Chestnut Mountain

Chestnut Mountain Ski Resort

During the 1800s the American Chestnut (Castanea dentata) was one of the most widespread and useful tree species east of the Mississippi River. By 1940 an estimated 4 billion trees were killed by the blight. The failing of this tree species had a negative impact on the economy of rural Appalachia. In Illinois, the Chestnut has been recorded in the wild in only seven counties, including Jo Daviess — the only county with Chestnuts in the northern half of the state. This ski resort is located in Galena, Illinois, and 20 miles southeast of Dubuque, Iowa. Galena Illinois is a part of the Jo Daviess county.^[2] It is visible from a 10-mile radius. The ski resort opened in 1959 and features two restaurants, a lodge with 119 rooms, an indoor pool and hot tub area, as well as several other accommodations. There are 19 named ski runs: 4 Beginner, 11 Intermediate, 3 Advanced, plus "The Far Side", a snowboarding terrain park. The park has two quad chairs, four triple chairs and three surface lifts that take you to the top.

Village Ski Center

Chestnut Mountain's 20,000 square foot ski center houses an apparel shop, equipment rental area and ticketing outlet. The apparel shop features Rossignol skis and boots, Burton Snowboards and clothing from Burton and Nordica (company). To truly customize your Midwest skiing experience, The Ski Center Pro Shop also houses a ski school, first aid station and tuning shop. Lastly, the equipment rental area perpetually whisks visitors through 2,400 sets of rental gear and on to the hill where they belong.

Chestnut provides a Children's Center and there is an affiliated Chestnut Mountain Race Team.^[3]

During the warmer seasons the resort operates a mini golf course and a playground, as well as an Alpine Slide served by a ski lift. Boat rides on the Mississippi River are available from the resort from Memorial Day through late October.

The Special Olympics of Illinois annually conducts the Winter Special Olympics at Chestnut.^[4]

Summer Activities

Summer Activities include the Alpine slide, River cruise, Zip line, Segway tours, Mini golf, Disc gold, and Biking. The slide consists of a 2,050 feet tailored track on a sled to the banks of the Mississippi. The lift takes you back to the top where a panoramic view of three states is visible. The river cruise takes you 1.5 hour to complete. Wildlife is visible and the tour guides educate you on history. Geographical curiosities and riverscapes are one of the compelling aspects of this cruise. The soaring eagle zip line gives you a birds eye perspective of the Upper Mississippi River Valley. Segway tours take you on the ground natural paths of Chestnut Mountain. They own a full 18 hole mini golf course as well as a 9 hold disc golf course. Biking is also another way to capture the beauty of the mountain.^[5]

Winter Activities

Skiing & Snowboarding

Chestnut Mountain’s slopes are meant for all levels of skiers and boarders to enjoy. Our 475-foot vertical drop meanders 3,500 feet through 19 runs, ranging from novice to black diamond. 475 feet seems pretty steep, but don’t worry, we’ve got two quad chairs, four triple chairs, two conveyor lifts and one surface lift to get you back up to the top. Chestnut Mountain’s winter terrain isn’t just great for skiers; it’s a winter playground for snowboarders as well. Transworld has chosen Chestnut Mountain as their top-rated Midwest snowboard park for three years running.^[6]

Special Olympics

Chestnut Mountain annually hosts a Special Olympics event that consists of nine state sport winter game competition. These events include Alpine Skiing, Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing and approximately 400 athletes compete in this three-day event. While participation is noted, the only competition events are Alpine Skiing, Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing. Athletes are not permitted to participate in more than one competition. There are also Volunteer opportunities available during the Special Olympics events. With the events going on there are multiple family activity opportunities as well. The entire Special Olympics event consists of an opening ceremony, the winter games reception, and a victory dance to celebrate the day. The opening ceremony consists of a parade and a torch run. The parade progresses through the downtown area and ends at where the opening ceremony is held. Finally with the help of Law enforcement officers, they help the athletes hand off the torch in the torch run. They carry it along its path and light the cauldron holding the flame and kick off the games! During the reception guests are able to observe presentations, socialize with other families, and meet different sponsors Board members and staff. The victory dance gives the athletes of Special Olympics Illinois a chance to celebrate their accomplishments and to socialize with others from around the state. All events are concluded.^[7]

Controversy

In 2002 Fisher V. Chestnut Mountain Resort, inc (N.D.ILL.2002) Plaintiffs accused defendants of the unlawful discharge of pollutants. In 1997 Chestnut Mountain built a terrain park called the "Far Side"on the backside of the mountain leading down into the Watercress Creek, which is a tributary of the Mississippi River that runs through the plaintiff's property. The Plaintiffs have found copper, zinc lead, chromium, phosphorus in the Mississippi River, due to the production of artificial snow on the Far Side, which then melts and finds its way into the Watercress Creek and eventually the Mississippi. Due to the construction of the Far side there are now gullies and rivulets on the Far Side carrying water down into the plaintiffs property. Due to the new construction and erosion of the Far Side, rocks and debris have found their way into the underlying valley. On top of that the Watercress Creek has been observed to be turbid, covered in green slime, foam, and suds. The case was dismissed due to the lack of evidence found on the pollutants against the defendants.^[8]

In 2012 the EPA issued a Permit to the Chestnut Mountain ski lodge allowing them to discharge into the waters of the State.

References