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Set down at Sundown
The resort adds new programs, as well as a few improvements
Ernie Mareske has been skiing for 75 years.
Back then there wasn't any place to ski around Dubuque. Now, at 86, Mareske is "one of the first ones" on the slopes at Sundown Mountain when Dubuque gets fresh powder. As a ski instructor, Mareske said he continues to teach at Sundown because of the proximity to his home in Dubuque.
While Sundown Mountain has not set an official opening date, general manager Mark Dietz said the target date is the day after Thanksgiving, Nov. 27.
Dietz said the resort is adding some new features this year, the first one is that prices have not changed from last year.
"Because of the economy, we're looking at not raising any of our lift ticket prices," Dietz said. "... We wanted to show the community we'll do our best to hold pricing down."
This summer, workers have been diligently up-keeping the resort in order to open for the upcoming season, including making additions to the snowmaking system and purchasing new rental equipment for purchase by customers.
Sundown Mountain will also be offering a new learn-to-ski or snowboard program, which will be free for first-timers. The program will be offered twice a year, Dec. 4-24 and Jan. 4-15, and will only be taught if the first-timer makes a reservation.
Dietz also said new designers will be creating and updating the man-made features in the resort's terrain parks, including new jumps and rails.
"It's something fun for the more enthusiastic customers to enjoy while they're here," Dietz said.
The resort will hold an open house on Nov. 8, which is the last day to purchase a discounted unlimited season pass, where skiers and snowboarders can buy and sell new and used equipment.
Dietz said the Web site will be updated after Labor Day to reflect any new pricing or adjustments in hours.
Hours for the early season, opening day until Dec. 13:
"¢Monday through Friday -- 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
"¢Saturday -- 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
"¢Sunday -- 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Hours for Dec. 14 until closing day:
"¢Monday through Friday -- 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
"¢Saturday -- 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
"¢Sunday -- 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
"¢Fridays in January and February -- 10 a.m. to midnight
Regular season pricing per day:
"¢Weekdays: $32 for adults; $20 for youth (ages 6-11); $10 for seniors (70 and older); $10 for beginner area
"¢Weekends and holidays: $39 for adults; $29 for youth (ages 6-11); $10 for seniors (70 and older); $20 for beginner area
"¢Nights (after 4 p.m.): $27 for adults; $20 for youth (ages 6-11); $10 for seniors (70 and older); $10 for beginner area
"¢Children 5 and under receive a free lift ticket with a paid adult
Group rates (15 or more people):
"¢Weekdays: $20 for lift ticket; $34 for lift ticket, lesson and ski or snowboard rental
"¢Weekends: $33 for lift ticket; $57 for lift ticket, lesson and ski or snowboard rental
"¢Nights (after 4 p.m.): $18 for lift ticket; $31 for lift ticket, lesson and ski or snowboard rental
"¢Holidays: $25 for lift ticket; $39 for lift ticket, lesson and ski or snowboard rental
Season passes for Sundown and Silver Mountain:
"¢Unlimited pass: $265 before Nov. 8; $365 after
"¢Unlimited college student pass: $189 before Nov. 8; $289 after
Rentals:
"¢All day: Skis or snowboard -- $27; Snowblade -- $31
"¢After 4 p.m.: Skis or snowboard -- $22; Snowblade -- $23
"¢Season rental -- $125
Ski and snowboard lessons (must be age 9 or older):
"¢Private lesson: $38 for one hour, plus $20 for any additional person, up to four people
"¢Group lesson: $20 for one and a half hours; times available: weekdays: 10 a.m., 12:30, 3, 5, 7; weekends: 10 a.m., 12:30, 3, 5
Specials:
"¢Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays: $24 for lift ticket, $38 for lift and rental
"¢Two for Thursday: Two for one lift tickets
"¢Fabulous Friday: In January and February after 4 p.m., $24 for a lift ticket, or $38 for lift and rental
"¢Military discount: $24 lift ticket or $36 lift and rental for active military personnel, spouse and their children; must present ID
"¢Sunday special: Night rates change at 1 p.m., $24 for lift ticket, or $38 for lift and rental