Love it or hate it, the winter season has already begun. Here’s the upside: the best way to get through the long, cool months is to embrace them! And I mean really embrace it. How do we do it, you ask? Short answer: hitting the slopes!
Now let’s be clear: even though we both have red hair, I am not Shaun White. But that doesn’t mean I won’t have a lot of fun trying to ski and snowboard here in Wisconsin. That’s what’s great about this state – there really are parks and resorts that cater to winter lovers of all skill levels, from novice (me!) to expert (not me).
So unpack your board or skis from storage and join me on a virtual journey to 13 of the best ski and snowboard destinations in Wisconsin. We drift through fluffy snowdrifts, wind past frozen lakes, and wander through the backwoods of Wisconsin.
• Alpine Valley (Elkhorn). Set in the stunning Sugar Creek Valley – complete with mature trees and rolling terrain – Alpine Valley provides a diverse domain for beginners and experts alike. Their fancy, high-speed Quad Advanced chairlift system means you’ll spend less time in lines and more time on the snow. If you love numbers, you’ll love these: Alpine boasts over 90 acres of skiable terrain with 20 trails, 388 feet of elevation gain, and a 3,000-foot slope, aptly named “Alpine.”
• Cascade Mountain (Portage). Oh, Cascade Mountain has a cushioned spot in my heart. I remember many backcountry trips to this legendary Columbia County ski gem! But it looks like it’s time to make some up-to-date memories, as Cascade Mountain has been busy making gigantic changes to its park. For starters, they’re doubling the number of tube tracks in Tube Town. (And who are we kidding; we’ll all definitely run down the tubing track just like we do down the ski runs!) This is a great place to take the whole family. And no matter the season, I always love driving past the mountains on I-90/94… what a sight!
• Christmas Mountain (Wisconsin Dells). The Dells may be known for summer attractions, but Christmas Mountain attracts snow bunnies from November through April. Skiers can take advantage of 15 slopes and a wide range of slopes. To really make the most of your time at Christmas Mountain, you can sign up for private or group lessons. (I might recommend renting a GoPro camera at Christmas Mountain to capture your descents!)
• Mount Christie (Bruce). From nine “easier” trails to four separate progressive terrain parks (including double black diamonds with two cliff jumps!), Christie Mountain in the northern woods of Wisconsin is an absolute blast. If you like dodging trees, you’ll love navigating the Timber Pup and Timber Wolf trails in the jungle clearings. Then head to the east side of the park where there is a tranquil bar with T-bars and enjoy the Wildcat and Bob Cat. Rumor has it that skiers and snowboarders regularly run into “The Beast” on the slopes. Trust me, you’ll know it when you see it!
• Devil’s Head Center (Merrimac). This full-service ski resort is located in the heart of the unglaciated Baraboo Bluffs in south-central Wisconsin. This place is perfect for those of you intermediate skiers who really want to get in on the action. There are 30 gentle trails and up-to-date terrain parks “with longer runs, more flow and more rails on one trail than any other ski area in Wisconsin.”
• Greater Geneva (Lake Geneva). Grand Geneva Resort & Spa has it all: 30 acres with 18 trails, a terrain park, an elevation of 70 meters, three chairlifts and two wonder carpets. Not to mention that for the particularly ambitious, there is the opportunity to go ice skating and sledding. When you’re ready to spend some time at home, I recommend putting on a robe and slippers and renewing your senses at WELL Spa + Salon. And bonus: Grand Geneva is offering a free lift ticket for opening weekend (December 6 and 7) for those who support their food drive with non-perishable food items. Visit Grand Geneva on Facebook to download your ticket.
• Little Switzerland (Slinger). First opening in 1941, Little Switzerland may be one of the oldest resorts in the Midwest, but it has undergone a multimillion-dollar facelift in recent years. Today, the ski jump has 18 routes, four chairlifts, two drag lifts and one rope tow. At the base of the hill are three terrain parks, a lodge and restaurant, bar, game room, snack bar and pro shop.
• Mount LaCrosse (Stoddard). Welcome to Mount LaCrosse, home to Mileaway (the longest trail in Wisconsin!) and Damnation! (the steepest trail in the Midwest). Skiers and snowboarders of all ages and skill levels have been taking to LaCrosse Mountain since 1959. It is a unique destination with 18 slopes and trails, including 516 feet of elevation gain and 5,300 feet of downhill skiing. Night owls will also appreciate the park’s well-lit slopes.
• Nordic Mountain (Wild Rose). Heading into central Wisconsin, we’ll find ourselves at Nordic Mountain at Wild Rose, where you’ll enjoy the area’s 17 slopes, three terrain parks, and an stimulating tubing park. The Nordic folks say there’s always something fun to do when there’s snow on the ground… and I can’t agree more! Nordic Mountain is a great place for beginners who want to have fun at affordable prices.
• Sunburst (Kewaskum). Sunburst Ski Area in Kewaskum features the park’s hottest design, with over 60 rails, boxes and configurations that are constantly evolving. Add to that the fact that Sunburst is the world’s largest tubing park and you have a winter wonderland in southeastern Wisconsin.
• Trollhaugen (Chest of drawers). Trollhaugen Outdoor Recreation Area is a family ski area located approximately 8 km south of St. Croix in northwestern Wisconsin. In addition to the obvious (which is, of course, stimulating skiing and snowboarding), Trollhaugen also offers 10 tubing lanes, cross-country skiing, snowshoe trails and ziplining! For my night owls: Trollhaugen is well known for slow night (or early morning?) 3am skiing and snowboarding. To count. I. IN.
• Tyrolean Basin (Mount Horeb). About 5 miles north of Mount Horeb and 20 miles west of Madison are 17 tree-lined slopes on 40 acres and one of the only half-pipes in the Midwest. Winter lovers from all over the world tested the slopes of the Tyrolean Valley. And it’s no wonder why: the team there has built a robust reputation for its five terrain parks that have been designed with both beginner and advanced skiers and snowboarders in mind.
• Mount Wilmot (Wilmot). For more variety, Wilmot Mountain has its own Snocross course featuring banked turns, rollers, jumps and high speed. If that’s not enough for you, head through the mogul field where you’ll go head-to-head with a variety of lines and challenges. Wilmot’s four terrain parks are also extremely popular – think progressive jumps, parallel bars, jib features and more!
Tip: For the true winter extremist, consider purchasing the Skiing Wisconsin coupon book. The $99 brochure ($350 value) includes one lift ticket from each of the destinations listed above.
Mariah Haberman is the co-host of the longest-running travel television show, Discover Wisconsin. She comes from Evansville, where she grew up in a family of seven on a petite farm outside the city. Her favorite memories include fishing trips to Lake Michigan with her dad, showing sheep at the Rock County Fair, and riding her ATV around the farm with her little brother. Watch Discover Wisconsin on Saturdays at 10 a.m. at the outdoor FSN Wisconsin building.
