Chestnut Mountain

During the 1800s the American Chestnut 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. 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 CenterChestnut 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 . 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.