Things to do / Travel Guide
Due to it's location in the mid-United States, Missouri experiences extremes in weather. As there are no large mountains nearby to buffer the temperature, it can run the gamut from warm humid air rolling in from the Gulf of Mexico to frigid air from the Artic. These conditions equal optimal opportunities to blow some of the best snow in the state on the area's two major ski areas. Add in the close proximity to some of the region's largest cities and it sweetens the deal even more.
Skiing in and around Kansas City, Missouri
A short jaunt from Kansas City will place snow advocates in Weston, Missouri which is the launching point for the Snow Creek Skiing Area. Family and beginner friendly, Snow Creek has two specifically designed beginner area's perfect for the little ones and those who are new to the sport, no matter the age. Nine out of the twelve trails on Snow Creek's 25 acres are rated at the intermediate level and all trails are lit for nighttime fun.
Two terrain parks, one being a progressive learning park and the second being an advanced course follow up, with a halfpipe to ensure that snowboarders have ample space and tricks to pull at Snow Creek. To make a great deal even better, on Friday and Saturday nights, the mountain stays open until 3 a.m. So no matter how late you wake up or get started, Snow Creek doesn't shut down when the sun sets on weekends!
So what's a hungry, tired skier or snowboarder to do when they're done for the day? Weston has a small selection of restaurants and lodging but for a larger picking, visitors should head back into Kansas City, only an hour away from Snow Creek. Known as the world capital of BBQ, there are more than ninety restaurants specializing in that drippy, sweet and smoky sauce on just about anything you could imagine. With more than 430 restaurants in the city, no one has any reason nor excuse to be hungry. Check into one of the 26,000 rooms at one of the 120 hotels in the metro region, including the Hotel Savoy which was build in 1888 and has imported marble, tile and original stained glass windows to make it's guests feel at home and in the lap of luxury. For boutique or budget lodging, Kansas City is the perfect choice for a winter getaway.
Skiing in and around St. Louis, Missouri
Guests checking into St. Louis who are looking for an interesting twist of nature outside the city limits, will enjoy the modest Hidden Valley Ski Resort. Only half an hour outside downtown St. Louis, Hidden Valley spreads its wings over thirty acres of land, carving 16 trails into the 310 foot vertical drop it offers. Expect the unexpected—on Friday and Saturday nights in December, Hidden Valley stays open until 3 a.m.! There's no telling what new stories you and your family or buddies will have when midnight rolls around and the skis and snowboards are still gliding over the packed snow.
There are expert glades to punch through for advanced riders and all trails are lit up brightly for nighttime riding and exploring. Snowboarders ride the rails, catch air off the jumps and jib it all the way through Hidden Valley's two terrain parks. There is also a halfpipe that is quite popular with snowboarders of every age. Ski or snowboard, Hidden Valley is a safe bet for a quick, out of the city day and night on the slopes.
Once guests retire for the day, St. Louis, a town of nearly 2.5 million people opens its doors to just about any lodging, eating or après activity one has in mind. Lafayette Park has the locally famous restaurant row, with eight distinguished restaurants such as the Yankee Pier Restaurant. Serving up fresh fish and shellfish from both the East and West coasts, this is the place to go for delicious Alaskan Halibut or Maine Lobster. Or give Balaban's a try which has been operating since 1972 and is a great American Bistro with a fantastic raw foods bar and lively bar nighttime atmosphere. More than two hundred restaurants from Asian fusion to Mexican and Italian are available to satisfy any taste. 76 hotels and 8 B&B's offer guests unique and affordable ways to make St. Louis a fantastic winter getaway. Give the Seven Gables Inn a try for its 1926 old European architecture or Napoleon's Retreat downtown for an 1880's French 2nd empire feel.
Two major cities, two modest ski areas, a plethora of lodging and restaurant choices….Missouri may not be the first place that comes to mind when one thinks of skiing and snowboarding, but it should be. It's not nicknamed the “Show-Me” state for nothing!
Ski Resorts in Kansas City, St. Louis, Branson and the Ozarks of Missouri and Arkansas
Skiing
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