thu Jan 11, 2024 2:30 pm
Greg S wrote: Thu Jan 11, 2024 2:26 pm With the snow storm headed this way, KETV had a few business that have announced closures for this weekend. I understand why, but still found it a little humorous that Mt, Crescent is closing both Saturday and Sunday this weekend.
For real....isn't that what they make a living from? Thats like an ice cream shop closing because its hot outside.

That has to be temperature related, rather than precipitation related.

nativeomahan · Post by **nativeomahan** » Thu Jan 11, 2024 3:47 pm

Apparently too much of a good thing.

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Thu Feb 22, 2024 6:50 am

Mt. Crescent opening for two more days

After assessing conditions, Mt. Crescent Ski Area has decided that they will be to open for skiing and snowboarding two more days. The announcement came as a surprise Wednesday. This past weekend was expected to be the last days of the season. The mountain will be open Thursday and Friday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. And depending on conditions, may stay open on Saturday as well from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The final days' lift tickets will be discounted for college students and active military with valid I.D.

WorldStreet · Post by **WorldStreet** » Fri Feb 21, 2025 10:50 pm

I skied at Mr. Crescent today for the first time in a few years. The conditions were probably the best I have ever seen there in the past 30 years. The grooming was top-notch, even among the trails between the trees on the south side. The weather was also perfect: sunny and in the 20's. I left feeling sad that the weather will be warm next week.