There’s a reason why the parking lots at many Wisconsin ski resorts are filled with cars from Illinois, Minnesota and Iowa. The Badger State is home to over two dozen ski and snowboard resorts that are among the best in the Midwest.
Whether you and your family have never skied before or you’re looking for an adrenaline-filled trip with friends, Wisconsin has a huge selection of hills perfect for every skill level. Read on to find your next winter adventure.
Mount Wilmot – Kenosha County
Originally opened in 1938, Wilmot Mountain has been a favorite winter sports destination for over eighty years. This is the perfect place to escape the city and spend time with family and friends, right on the Wisconsin Illinois border. The resort was recently purchased by Vail Resorts, which has undertaken a major renovation following the example of its sister resorts in the Rocky Mountains to the west. Improvements include a state-of-the-art beginner ski and snowboard center, four terrain parks with challenging attractions, and three novel four-person chairlifts that transport guests on 25 slopes.
If you’re looking for family fun without the learning curve, try the 22 lanes in the tube area with two surface conveyor lifts for maximum hours of fun. At the bottom of the hill, discounted tubing options like balmy chocolate are served, making it effortless to grab a snack. You can also buy pizza and cottage cheese in advance at the Ski Hi Grill or Walt’s Tavern.
Granite Peak -Wausau
Endless adventures await you and your crew at the largest ski resort in the Midwest! With over 200 acres and over 60 trails, Granite Peak takes advantage of Mount Rib, a 2-billion-year-old geological wonder. Hop on Wisconsin’s only high-speed 6-person chairlift to blast up the mountain before skiing or snowboarding from 600 vertical feet. Snowboarders will love the four invigorating terrain parks, and everyone will love snacks by the fire in front of the Sundance Chalet and Grill.
Devil’s head – Merrimac
Located in the Baraboo Bluffs formed by historic glaciers, Devil’s Head is a full-service ski resort in southcentral Wisconsin popular with travelers from Chicago and beyond. Full service here means 30 amazing trails for all skill levels, six four-person chairlifts and two magic carpets, plenty of room options from luxurious private apartments to rustic cottage rooms, and plenty of on-site bars and restaurants. And who could forget the indoor pool and jacuzzi, perfect for relaxing after a long day on the slopes?
The resort is open year-round, but shines in winter, when the 300 acres of skiable terrain are maintained for great fun and memories with friends.
Whitecap Mountain – Upson
Lake Effect from Lake Superior delivers an average of 200 inches of snow to Whitecap Mountains Resort each season, making this Northwoods resort a one-of-a-kind winter getaway worth checking out. Zip down one of three historic Penokee Mountains spanning over 400 acres and a variety of terrain that will keep you and your friends entertained at every turn. Ski straight to your room in an Austrian country hotel or book a private cottage and take the whole family with you. Even non-skiers can explore designated snowshoe trails and ice fishing and ice skating on nearby Lake Weber.
Tyrolean Basin – Mount Horeb
Just 20 miles west of Madison, Tyrol Basin is known for its thrilling, lighted night skiing and 12 slide lanes, as well as an impressive terrain park that spans three trails and features numerous rails, jumps and more. The quintessential Wisconsin mainstay is a converted 100-year-old dairy barn that offers fish fries and 14 beers on tap on Friday night to keep the fun going as long as possible. Gather your crew and try 21 trails for all skill levels, or take a novice to ski or snowboard lessons and discover a novel winter hobby!
Mount La Crosse -La Crosse
Perched atop the bluffs above the Mississippi River, La Crosse Mountain stretches from the gentle Mileway to Damnation, an expert-only double black diamond trail with an elevation gain of 500 feet. Choose from eighteen trails by day or night and try the off-road park for some extra excitement. No day on the slopes is complete without the opportunity to eat delicious food, and you and your friends can do just that in a rustic lodge with an award-winning bar. Thanks!
Cascade Mountain – Moving
Take your kids to Cascade Mountain and if they’re 12 or older, they’ll ski for free. Once there, everyone can take a ski lesson or visit Tube Town and fly down fifteen 800-foot slides for some hilly thrills. With 48 ski and snowboard slopes, 11 lifts and three terrain parks, there is something for everyone. And there’s never a shortage of snacks – there are six different food and drink outlets on site, including Cookout, perfect for baking brats and warming up those cool hands.
This is not the end of your downhill adventures. Downhill skiing and snowboarding in Wisconsin are available in every corner of the state! Stay up to date on hill conditions with the Wisconsin Snow Report.
