Tuesday, February 27, 2007

Did you miss me?

Haven't made an entry for a couple days. Spent the day Saturday (when we were closed due to the freezing rain) de-icing the chair lift and grooming all the trails just as soon as the freezing rain and sleet stopped and changed over to snow. Then Sunday we spent a lot of extra time moving the 9+ inches of new snow from the sidewalks and parking lot so we could open on schedule.....while grooming the center of each trail before we opened. Sorry - - did not get any pics Sunday but the 250+ people that were riding Sunday know just how awesome it was. Had a large corporate meeting use the lodge all day today with meals then on the snow at the end of the day for them.
But what I really want to comment on is two things:
  • BIG season end Late Niter planned for this Saturday night starting at 9:30 pm and ending at 1:00 am. TELL YOUR FRIENDS. The calendar tells us we are getting close to the end of this winter season so don't have regrets that you weren't on the snow enough. Come enjoy. Late Nite will include free soft drinks, free pizza while it lasts, big music outdoors, rail jam, bonfire and for the first time ever door prizes......even drawing for a FREE season pass - - maybe two- - for NEXT Season!
  • Second - more precip is forecast for Seven Oaks over the next couple days. Some rain or freezing rain but more SNOW too......SO.......DRIVE CAREFULLY TO AND FROM SEVEN OAKS. SLOW DOWN WHEN DRIVING IN WINTER WEATHER. RIDE SMART - - DRIVE SMART. See you on the slopes

Friday, February 23, 2007

Bored??? Then come Board at Seven Oaks


Snowboard: Outdoor recreation, a sport for life, good exercise, fun, can be done alone or with friends and family, sense of accomplishment, a rush, freedom, cool, no phones, calorie burner and the list goes on. At Seven Oaks the lessons are always free! See you on the slopes.


Thursday, February 22, 2007

Moooooore Snow Comin!

I don't know that I need to say anymore other than Moooooore Snow Comin! The trails already still look good from this weeks warm day time temps but we will always take more snow.

Moooooore Snow Comin! Drive carefully to and from Seven Oaks.





ps. that is NOT me in the pic!

Wednesday, February 21, 2007

Where do I start?

Should I start with telling you Seven Oaks is close to becoming a "hot spot" for high speed internet so you can bring your laptop to the lodge and work while the family plays.....or play while you are at work?
Maybe I should start with telling you the weather for riding and tubing should be GREAT tonite when we open at 4 pm. Had a little melt but a long long long way from causing a problem on the slopes.
How about the BIG snow that is being talked about for this weekend. Won't that be awesome!
Well, I will just remind you of the Late Niter NEXT Saturday March 3 with a whole lot of specials planned.......including some door prizes.
Maybe I should have started with a big Happy Birthday wish to our granddaughter Kenzie!
Anybody want more pics in my blog postings?

Monday, February 19, 2007

How come I have to work today?...and Late Nite coming!

Presidents Day and I still have to work….. but that’s okay…….I like it.

Yep, we had a great crowd Friday, Saturday, Saturday night, Sunday and Sunday night….whew…some of us are tired but man oh man was it fun and the conditions were awesome.

Having a warm spell, which while we don’t necessarily love, we can go a long time with these 40’s day time temps. What we watch as much as anything is the night time temps. As long as it goes down at night the snow doesn’t get hurt right away. We are all watching the system that is supposed to arrive this coming Friday. At noon they said on TV that the rain should be predominantly southern Iowa.

Late Nite fun is officially on for Saturday march 3………9:30 pm to 1:00 am. Big bonfire, music rockin’ the slopes, free pizza (while supplies last) and Pepsi products, and looking to put together a rail jam. More as it develops.

Open today til 6 pm. More schools Tuesday, Thursday and Friday this week. And hey it’s still only February so don’t be afraid to do the snow dance…..we want more.

Friday, February 16, 2007

Family Reunion at Seven Oaks

We have had a lot of families use Seven Oaks as their central meeting point this winter for their family reunion……taking advantage of the Seven Oaks Family of Four ski, tube and sleep at the Amerihost Inn. It may be something you should consider.

http://www.sevenoaksrec.com/pages1/Winter%20Outing.pdf

We even have family from Chicago, DSM and South Dakota doing the same thing this weekend.

Looks like MORE SNOW will bless us late tonite which will take skiing conditions from perfect to fresh perfect tomorrow.

See you on the slopes. I think I will reveal the March 3 Late Niter plans to everyone this weekend. Check back.

Thursday, February 15, 2007

How many more???

Been asked how many more weeks will you be open……and the answer is ……just as many as the weather allows. The weather and conditions for this weekend appear to be shaping up as an AWESOME weekend. Next week’s forecast looks like great day time temps with below freezing temps each night but not frigid. After that everyone’s predictions include cold nights and slightly above freezing day time temps…..with a few smatterings of snow. But none of know for sure so don’t put off your visit any longer….get on the snow!

