Among the experienced skiers and snowboarders were some first-timers taking advantage of free lessons at the park.
Sully Baker, 3, of Duluth, right, starts to ski down a hill while instructor Elise Benson, of Duluth, encourages him during lessons at Chester Bowl on Saturday.
DULUTH — On the final weekend of 2024, many headed to Chester Bowl for a good time and even the first time.
Even with temperatures around 40 degrees Saturday, there was plenty of snow for a steady stream of skiers and snowboarders visiting the park. Some came with experience, and others hoped to get experience. The Chester Bowl Improvement Club has been holding free daily ski and snowboard lessons, beginning last Thursday and wrapping up Monday. The 45-minute group lessons were open to all ages.
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Lila Walters, 10, of Duluth, turns while snowboarding at Chester Bowl in Duluth on Saturday.
Dan Williamson / Duluth Media Group
Among those taking advantage of the lessons was Lila Walters, 10, of Duluth. She participated in three lessons overall and went from no experience snowboarding to hitting the hill independently on Saturday.
“Yeah, this is my first time (snowboarding),” said Walters.
When asked if she liked it enough to keep doing it, she answered affirmatively.
Lila Walters, 10, of Duluth, makes her way down the hill while snowboarding at Chester Bowl in Duluth on Saturday.
Dan Williamson / Duluth Media Group
Trying skiing for the first time was Sully Baker, 3, of Duluth. He was full of smiles and snow after a slight fall.
“He's a little nervous, but he's having a good time,” said his father, Todd Baker. “I think it's just gonna take a couple of tries down the hill, and then once he gets a little more comfortable with being able to recognize that he can stand, I think he'll start to get the fun and the speed and everything else."
Sully Baker, 3, of Duluth, right, catches himself after falling backwards while trying to ski down a hill as instructor Elise Benson, of Duluth, encourages him during lessons at Chester Bowl in Duluth on Saturday. It was Baker's first time skiing.
Dan Williamson / Duluth Media Group
This holiday season has been an eventful one for Hendrix Hunter, 6, of Duluth. A couple days before Christmas, he caught a 21-inch walleye during his first ice fishing experience. A few days after Christmas, he was taking his first ski lesson.
“I’m really excited,” Hunter said.
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Hendrix Hunter, 6, of Duluth, giggles while his mother Emily Rice, of Duluth, helps him balance on skis ahead of his first ski lesson at Chester Bowl in Duluth on Saturday.
Dan Williamson joined the Duluth News Tribune in June 2021 where he's involved in digital content such as video, photos and podcasts as well as covering breaking news. Previously, he worked in television broadcasting as a Sports Director/Anchor at WDIO-TV in Duluth, Sports Director/Anchor in Bismarck, N.D., News and Sports Anchor at KSAX-TV in Alexandria, and Reporter/Photographer/Editor with the syndicated show "Life to the Max" in Eden Prairie. He was also the Development Director for the Duluth Salvation Army. Williamson grew up in Alexandria, graduated from St. Cloud State University and has lived in Duluth since 2012.
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