(Honey Creek) Mt. Crescent Ski Area will receive a new name and brand in the upcoming 2025-2026 ski season as the winter-focused recreation area explores a plan for incorporating four-season attractions and a sustainable, conservation-focused approach to its operations.
The area’s new name, Crescent Hill at Hitchcock, gives a nod to the ski area’s history when it was first called Crescent Ski Hills, maintains its connection to the nearby community of Crescent, and helps the public understand that it is part of the 1,500-acre public park Hitchcock Nature Center and directly connected to its 14-mile trail system. Together, the new name and logo help position the area as a premier four-season reaction destination that inspires visitors near and far to reconnect with nature.
“With the area’s new focus on four-season recreation and conservation, our team felt it was time for a new name and look that could reflect that while maintaining this area’s strong connection to the community of Crescent,” said Pottawattamie County Conservation Community Outreach Manager Kylie Jacott. “We are honored to be a part of protecting this very special place while positioning it as a regional destination for sustainable outdoor recreation.”
The new branding will be implemented over the spring, summer, and fall months ahead of the 2025-2026 ski season. The public is encouraged to visit www.explorecrescenthill.com to learn more about the rebrand and what to expect next. The site will be the new home for winter and four-season recreation details and ticketing later this year.
To build excitement for the area’s new brand and vision, the ski area is hosting a Spring Into Skiing Season Pass Sale until March 31st, which will offer the lowest season pass prices for the 2025-2026 season. Those interested can learn more at www.explorecrescenthill.com.
A portion of funding for the rebrand was graciously provided by the Pottawattamie Conservation Foundation, a local 501(c)3 focused on conservation efforts in the county and a long-time supporter of the county park system. Funding for new park signage and videography work will be funded by an Iowa Tourism Marketing Grant through Travel Iowa, the state’s tourism office.
Pottawattamie County Conservation would also like to thank its community partners who provided invaluable input on the area’s new look and vision: Council Bluffs Convention & Visitors Bureau, Iowa West Foundation, Pottawattamie Conservation Foundation, and the Pottawattamie County Board of Supervisors.
The department plans to share a four-season master plan for Crescent Hill at Hitchcock later this spring. The project, which has been ongoing since October 2023 and is led by the SE Group, a renowned ski resort planning agency, involved multiple open houses, an online public survey that collected more than 1,000 responses, and stakeholder interviews with several groups representing local and regional tourism, economic development, recreation, conservation, and education industries. The plan will explore several recreation attractions that balance play and access to the outdoors with protecting Iowa’s globally significant Loess Hills.
Pottawattamie County purchased Mt. Crescent Ski Area in December 2021 with the generous support of the Iowa West Foundation. Pottawattamie Conservation, the county’s conservation department, has managed operations since July 2022 with a focus on habitat restoration and improved customer experience, including installing a new state-of-the-art snowmaking system that is able to operate in more marginal temperatures. In January 2023, Crescent Ridge Cabin was made available to visitors interested in staying in the area overnight. In June 2023, fourseason hiking trails that connect the area to Hitchcock Nature Center opened to the public.
The ski area, originally called Crescent Ski Hills and started by local ski enthusiasts from Omaha, opened to the public in January 1961. The area was purchased by Russell Lindeman in 1974. He would go on to operate the business for the next 34 years and rename it to Mt. Crescent Ski Area. Korby and Samantha Fleischer of Vail, CO operated the area from 2008 through the end of the 2021-2022 ski season. Pottawattamie County Conservation has managed the ski area since the 2022-2023 season, implementing land management practices including prescribed fire and tree removal and incorporating environmental education programming.
End-of-Season Update: Due to warm temperatures, this weekend is likely the last weekend for ski and snowboard fun at the area. Sledding is still on the schedule for next weekend. The public is encouraged to check Mt. Crescent’s social media for updates and details.