Looks like the NEWLY planned Late Niter is coming together for Saturday, March 3. We will keep you posted if you keep checking our web.

Lots of schools still on the books for next week and the week after. We are hosting East Greene and Grundy Center schools today. Another East Greene and Martinsdale St. Marys schools join us tomorrow. Welcome and have FUN.

Open again to the public tonight at 4 pm. REMEMBER WE ARE OPEN ON PRESIDENTS DAY FROM 10 AM TO 6 PM.

Wednesday, February 14, 2007

We are planning....

What is planned you ask?

  • Well we are working on plans for another Late Nite event ---promises to be the best one we have had this season --- details are still being worked out--- so keep checking back.
  • Seven Oaks is also planning on a GREAT week of winter recreation this week. Got a couple inches of fresh powder yesterday, have a gun running in the park so we can build a bigger hit and the temps for this weekend look like they will be IDEAL so we are planning on seeing YOU.
  • Also still have lots of groups calling with their plans of coming to Seven Oaks yet this winter.....not too late for your group either.
  • We are finalizing the plans for a large corporate meeting, meal and skiing outing next week.
  • We are finishing the plans for installing a big screen with projector in the Lodge.
  • And finally believe it or not we are working on the plans for the April and May moto X and Quad races.

Webster City school group on the slopes today. Open at 4 tonite for the public.

Monday, February 12, 2007

Sorry but had a good reason

I can only assume you missed my entry Saturday and Sunday…..sorry but we were pretty busy over the weekend with good crowds riding and tubing….and I forgot.

Weather was awesome this past weekend, especially Sunday….and we are really exited about another fresh snow starting later today. We open Wed, Thur and Fri at 4 pm. I gotta believe the conditions will be superb. Come out and play in our snow!

Put another little roller at the top of Kenzies Korner, a barrel and small box at the entrance to the park and my “spine” at the bottom. More snow, more features…go ahead and give us your input on what else you would like to see. We are consciously not building the really BIG jump as in the past it was used by too many not able to handle it and ended in BIG injuries……..but you can get some serious air on what’s there now largely due to the vertical. I think the rainbow rail should be done this week........we hope it will be anyway.

Friday, February 9, 2007

A “Late Nite” is in my future, is it in yours?

This Saturday night from 9:30 pm to 1:00 am we will be hosting another Late Nite at Seven Oaks. Plenty of music is planned to cover the slopes with tunes throughout the evening. All the weather predictors are still calling for a little snow Saturday night which is what happened at the last Late Nite….and everyone that was present knows how cool it was to ride in the falling snow! ---------------This may be the LAST one so be there to be sure you experienced a Late Niter this winter. We are looking at the calendar to see if we can schedule another but it is too early to tell.

Long range forecast looks sweet for the next two weeks so don’t delay – get on the slopes when the conditions are GREAT…..and it is not too late to get your group (church, 4H, FFA, Greek, etc., etc.) booked for an outing.

West Marshall and Prairie Valley students are on the slopes today. Looks like a perfect day for riding and tubing. Jefferson Scranton had a blast yesterday.

Open to the public at 4 this afternoon….and don’t forget our Friday after Five at Coal Creek Lounge.

Thursday, February 8, 2007

Where we put the snow.

As mentioned earlier, snow was made all day Tuesday. We increased the depth of snow on the face of the Drop Zone as there was one place in particular that was thin. More snow was made on the Freeway so it is a minimum of one groomer width wider on the east side of the trail. Some was placed on the top of Abby’s Alley to freshen it up and additional snow was placed in the terrain park so we can get a little creative there with the groomer. Wanted to run longer but a pipe froze that puts water into our holding pond.

Big school group here today from Jefferson Scranton. We open to the public at 4 pm.

Remember we have a Late Niter this Saturday night. Looks like fresh snow may bless the Saturday night event again this time. Watch the forecast.

Wednesday, February 7, 2007

Nobody likes to look stupid

I don’t know of anyone that “Likes to Look Stupid”…..I know I don’t - - though often times I do look that way. There is an old saying about a guy setting in a meeting that thinks to himself “should I say nothing and let them think me a fool or open my mouth and remove all doubt”.

Coming to Seven Oaks for the first time can be confusing even if you have been to other ski areas. But if it is your FIRST time at ANY ski area you can get lost, confused and discouraged right up front. Well guess what - - everybody had a first time so don’t worry about it. We have tried to post signs to help but additionally you can always ask any question of any Seven Oaks employee – most have Seven Oaks shirts on or are in an obvious working space – and they will assist you. In fact even the people that have Seven Oaks clothing that are NOT employees will probably be able to help you.

I want to add a FAQ section to our web site in the near future but for now let me make these quick pointers:
All tickets are sold at the ticket booth just after you come off the wooden bridge “Carters Crossing”.
If you want a private lesson pay for it at the ticket booth but remember at Seven Oaks beginner lessons are always free.


