Heartland View

Media Credit: Cody Ward

Media Credit: Cody Ward

Media Credit: Cody Ward

Media Credit: Cody Ward

Media Credit: Cody Ward

Grass starts to grow green from underneath the chilled winter ground and the cold season will be over before you know it. Enjoy some of your favorite winter activities before spring officially decides to stay for good.

Snow Creek in Weston, Mo. has bragging rights on 17 ski and snowboarding trails, a 700-foot long tube park and a 10,000 square foot ski lodge. The man-made ski resort is a short 40 minutes south of St. Joseph, Mo. and 45 minutes north of Kansas City.

The ski resort is open Monday through Thursday from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. They also offer a new "522 Session," which includes Friday and Saturdays from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Since the initial opening in 1985, Snow Creek has been owned and operated by the Missouri-based company Peak Resorts, a company that has expanded to own and operate 11 ski resorts nationwide.

A child's dream come true, this snow has the option to never melt. Sixty snowmakers create the 100 percent man-made white powder that is dusted throughout the park. These snowmakers can forcefully pump out 3,000 gallons of water to produce 12 inches of snow within 24 hours.

Take your pick between two triple chair lifts, one double chair lift and three rope tows for easy access to all the different slopes and terrains.

"I think the best part about Snow Creek is riding the lifts and laughing at all the people falling down underneath me," Krista Obley, Northwest Missouri State University student said. "Even though I probably look just the same when I fall."

A variety of options keep all skiers happy. Choose your fate with the various experience levels, including beginner, intermediate, advanced, or the "Rattlesnake Terrain Park."

"I wanted to try some of the other stuff but I never made it past the bunny hills," Jackie Walter, Northwest Missouri State University student said. "I just decided to stop beating up my body and self-esteem, so I went home."

Snow Creek employees can give you private or group lessons at hourly rates for beginners. There's even lessons for the real snow bunnies who are only looking to improve their skills.

Take your pick at the rental from over 1,200 sets of skis or 320 snowboards. The drive home might be cold as the car warms up, but the picnic areas, vending machines, bonfire pits and 10,000 square foot lodge and bar won't leave you wishing winter was over.

The winter session ends March 31st and will reopen to the public again on August 1. 2009-2010 season passes go on sale February 17th. For more information visit www.skisnowcreek.com.

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