Every story has a beginning.
This one is no different.
Come with us on a journey through time,
that ends with something
wonderous.Away we go...
From Crescent Ski Hills...
It started as a pet project among local ski enthusiasts from Omaha to create their own personal ski hill. They couldn’t keep it to themselves, though. The local community wanted to ski, too. The owners eventually began allowing public visitors and the area became Crescent Ski Hills, which celebrated its opening day in January 1961.Photo from the Durham Museum
...To Mt. Crescent Ski Area...
In 1974 the property was sold to Russell Lindeman. Again, the community wanted in. They loved that piece of land. The overwhelming interest in the ski hill convinced the Lindeman family to start a new business, and Mt. Crescent Ski Area was born, occasionally offering four-season activities for the public.Photo courtesy of the Lindeman Family
...The area began to explore four-season recreation further...
Russell retired in 2008 and sold the area to Korby and Samantha Fleischer of Vail, Colorado. During this time the area began to explore additional recreation opportunities outside of winter sports, adding a zipline and hosting warm-season races and events.Photo taken in 2017
...And a new era of conservation began...
Pottawattamie County Conservation had been interested in preserving the property ever since Hitchcock Nature Center, a 1,500-acre public nature preserve just north of the area, was acquired in the early 90's. In December 2021 the stars aligned and the county purchased the property as part of the conservation department's effort to establish one of the largest nature areas in Iowa's globally significant Loess Hills.Photo taken in October 2023 from Lotus Loop Trail
...That connected the two properties...
In June 2023 four-season hiking trails between the two areas opened to the public, officially making the ski area a part of Hitchcock.Click here to explore a digital trail map.
...Forging a vibrant four-season vision for the area.
This new vision is crafted from the dreams of more than 1,000 community members and guided by experts in outdoor recreation planning and branding. It explores exciting recreation opportunities for the area, always balancing land stewardship and environmental education with play.The area’s Master Plan featuring potential recreation activities and infrastructure will be released in spring 2025.
Footage courtesy of Christopher Ruhaak, Camp Outpost, and Vest Visuals.
Get to know the new us.
THE NAME
Crescent Hill at Hitchcock gives a nod to the ski area’s history, maintains the decades-long connection to the nearby community of Crescent, and helps the public understand that it is part of Hitchcock Nature Center. Further, it puts the focus back on the globally significant Loess Hills.
THE MARK
The logo mark features organic, layered shapes that form a sloping hill, emphasizing the layering of loess soil that has built the area’s topography. Colors are rooted in the Pottawattamie County and Pottawattamie Conservation brands and showcase the area’s four-season recreation appeal.
THE VISION
Together, the name and mark help position the area as a premier four-season recreation destination that inspires visitors near and far to reconnect with nature.
Our Core Values
Spark joy
We create opportunities for visitors to get outside, have fun and enjoy nature in every season.
Pursue excellence
Our team gives 150% to make each visit to Crescent Hill special and ensure the land is better tomorrow.
Elevate education
Underneath every adventure is a thoughtfully crafted opportunity to learn about geography, sustainability and conservation.
Foster community
We bring people from all backgrounds together to connect over a shared interest in the outdoors.
Inspire stewardship
Our love of the Loess Hills is contagious and inspires visitors to care for our unique landform.
What's Next?
The area will continue to be branded as Mt. Crescent Ski Area through the 2024-2025 ski season. Following the ski season, a transition period will take place over the spring, summer, and fall seasons. Here's what you can expect over the coming months:What’s Staying The Same:
- The area will continue to offer ski, snowboard, and sledding fun and special events for the public over the winter months.
- The Pottawattamie County resident discount and special group discounts will remain in place.
- Season passes will continue to be available with special perks and discounts at partner resorts.
- Pottawattamie County will continue to own and Pottawattamie Conservation will continue to operate Crescent Hill with a continued focus on serving the citizens and guests of Pottawattamie County while preserving and protecting one of the world’s most unique natural resources.
What’s Changing for the 2025-2026 Ski Season:
- New roadside and on-site signage
- explorecrescenthill.com: The new digital destination for ticketing, progression of the master plan, and learning more about winter and four-season fun
- New social media handles (coming soon!)
What Is The Master Plan?
The Crescent Hill at Hitchcock master plan explains recommended recreation activities and infrastructure upgrades and prioritizes protecting the area’s ecological significance. The plan is a tool to help decision-makers and community members visualize what the area can realistically accommodate from an ecological, financial, and community needs point of view. There is currently no timeline for the implementation of the plan, which is subject to a variety of future economic, social, environmental, and other factors or needs. Funding for recreation activities and infrastructure upgrades has not yet been secured and Pottawattamie Conservation is currently exploring private, community, and grant-funded sources.
The area’s four-season master plan will be shared with the public in Spring 2025.
A special thank you is due to our community liaison team, including representatives from the Council Bluffs Convention and Visitors Bureau, Iowa West Foundation, Pottawattamie County Conservation Board, Pottawattamie Conservation Foundation, and the Pottawattamie County Board of Supervisors, who provided invaluable input on Crescent Hill at Hitchcock's new look and vision. The members of this team have played a significant role in shaping the trajectory and nexus of conservation and recreation in our region. Thank you!
This project was funded in part by the Pottawattamie Conservation Foundation. Branding support for this project was provided by our community partner, Ervin & Smith.
17026 Snowhill Lane Honey Creek, Iowa 51542 | 712-227-0023 | 2025-2026 Season Pass Sale | Policies