We are thrilled to hear you are considering a trip to Seven Oaks!

Here are a few pointers to make your day go smooth:

1- We recommend checking out all the tabs under the “WINTER” tab- especially the “WINTER SAFETY” and “FAQ” tabs.

2- Once you arrive in our parking lot, please park close to another vehicle BUT not so close you “door ding” the vehicle beside you- we have limited parking so please don’t waste space.

3- Bathrooms are located inside the lodge near each of our 3 food and beverage options.

4- All snow tubing tickets must be purchased online.

5- Snow tubers, once you have parked, please stop by the white shack in the parking lot to pick up your tickets- please have your reservation confirmation ready. Once you and others with you have signed the waiver and have a snow tubing lift ticket you may follow the sidewalk around the lodge, past the heated patio and firepit. Grab a tube and have FUN! **Jump to #10 if you are only snow tubing.

6- If you are skiing or snowboarding, look for the entrance sign above the door that says, “Ticket Sales & Check In”. This is the same place you will check in for a private lesson. Once you have purchased your lift tickets and rentals and signed the waiver, you will head to the ski and snowboard rental building which is located west of the main lodge. This is when you will need to know everyone’s height, weight and shoe size. Rental equipment can be used in all areas except the terrain park features on Drop Zone and Rail Yard.

7- Don’t worry, we’ve all been there. We have designed our facility and programs for people just like you. You will learn more in one of our mini-lessons or paid private lessons than you will all day from your friends. Skiing and snowboarding are FUN and we want everyone to experience it. We recommend that everyone start at the “School Yard” (beginner’s area) and take one of our beginner mini lessons. Once you feel comfortable stopping and turning on “School Yard” proceed to “Abby’s Alley” as it is the next easiest ski/snowboard run.

8- We offer FREE beginner mini lessons to skiers and snowboarders ages 7 and above- under 7 must be accompanied by an adult.  Lessons are offered every 30 minutes starting at the top of the hour- listen for the announcement over the PA at the rental building. Lessons are located on “School Yard” (the beginner’s area)- look for the big yellow sign that says, “Lessons start here”. We also offer 75 minute paid private lessons- advanced reservations recommended for private lessons.  Private lessons must be reserved online.

9- Everyone learns at a different pace. It is important to keep your expectations reasonable. This way both you and your children have a successful and rewarding day on the slopes. Some factors that can affect learning include your temperament (how open you are to new things), age, and physical ability. Both skiing and snowboarding take special skills that improve with practice over time. Ultimately, your expectations for you and your kids should focus on the fun and excitement of the overall experience.

10- When you are in the lodge, please do not leave your belongings at a table- leave your “stuff” on one of the shelving units in the lodge, lockers in the rental building or take it back to your vehicle. There are no saving tables while you are out on the slopes.

11- We do have a small retail area that sells logo clothing, hats, gloves and other “o-geez- I forgot” items. Food and Beverage options include Coal Creek Lounge, Bennett’s Brew, and Mallory’s Café. No competing restaurant food or crock pots are allowed in the lodge.

12- Print this waiver, read and sign it ahead of time and bring it with you when you purchase your lift ticket to start skiing, snowboarding or snow tubing more quickly.

**ALL MINORS COMING SKIING OR SNOWBOARDING, OR SNOW TUBING WITHOUT A PARENT MUST HAVE A PARENT SIGNED WAIVER PRE-FILLED OUT BEFORE COMING OUT TO RECEIVE A LIFT TICKET**

13- Next check out the “WINTER SAFETY” and “FAQ” tabs.

If you have any questions, please call us at 515-432-9457 (extension 300) or send us an email at [email protected].

Expect a great time full of smiles and making lots of good memories.

See YOU on the slopes!

No surprise here, bring clothes that will keep you warm and dry. We do not recommend cotton clothing (jeans and a sweatshirt) as an inner or outer layer. Cotton easily becomes wet. You will end up cold, wet and miserable.

Layer Up – The best way to dress for winter is to wear layers. This gives you the flexibility to add or remove layers, depending on the weather and your level of activity. Avoid cotton next to your skin, it will absorb sweat and make you cold. Synthetic or wool base layers help to wick moisture away from your skin. It is better to be warm than cold, you can always shed a layer.

Socks – One pair of light or medium weight only! No Cotton! Socks made of polyester, silk, wool, or nylon are preferred. Thick socks or multiple layers of socks, get uncomfortable, give you blisters, and reduce circulation: all of which lead to cold feet. Ski and snowboard boots are designed to be warm so do not wear more than one pair of socks. Resist that temptation!

Hat – 60 % of body heat is lost through the head. If your head is warm, the rest of your body is likely to stay warm.

Gloves – Gloves or mitten should be water proof. Mittens are often better for those susceptible to cold hands.

Outer Layer – You probably have a winter jacket already. Again it should be water resistant. Water resistant pants are very important. Your first day will introduce your butt to the snow, so keep it dry and warm.

You may not need as many layers of clothing as you think. On a sunny day, you may only need two layers; the waterproof outer layer and the synthetic (turtleneck/long underwear) wicking layer. But bring a middle layer (fleece or wool sweater) just in case. You can always take off a layer as you get warmer. In general, the three main layers are:

1- Wicking layer next to skin usually consisting of long underwear. Look for thermal underwear made of a synthetic (usually polyester). Such material will wick (move) moisture away from your skin and pass it through the fabric so it will evaporate. This keeps you warm, dry and comfortable. Wicking layer should fit snug but not tight.

2- Insulating layer (middle layer that keep cold out). This middle layer includes sweaters, sweatshirts, vests, and pullovers. This layer keeps the cold out and the heat in. Comfort is the key, it should be loose enough to trap air, but not so bulky that it restrict movement.

3- Weather protection layer – exterior layer guarding you against the winter elements. It should repel water from the snow and block the wind. Again, avoid cotton as it will absorb moisture from the snow and make you cold. This layer should fit comfortably, offering maximum range of motion.