SKIING

SKIING. Popular winter sport. Long before SUNDOWN, Dubuque was a mecca for skiing enthusiasts. In 1932 a Works Progress Administration project called for construction of a ski hill south of the present-day water pumping station at BUNKER HILL GOLF COURSE. Workers were supplied by Nicholas SUTTON, director of the Iowa Emergency Relief Administration. Much of the inspiration for the effort came from Ernest Keller, a Swiss immigrant, who is often credited with popularizing skiing in Dubuque. Supervising the work was Carl Grabow, city recreation director, who expected experienced jumpers to reach 120 feet. At the time, this was considered an excellent feat for any area outside of traditional skiing areas.

Dubuque's first professional ski tournament was held in January 1934. Keller set the first record at 62 feet. A record jump of 72 feet was established in 1935. This was surpassed in 1938 with a 77-foot jump by Steve Egeness of Westby, Wisconsin.

On February 4, 1940, skiers waited with anticipation for the opening of the Longview Ski Slide. This site, located three miles north of Dubuque along Peru Road and near FOUR MOUNDS, featured a 300-foot slide constructed on the north side of the steep bluff high above the Sullivan farm. Estimates of 225-foot jumps were made. Many attending the opening day had to walk two or three miles when crowds of four to five thousand people came to watch exhibition leaps of the Flying Eagles Club from Eau Claire, Wisconsin. The longest jump of the day was recorded at 110 feet. The following day Steve Egeness thrilled an estimated two thousand visitors with a jump of 142 feet.

In the early 1960s Veterans Memorial Ski Hill began operating along West 32nd Street. Financed by the City, the site closed in 1982-1983 as a result of budget cuts and a drop in volunteer help. In 1991 remains of the short run could still be seen west of the intersection of North Grandview and West 32nd.