Built in 1959, this old-school ski-in/ski-out lodge provides all the elements you’ll need for a budget-friendly ski weekend. The decor and amenities are a bit dated, but this classic is clean and the restaurant and bar, recently updated with floor-to-ceiling windows, provide breathtaking views of the Mississippi River below. The popular breakfast buffet is a good deal — prices are $8.95 for adults, $6.95 for kids ages 7 to 11 and children under 6 eat for free — it’s a great way to fuel up before hitting the slopes.
After a day of skiing, warm up in the indoor Jacuzzi and heated pool, or grab a hot chocolate or beer at the Summit Bar. Kids will enjoy the onsite arcade, too. In the warm months, kids can enjoy the alpine slide and mini-golf, and the entire family can enjoy cruising aboard the Mississippi Explorer River Boat Cruise, the resort’s 90-minute pontoon ride that’s part history lesson, part ecology adventure.
Chestnut Mountain Resort’s wide range of lodging options will meet the needs of every size family and group. The smallest guestrooms come with one king bed and the largest available suites have multiple bedrooms that can sleep up to 20 people. There are no connecting rooms, but there are five different size suites, some of them with bunk beds and two with Jacuzzi bathtubs. The hotel rooms and suites do not come with full kitchens, but they do have small refrigerators and microwaves.
Ski school is available for kids 4 and older. Powder Play Care is available for $10 per hour from Sunday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., for toilet-trained kids two and older. Babysitting can be arranged for $15 per hour, but must be scheduled in advance.
