A Chester for All

A capital campaign to make the Thom Storm Chalet open to all, now and into the future.

Our Mission

As the nonprofit organization running programming in the City of Duluth’s Chester Bowl Park, the Chester Bowl Improvement Club’s mission is to promote sustainable, quality programs for all Chester Bowl Park users in a healthy and safe environment.

As we look at our mission, we ask our community to help carry forward both our goal and desire to truly be accessible by all.

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

Update 5-11-17

Funds raised by the Growing Up Chester capital campaign will be used to add a third floor and renovate the Thom Storm Chalet so future generations and more members of our community can experience the magic of Chester Bowl.

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

“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

Latest News

Loll Designs awards significant gift to Growing Up Chester
by Jessica Hehir
January 8, 2021
Pausing During Pandemic
by Jessica Hehir
April 8, 2020
Ben Norton Joins the Capital Campaign Committee
by Jordan Milan
June 23, 2019

All News

Leadership Team

Curt Leitz

FUNDRAISING CO-CHAIR

e: leit0033@umn.edu
ph: 218-341-1017

Dave Schaeffer

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CHESTER BOWL IMPROVEMENT CLUB

Ben Norton

FUNDRAISING CO-CHAIR

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

Thom Storm

CEREMONIAL CHAIR

Jessica Hehir

COMMUNICATIONS CHAIR

Deb Kellner

BUILDING DESIGN CHAIR

Be a Chester Investor

By giving to the Growing Up Chester capital campaign, you are ensuring our proud outdoors tradition continues.

To donate, contact one of the following members of the capital campaign leadership team:

Curt Leitz | 218-341-1017 | EMAIL

Ben Norton | 218-310-1901 | EMAIL

Dave Schaeffer | 218-724-9832 | EMAIL

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