Up North: Chester Bowl offering more than ski lessons

Chester Bowl’s opening day for skiing and snowboarding in Duluth was December 22nd, but the day after Christmas was a perfect time for kids to test out their new skis.

"This week is the Holiday Ski and Snowboard Camp so it is focused towards kids," instructor Sam Gravelle said. "Although later in January we will be having adult lessons as well and that’s for ski and snowboarding, so whoever wants to learn this is the place to do it."

Sign up is easy on the Chester Bowl website allowing users to pick the exact day and time they’d like to show up. That is all in an effort to get more people, especially kids, into winter sports.

"It’s like something you can put effort into, and most kids learn pretty fast. You will be off the bunny hill in one to two days," said 10 year old skier Knut.

Ski and snowboard lessons are also free to those who have a Chester Bowl day or season pass. Although partner ski area pass holders from sites like Spirit Mountain and Mont du Lac can also join in at no cost.

"Don’t be afraid to be getting out here to ski and snowboard. I always say if you’re not falling you’re not trying, so it’s just a part of the process of learning the sport and spending quality time with good people outside in the winter," added Gravelle.

For those still unsure about testing the slopes, Chester Bowl will also offer small group lessons starting on Saturdays and Sundays January 8-30.

"I like how you kind of leave the world and are very focused on maneuvering. I never skied before and so we just came here and I learned to ski," Knut added.