As winter approaches, excitement is building in Duluth as families and winter sports lovers prepare for another season at Chester Bowl. The popular ski and snowboard destination is not only getting ready for the snow but also planning for an exciting new chapter — a complete renovation of its beloved chalet.
Ten-year-old Sia Regas, one of the many children who visit the hill every year, could hardly contain her excitement as she was fitted for her snowboard gear. “It’s really fun, I like snowboarding and skiing,” she said with a big smile. Like more than 1,800 people who use the hill each winter, Sia is looking forward to hitting the slopes. Volunteers at Chester Bowl carefully helped her find the perfect boots. “They’re really helpful, they made sure that I got the perfect boots,” she said.
For Chester Bowl’s Executive Director, Dave Schaeffer, the season means much more than just fresh snow. It marks progress toward a long-awaited dream — a brand-new chalet that will better serve the growing community. “Right now, we don’t have a building that meets all the community’s needs,” said Schaeffer. “We’re just so excited for the future — to have a bigger, better, and fully accessible space for the next generations to use.”
The project, known as the “Growing Up with Chester” campaign, has been years in the making. Chester Bowl and its supporters have raised over $1 million through community donations. Their efforts received a major boost with a matching grant from the Minnesota Environmental and Natural Resource Trust Fund, bringing the total close to the $2.3 million needed for construction.
According to Senior Parks Planner Katie Bennett, the renovation will ensure that Chester Bowl continues to be a welcoming place for everyone. “We’re really looking forward to providing a facility that matches the high-quality programs that Dave and his team offer here,” she said.
The city of Duluth, working alongside Chester Bowl and developer LHB, has designed plans for a modern three-story chalet that will include an elevator for accessibility and improved spaces for the park’s year-round programs. The new building will not only replace the aging facility but also preserve Chester Bowl’s long tradition of community and outdoor fun.
For kids like Sia, Chester Bowl is more than just a place to ski — it’s a place filled with childhood memories. “I remember first starting on the little hill over there,” she recalled. “And the first time I went up the chairlift — that was fun!”
The renovation of the Thom Storm Chalet symbolizes what can happen when non-profits, local government, and the community work together for a shared goal. Construction bids are expected to open this winter, with plans to begin building in spring 2026. If all goes as planned, the new chalet will be ready for use at the start of the 2026 winter season.
Until then, Chester Bowl will continue to serve as a beloved gathering place for Duluth families, offering winter sports, scholarships, and community events that bring people together year after year.
