Snowy Escapes: Exploring Hidden Valley Ski Resort Near St. Louis

Last updated on January 15th, 2024 at 09:12 am.

I had the chance to ski at Hidden Valley last winter and I think it truly might have been the most beautiful day last February. The sun was out, the skies were blue and the snow was soft and perfect for carving turns and gliding down the slopes.

Hidden Valley is Missouri’s largest winter resort and opened for the 2023/24 winter season on Jan. 15 at 10 am for its 41st winter season.

Hidden Valley Ski Resort is located just 29 miles (35 minutes) from St. Louis in the town of Wildwood. The ski area has two peaks and offers 30% beginner, 60% intermediate, and 10% advanced runs.

As the crisp winter air settles in, the snow enthusiasts of St. Louis find themselves typing into search engines, “best ski resorts near me.” It’s a common quest for those who crave the thrill of carving through fresh powder but are also yearning for convenience. And if you’re one of those seekers, your winter wonderland awaits just 29 miles from the Gateway City – at Hidden Valley Ski Resort.

In Missouri, we have two choices for skiing and snowboarding; Snow Creek in Weston which is about midway between Kansas City and St. Joseph and Hidden Valley. As St. Louis’ only ski resort, Hidden Valley is the best place for nearby skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing.

My Visit to Hidden Valley Ski Resort

Alexa Meisler at Hidden Valley Ski Resort

Todd and I visited in February of 2023, near the end of their ski season. Unfortunately, Todd’s back wasn’t up to snowboarding (some of you might relate), but I had a fun day on the slopes while he enjoyed pizza from their cafeteria and sitting on the deck enjoying a beautifully warm winter day.

Now, as a seasoned skier with over two decades of experience exploring powdery landscapes in California, Colorado, Utah, and Idaho, having a chance to ski at Hidden Valley Ski Resort was a fun Missouri bucket list item.

Hidden Valley is a small mountain in comparison to some bigger resorts you may be familiar with like Vail or Park City, but I found it to be a lot of fun. Even though it was a busy Sunday on a beautiful day and lift tickets were sold out, I didn’t wait for more than 10-15 minutes for the chair lift.

There may not be any monster vertical drops or triple black diamond runs, but it’s a fun opportunity to ski or snowboard close by.

Fun Fact: Hidden Valley is the home hill to highly decorated US Ski Team athletes.

About Hidden Valley Ski Resort

Hidden Valley is a ski area with 2 terrain parks, 5 chairlifts, 1 conveyor carpet and a rope tow. There are a total of 16 runs and 7 lifts at Hidden Valley and the longest run is Route 66, at about 1/3 of a mile.

Group ski and snowboard lessons are available daily. Experienced staff will be happy to introduce you to the sport they love most to help you become a confident skier or snowboarder.

Snow Tubing at Hidden Valley

In addition, you can go snow tubing at Hidden Valley’s Polar Plunge! It´s like sledding but even more fun. Just sit on your tube and enjoy the thrill of speeding down the hill. It´s the perfect activity for the entire family: everyone can do it since there is no practicing needed.

The snow tubing hill has 16 lanes that are 1,000 feet long plus 2 conveyor surface lifts to take you back to the top of the hill.

Hidden Valley provides the tubes – no experience or special equipment is needed – just hop on your tube and enjoy the ride!

Check out our Youtube Short for a real sense of riding down the hill on a tube!

Tubing tickets are $39 online. Your little ones must be 42″ tall to tube. All tubers must be in individual tubes and lap sitting is not permitted.

Fun Fact: Rapper Nelly used to live down the street and filmed part of his show, Nellyville, at Hidden Valley.

Ski & Snowboard Rentals

If you don’t own your own gear you can rent skis, snowboards, and boots at Hidden Valley. Poles are included in ski rentals. Helmets are also available for rent. Rental packages include Skis, Boots, and Poles or Snowboards with Snowboard boots.

Time to Hit the Slopes

Once you have your gear, it’s time to scope out the different runs and make your way to your first lift.

As I mentioned, the lift lines were not bad, even from the main lift in front of the lodge. As you make your way to the runs on the right or left side of the hill, the lines were even shorter.

I was surprised the ski slopes weren’t more crowded. Even on a sold-out day, there was plenty of room to enjoy the runs.

Views From the Top of a Run

Terrain Parks

terrain park at Hidden Valley — *Photo: Hidden Valley Ski Resort*

There are two terrain parks available with great features to show your tricks. Outlaw Terrain Park is for experts and The Badlands Park is the best park for beginners to intermediate. In each, you can choose from a variety of rails, jumps, hits, and all the other fun features!

