Great surprises are sometimes found in the most unexpected places.

Sundown Mountain is exactly the pleasant surprise that will greet you west of Dubuque, Iowa. It is snuggled in the Iowa bluffs near the Mississippi River. Who said Iowa is flat?

Part of Sundown Mountain's special charm is its beautiful natural setting with runs that were carefully carved into the 45-acre mountainside to preserve the beauty of a century-old cedar forest.

Five chairlifts serve 21 downhill slopes along with a ski carpet to further enhance our learning area. The novice runs are gentle enough for even the most timid beginners, and yet the advanced slopes and mogul runs are tough enough to challenge experts. Sundown also boasts a 7-acre terrain park that includes a quad lift, new rails, fun-boxes, hips, waves and table tops.

Extensive snowmaking capabilities complement mother nature, providing a breathtaking winter wonderland from mid-November through mid-March.

More than 100 professional ski coaches will guide you from your first run through advanced turns. And, Sundown has a SKIwee program to give your child a fun-filled day on the slopes.

If you are traveling with a group, you are in luck. Sundown has a preset group rental system, minimizing the time spent filling out forms and waiting for boots, skis and adjustments. Groups will find skis and boots set to their specifications, arranged alphabetically, with forms filled out. All you have to do is pick them up and ski.

The commitment Sundown has in providing quality service was very evident in 1989 when the area was given the prestigious Award of Excellence by the National Ski Area Association. Sundown was the only ski area in the Midwest to receive the honor.

To get to Sundown Mountain from Dubuque, Iowa, follow U.S. 20 to the N.W. Arterial, just west of Dubuque. Follow the N.W. Arterial to Asbury Road, then left on Asbury Road and follow it for 4.4 miles to Sundown Mountain.