This is your Chester

Become a Chester Invester. Help fund the new Chalet.

Growing Up Chester

Chester Bowl’s mission is to build community by helping people recreate outside in Chester Park. The Thom Storm Chalet is one of the necessary tools to put this mission into action. Unfortunately, the Chalet is outdated and in extreme dis-repair, too small for programming needs, and is not accessible to everyone. The Growing Up Chester capital campaign is raising the funds needed to expand and completely renovate the Chalet, preserving Chester’s magic for generations to come.

Donate Now

The Chalet

Room to Play

The Thom Storm Chalet is the heart of Chester Bowl, where Duluth’s love of the outdoors has started for generations. Through our Growing Up Chester capital campaign, the Thom Storm Chalet’s potential will be realized by:

Opening our chalet to all by adding an elevator for full accessibility
Increasing summer programming by expanding gathering spaces
Meeting winter programming needs by making better use of the chalet space
Upholding our proud tradition by keeping our history alive
Investing in our community gem by using energy-saving materials

Draft plans for the main level and concessions at the Thom Storm Chalet.

Stories

“I grew up skiing at Chester Bowl in the mid-1980s. It was such a formative time for me and the source of so many wonderful memories. The simple sense of being allowed to ‘be’ at Chester Bowl, futz around on the ski hill, explore and be children in an oasis within the adult world is one that I don’t think most kids have access to and I’m thankful to have had. In fact, it meant so much to me in so many ways that when my wife and I had our first baby we named him Chester.”
Pete Mokros
Former Chester Bowl skier

“I am always moved when over Christmas break I see 80-some kids on Chester’s slope. It begs the question, “Where would these children be if not here?” Home alone playing video games while parents are at work? Getting into mischief? Instead they’re outside learning a life sport, while the older students are learning responsibility as a cadet (pridefully wearing their Chester Bowl jackets with their name embroidered in them) as they help out the little ones. There’s a lot of love in this place. From the adult volunteers who make the races happen to the “no questions asked” scholarships to ensure that any family that wants to ski can get out there, Chester Bowl is community at its best.“
Lucie Amundson
Chester Bowl parent

“This was our first year being part of the Chester Bowl ski program and we were so impressed. It was such a great way to get our four kids involved in skiing and snowboarding. The positive, family-focused environment allowed our three daughters to quickly learn to ski for the first time. Our son, who’s our oldest, is excited to take advantage of leadership opportunities next year as a ski cadet. The memories and the skills our children are gaining at Chester Bowl will be with them for the rest of their lives. We never would have been able to give them these experiences if Chester Bowl wasn’t a part of our community.“
The Eastvold Family
John, Nora, Jack, Ella, Rosa and Sofia

Latest News

Match Donation Goal Exceeded!
by Dave Schaeffer
January 16, 2025
Read More
50 Days to Raise $50,000 With a Matching Donation Opportunity!
by Dave Schaeffer
November 26, 2024
Read More
Cheers to Chester September 26
by Dave Schaeffer
August 19, 2024
Read More

All News

Leadership Team

Curt Leitz

FUNDRAISING CO-CHAIR

e: curtleitz@gmail.com
ph: 218-341-1017

Dave Schaeffer

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CHESTER BOWL IMPROVEMENT CLUB

ph: 218-940-9378

Ben Norton

FUNDRAISING CO-CHAIR

e: nortonmben@gmail.com
ph: 218-310-1901

Thom Storm

CEREMONIAL CHAIR

Amy Kranig

COMMUNICATIONS CHAIR

Growing Up Chester Capital Campaign

Chester Bowl’s mission is to build community by helping people recreate outside in Chester Park. The Thom Storm Chalet is one of the necessary tools to put this mission into action. Unfortunately, the Chalet is outdated and in extreme dis-repair, too small for programming needs, and is not accessible to everyone. The Growing Up Chester Capital Campaign is raising the funds needed to expand and completely renovate the Chalet, preserving Chester’s magic for generations to come. Find out more and donate here!

Donate Now

This is such a unique and wonderful program: rental is priced so that people can afford to get out there; the scholarship fund supports our neighbors in doing the same. The way it’s creating sustainable opportunities for families to ski/snowboard is phenomenal. Not only have I loved teaching my kids at Chester (and the day passes to local hills!) I really enjoy the people and spirit associated with Chester. Thank you!
— Jake K.
WINTER SKI PROGRAM PARENT