Beginner Ski Area & Ski School

There is a magic carpet for beginner skiers. No need to worry about getting on and off a lift, just step on the conveyor belt and ride your way to the top of the beginner hill.

Hidden Valley also offers group lessons for kids based on age (age 5-6 or 7-14) and adults as well as private. Lessons aren’t just for first time skiers and snowboarders; they also offer intermediate and advanced lessons.

Gateway Disabled Ski Program (GDSP)

Hidden Valley partners with the Gateway Disabled Ski Program to provide adaptive skiing to those with physical, visual, hearing, developmental, and cognitive disabilities.

Food & Lunch Areas at Hidden Valley Ski Resort

There is a nice area with plenty of benches and fire pits to take a break outdoors, enjoy a snack or meal or watch skiers and snowboarders coming down the hill.

If you are taking a break, there are plenty of racks to store your skis or snowboard that are easily viewable.

Hidden Valley offers a variety of snacks and meals for purchase that range from soups, chili, sandwiches, burgers as well as pizza and mac and cheese. New on the menu this year will be the St. Louis classic, toasted ravioli.

You can also bring your own lunch to enjoy at the indoor or outdoor tables.

There is also a indoor dining area with tables as well as a bar area for those taking a break or to enjoy a drink after a day on the slopes.

The Store

There is a small store at Hidden Valley. If you forgot a piece of gear, it’s nice to know you don’t have to go far to pick up a hat, gloves or anything else you might need for a day on the slopes.

About the snow

Hidden Valley has over 110 snowmaking machines with the ability to pump 6,500 gallons of water per minute, covering 100% of the terrain in as little as 72 hours. As long as temps stay below freezing they make snow which means skiing in Missouri is possible more of the season! This makes it an easy escape to the snow from St. Louis to ski, snowboard or tube!

Night Skiing

Night skiing is Hidden Valley’s ability to embrace the short snow season. It’s also great for people who can’t get away during the day, but want to spend time on the snow after work. Night skiing runs through the entire season but not available every night, so make sure to check the calendar here.

Tip: If you plan to ski or board the ‘3 pm to close’ hours under the lights, purchase your lift tickets online in advance to save money!

When you arrive, if you have purchased online, you will need to visit the ticket windows to get your ticket printed. Tickets are also available for purchase onsite at the ticket window.

Winter Highlights

Up to Snow Good Music Series:

Saturday, Feb 3 from 2-5 pm
Saturday, Feb 17 from 2-5 pm
Sunday, Feb 25 from 2-5 pm

Mountain Mardi Gras: Saturday, Feb 3

Terrain Park Events

Saturday, Jan 27
Saturday, Feb 3
Friday, Feb 9 Dew After Dark
Friday, Feb 23 with DAD #2
Sunday, Feb 25

Nature Valley Sunday S’mores Nature: Every Sunday in January & February

Spring Fling: Sunday, Feb. 25

Tips to Know Before You Go

If you want a ski or snowboard lesson, make sure to reserve these in advance. Lessons can fully book in advance!
This goes for tubing and lift tickets as well. On the busiest days (opening day, holidays, and weekends) tickets can sell out.

Interesting Facts About Hidden Valley

Hidden Valley opened in 1982 and is part of the Peak Resorts chain.
Hidden Valley is one of only 2 ski resorts in Missouri.
As long as temps stay below freezing Hidden Valley can make their own snow, which means they have snow when we don’t in the city.

MOUNTAIN SAFETY

The role of all skiers and riders is to abide by the following NSAA Responsibility Code at all times:

Always stay in control. You must be able to stop or avoid people or objects.
People ahead or downhill of you have the right-of-way. You must avoid them.
Stop only where you are visible from above and do not restrict traffic.
Look uphill and avoid others before starting downhill or entering a trail.
You must prevent runaway equipment.
Read and obey all signs, warnings, and hazard markings.
Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas.
You must know how and be able to load, ride and unload lifts safely. If you need assistance, ask the lift attendant.
Do not use lifts or terrain when impaired by alcohol or drugs.
If you are involved in a collision or incident, share your contact information with each other and a ski area employee.

Hidden Valley Ski Resort Address: 17409 Hidden Valley Dr, Eureka, MO 63025

Directions to Hidden Valley Ski Resort from St. Louis

I-44 West
Exit 264 to merge onto MO-109N
Left onto E North St to Forby Rd
Right on Alt Rd
Left onto Hidden Valley Dr

MORE HOLIDAY & Winter FUN!

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