* WHAT...Moderate to heavy snow possible. Total snow accumulations between 4 and 7 inches possible. * WHERE...Portions of central Iowa. * WHEN...From Saturday evening through late Saturday night. * IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions and hazardous travel.
A brisk winter chill settled over Ski Charlie last night with temperatures dipping to 11°F, keeping the base snowpack firm and fast. Ski Charlie Ski Resort in Iowa offers 8 trails with varying difficulty levels, but the best trails are the intermediate and advanced ones as they provide a challenge to experienced skiers.
Wind
Humidity
Despite an above-average snowpack depth of 6.5 inches—300% higher than this time last year—the trails are holding up remarkably well. Groomers have been working overtime to ensure smooth corduroy on main runs, while tree-lined paths offer a touch of early-season adventure for intermediate skiers. Currently, conditions are packed powder with the occasional crust in shaded areas. Lifts are running on schedule, and early risers were treated to a quiet morning on the slopes.
Looking ahead, Mother Nature is delivering a snowy encore. The 72-hour forecast calls for over 4 inches of fresh snow, with another 4 inches expected in the following two days. This upcoming accumulation could mean refreshed terrain and perhaps some untouched powder for the weekend crowd. No major news updates from local sources, so all signs point to an uninterrupted stretch of prime skiing. Now’s the time to dust off your gear—Ski Charlie is open and carving into a stellar start to the 2025–26 season.
Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) shows how much water the snow holds. This is ideal for year-to-year tracking of real snowfall and water resources. Measurements from Ames 2.1 N, Ia.
Snowpack depth measures how much snow has accumulated in the area. This is a key indicator of powder quality, trail coverage, and how epic your runs are going to be this season at Ski Charlie.
Recent air temperature fluctuations at Ski Charlie impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.
Ski-Charlie Ski Resort in Iowa does not have any mountain ranges or significant mountain aspects, as Iowa is a relatively flat state with no major mountainous terrain. The resort may have man-made hills or slopes for skiing and snowboarding, but they would not be considered true mountains.
An interesting fact about the resort is that it was originally intended for summer use as a golf course, but a tough winter made the owners realize its potential as a ski resort. For beginner skiers, it is recommended to start with the Bunny Hill and work their way up gradually. The best apres ski bar is the Chalet Lounge, which offers a cozy atmosphere and delicious drinks.
Night Skiing | Yes |
Lift Count | 14 Lifts |
Terrain Park | Yes |
Acreage | 1 Acres |
Established | 2002 |
Run Count | 100 Trails |
The ski area received 0" of new snowfall since yesterday.
Weather today, partly sunny, with a high near 33. wind chill values as low as 5. south wind 7 to 9 mph becoming west in the afternoon.
Ski Charlie is expected to receive up to 4.31" of new snowfall in the next 5 days.
In the latest ski conditions across the nation, recent snowfall and upcoming forecasts suggest varying impacts on ski resorts, with a focus on the Pacific Northwest and the Rocky Mountains. Over the past 24 hours, Nohrsc Sawmill Ridge in Washington State recorded 2 inches of new snow with a substantial base of 170 inches, although the weather is somewhat unsettled ... Read more