Sundown is a true "park your car at the top" Midwest ski area throwback, in a good way. It’s carved into a big glacier valley and in my opinion has one of the best vertical skiing experiences in the southern great lakes region. Sure it could use a couple of more runs, a lodge spruce up and faster chairs, but who couldn't? The runs they do have are excellent and are stocked with a classic mix of clientele. From skier/riders in Green Bay Packer Snowmobile suits to those hitting rails, boxes and pipes in Heli-Hansen riding the hottest twin tips and boards. Magically at 6pm, the same kids are gate/race training for the hill or their high school team. We relocated from the west so our kids grew up skiing the Sierras. They found they really enjoy Sundown because it’s more usable and accessible. No, Sundown isn't a super-resort but you'd have to drive farther north or west to get appreciably better skiing. It has a couple short steeps and bunch of nice (Midwest) cruisers. For safety and a better skier experience, they should probably put all the parks on the far left and swap the race hill to the far right (looking down) but that's a business opinion. The hill staff is chilled, nicest to be found. My kids love it because they have great skiing near home instead of driving the 6 to 8 hours each way with tire chains to the mountains. They love skiing after school when the place swarms with friends. Don't be fooled, if you come in with a "I ski big mountains so I must be better" snob attitude, the locals will ski/ride you to dust, switch from boards to skis, or skis to boards and ride you down all over again. It's a great family friendly hill with great snowmaking (tons of natural in 2008!) and a northeastern geographic orientation so the snow holds up well. I think the complaining lady should probably stay at Chestnut but would always be welcome back at Sundown. Just remember, ride the lift up to your car at the end of the day.

I have been going to Sundown for a few years now and really enjoy it. I like the fact people go there to board or ski PERIOD. You don't have to deal with rude Chicago people and their spoiled brats at Sundown. The entire staff is very friendly and helpful. I also like the fact your vehicle is such a short walk from the skiing, should you need something. I ski and find the runs very nice. You can pick your way through some trees and make the runs seem even a bit longer. We went to Colorado for the first time in the spring of 2007 and loved it. However, we feel very lucky to have Sundown so close so we can get in our skiing fix locally! Keep up the good work Sundown!!

User Photos (click to enlarge)

My husband and I brought our 2 boys (ages 7 & 9) to Sundown the first weekend in Feb. We usually go to Chestnut but wanted to try something different. Well, we were vastly disappointed. First, they call themselves Sundown Mountain Reosrt yet they don't have hotel rooms, they only had 1 restaurant (cafeteria), and a bar. I don't really think that qualifies them to be a resort. I was totally under the impression that they compared with Chestnut and they don't. Not even close. The hill was fine - but I thought that maybe they cater to the 15-25 year old snowboarders more then to families. Personnel was friendly but we will definitely go back and stay with Chestnut. Chestnut is much more family friendly and there is a lot more to do there.

This other guy that went on the 15th most likely has no idea what he is talking about, especially sense his review came from him not even skiing there. If the only time he was going to go there was on a little field trip he obviously doesn't know what he is talking about. Sundown generally has great snow and a good terrain park to boot. The longest you wait in a lift line is about 3 minutes on a busy day, and they groom much better than Chestnut. Sundowns food is also much better. It is a fare size smaller than some of your places in norther Wisconsin, but still has all the characteristics of these places and near the vertical with 475ft. Much better than Chestnut. Better snow, better park, better pipe, better food, better slopes, less crowds, better period.