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 Unfortunately, the Chalet is outdated and in extreme dis-repair, too small for programming needs, and is not accessible to everyone.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.
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
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
“We’re giving because of all the years our family has enjoyed at Chester Bowl. From downhill ski races, Nordic skiing, bounding in the fall, hikes with our dog on the trails, soccer games, and speed skating, we’ve loved the park and people!“
Gary Black and Celeste Curley-Black
Leadership Team
Curt Leitz
FUNDRAISING CO-CHAIR
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!
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
Contact Us
For more information about the Growing Up Chester capital campaign, please complete the form.
SUPPORTING ORGANIZATIONS
INFLUENCER
CREATOR
The Sophia Moore Benson Fund
FOUNDERS
Catherine & Steve Long
Wes Neustel
BUILDERS
Katie & Seth Benziger
Thom & Cindy Storm
Betsy Schwartz & Matt Schiller
Tim and Kim, John-Mark, Peter, and Anthony Roufs
CADETS
Bridget & Greg Benson
In Memory of Jim & Bev Denney
In Memory of George Hovland
In Memory of Karl Harkins
In Memory of Rocci Contardo
Jenny Jackson
The Smyth Family
Troy & Charleen Rowekamp
George Vacek
Marsha Callahan-Ness
Adam & Kelly Aarsvold
In Honor of the Ben Norton Family
William & Lisa Lundberg
Jenn Witt & Sam Harms
Gunnar & Jenna Wagoner
In Honor of the Regas Family
David Kirby & Anne Whitworth
The Eltink & Hourigan Family
Chris, Jess, & Clara Peters
Becky & Andy Wheeler
Steve Wick & Margie Nelson
Jack & Mary Rowe Charitable Trust
Chris & Martha Byrnes Family Fund