If you want to tube
You will sign a release when you buy your ticket and proceed to the front of the lodge – look left and you will see the tubes in a fenced in area with a yellow sign.
Pick a tube and proceed to the special tube lift.
We hook you up, you ride to the top, we unhook the tube, you go to the chute you want to slide down and when it’s time you GO.


If you want to rent skis or boards you will get a rental form at the time of buying the ticket (you will need some form of ID – drivers license or student ID for rentals).
Then you go to the building west of the lodge (follow the concrete sidewalk) and fill out the rental form.
Our staff will get you the right size boots and the right skis or boards.
It’s in here that you can let any Seven Oaks staff know you want a free lesson.


Seating, food, restrooms, retail, and Coal Creek Lounge are all inside the lodge.


It costs nothing to watch.


See you at Seven Oaks. Ps. Made snow yesterday. Open at 4 tonite.

Tuesday, February 6, 2007

Hiking and Exploring

A lot of people like to explore the woods while hiking – I am one of them….but Seven Oaks really would like you to explore the woods in the spring, summer and fall and you are welcome to do just that whenever you want. We have 7.2 miles of remote bike and hiking trails you can use. On the other side of the coin however, we would appreciate everyone staying on our groomed trails. Taking off thru the woods on your board or skis can be a bit much for most and hey, if you hurt yourself out there we won’t even know to come lookin for you. Your cooperation is appreciated.
Got about 1" of snow this morning and we are making snow all day today too.

Monday, February 5, 2007

Late Niter Survey

We have another Late Nite coming up this Saturday, February 10, but I wanted to share with you the thoughts from the 32 people that completed our survey at the last Late Niter (out of 350 that attended).

14 thought a Theme night would be good
15 thought a “live band” in the lodge would be good
19 liked the idea of a DJ
21 liked the idea of some type of contest
23 voted yes for a “park nite” where one price got you ski, tube and board
24 were interested in a food special during the LN
26 of 32 asked for more Late Niters

We would welcome MORE input. Send us an email or comment on the blog. There is time to put it together in February.

Sunday, February 4, 2007

Geez I thought they said it was going to be cold!

It's Sunday and still not warm but hey it's February in Iowa. Managed to entertain several yesterday in spite of the temps and wind - tubing, skiing and boarding.....and have people showing up as this blog is being written. We always comptete with the "game" on Super Bowl Sunday - - which will by the way be showing in our Coal Creek Lounge....but it's really up to you as to what you want to do....on the snow or on the sofa.


Here is a pic taken moments ago of a couple guys that wanted to be "on the snow".


ps. plans are to make snow during the day Thursday and the Battleship will be in place before next weekend. Ken promises!

Saturday, February 3, 2007

This explains Iowa

Got this email and took some liberties with it but thought it was pretty funny and true. Here goes -
60 above zero - people in Iowa plant gardens
50 above zero - people in Iowa sunbathe
40 above zero - people in Iowa drive with the windows down
30 above zero - people in Iowa throw on a flannel shirt
20 above zero - people in Iowa have the last cookout - - before it gets cold!
10 above zero - people in Iowa close the windows
zero - people in Iowa get out their winter coats
10 below zero - the Girl Scouts in Iowa are selling cookies door to door
20 below zero - people in Iowa let the dogs sleep indoors
30 below zero - people in Iowa get upset because the mini van won't start
40 below zero - people in Iowa start saying "cold 'nuff fer ya"?
See you on the slopes.

Friday, February 2, 2007

It's Easy to be "COOL" at Seven Oaks



Here's a pic of the 155 Carroll Keumper students enjoying a beautiful day at Seven Oaks yesterday.....some learning to ski..... and some after a little refresher, spending the day on the slopes. At Seven Oaks each school student must demonstrate their ability to turn and stop before they are "passed" by an instructor with authorization to use the chair lift and ski the bigger longer slopes. Skiing is one of the few "sports for life". Maybe when you come back you can bring your parents and teach them to ski.... then for years to come you can ski as a FAMILY. How cool is that? The lessons are always free at Seven Oaks.
But when it's all said and done, the good times skiing must come to an end.......it's time to load the bus and head back home....until next time. Thanks for choosing Seven Oaks for your Phys Ed outing!

Thursday, February 1, 2007

Good News! No Snow Melted Last Night!

The snow covering the trails and snow tubing are in GREAT shape and we had NO snow melt again last night! Dress warm (layers is recommended) and enjoy the great outdoors. Had a good crowd again last nite, Joel groomed after we closed, have another school this morning at 9 .....in fact we have schools coming every day but two in the month of Feb. Lots of groups still on the books for this weekend....and this weekend starting Friday nite we will feature our signature Oak Smoked Pork Loin sandwich and BBQ Chopped Oak Smoked Pork Loin sandwich. We open to the public as usual tonight at 4 pm. Remember - if you already purchased a lift ticket you can snow tube for an hour for only 5 bucks. Did you see the Super Bowl special on the home page?

photo courtesy of Gregg W. - thanks and everyone can contribute so send us your pics.