Guide to Missouri’s Ski Resorts
In the Midwest, there aren’t a huge variety of choices for skiing. Fortunately, for skiers in Missouri, there are 2 ski areas just outside of the state’s two major cities. Although they’re small, they let Missouri skiers and snowboarders get a taste of skiing without having to drive far.
Just outside of St. Louis, Hidden Valley Ski Resort is a small resort at the city’s western edge. Across the state, north of Kansas City, Snow Creek lies north near the Kansas border on 60 acres of skiable terrain.
Both resorts rely heavily on snowmaking abilities to make up for the limited snowfall in the state. Winters in Missouri are cold, so the low temperatures help the snowmaking machines provide snow for much of the season. The ski season generally lasts from mid-December through mid-March.
Missouri’s Pair of Ski Areas
Both of the Missouri ski resorts have very similar layouts and features. They have 12 trails with the same variety of runs. The majority of slopes for each resort are considered intermediate while 30% are labeled beginner and 10% labeled expert.
Each resort has 2 terrain parks targeted by skill level. Both have a beginner park with easier rails and boxes for learning tricks and an intermediate and expert park for more skilled skiers and snowboarders.
The 2 resorts have dining options at the base area and pro shops, which offer basic equipment rentals. The ski areas offer lessons for adults and kids, and there are tube parks that give a break from skiing. Tickets may be purchased for a tubing session for a specific length of time.
Where the resorts primarily differ is in the skiable area: Hidden Valley has only 25 skiable acres and Snow Creek has more than double, at 60 acres. Hidden Valley’s lodge is also larger, with an indoor fireplace for a little warmth while taking a break from the cold weather.
Additional Area Benefits
Hidden Valley and Snow Creek are both owned by Vail Resorts Management Company, which operates 40 ski areas around the world. Skiers can purchase an EPIC Pass and ski at both resorts throughout the season, plus they’ll have access to its other resorts.
While neither resort has overnight lodging on the premises or the base area, there are plenty of places to stay in Kansas City and St. Louis. Snow Creek is located a short drive from an RV park and has additional lodging options over the border in Kansas.
Snow Creek offers a 2-day women’s clinic to learn the basics of skiing. Hidden Valley has partnered with the Gateway Disabled Ski Program to provide adaptive lessons and equipment to those skiers and snowboarders with disabilities.
The ski resorts in Missouri don’t have the enormous vertical drops or chutes that can be experienced in their western counterparts. But they are an easy day trip for anyone who wants to learn to ski, scratch that skiing itch or simply hone skiing skills before taking a larger trip.