The 17 best ski and snowboard resorts near Chicago

W2501 County Road, Elkhorn, WI, 800-227-9395

Driving time from Chicago: About two hours.

The gist: Winter sports enthusiasts will find plenty of variety at this southern Wisconsin ski resort, which features 20 ski runs, a vertical drop of 388 feet and three terrain parks.

Season dates: Weather permitting.

Ticket to ride: Weekdays $68 (beginner hill $44), weekends and holidays $78 (beginner hill $54); equipment rentals are $51 for a half day and $62 for a full day plus $15 for a helmet.

600 River Rd, Otsego, MI, 269-694-2820

Driving time from Chicago: About two and a half hours.

The gist: Boasting 20 runs, six chairlifts, three wonder carpets and two rope tows, Bittersweet caters to skiers and snowboarders of all ages and abilities. A separate beginner area features three chairlifts and a terrain park. Those looking for a challenge can hit the advanced terrain park, where the features change regularly.

Season dates: Weather permitting.

Ticket to ride: Weekdays $54 (beginner hill $44), Saturdays and holidays $72 (beginner hill $62), Sundays $70 (beginner hill $60), reduced rates available in the evenings; equipment rentals $15–$42.

W10441 Cascade Mountain Rd, Portage, WI, 608-742-5588

Driving time from Chicago: About three hours.

The gist: Kids ages 12 and under ski for free at this Wisconsin resort as long as they're accompanied by an adult—and if you're looking for more family fun, the 900-foot-long snow tubing chute doesn't disappoint.

Season dates: December 7–March 16

Ticket to ride: $79-$99, $69-$89 for ages 13-17, kids under 12 ski free with adult, reduced rates available in the evening; equipment rentals $10–$119.

8700 W Chestnut Rd, Galena, 800-397-1320

Driving time from Chicago: About three hours.

The gist: This resort’s 100-room lodge is situated high on the bluff of Chestnut Mountain, offering breathtaking views of the Mississippi River. Its 475-foot vertical drop runs 3,500 feet through 19 slopes ranging from beginner to black diamond. A conveyor lift, two quad chairs and four triple chairs zip you to the top of the mountain nearly as fast as you go down.

Season dates: Weather permitting.

Ticket to ride: Weekdays $50, weekends and holidays $80; ski/board rental $50, helmet rental $10.

1 Boyne Mountain Rd, Boyne Falls, MI, 855-688-7024

Driving time from Chicago: About five and a half hours.

The gist: Arguably the Midwest’s premier ski destination, this northern Michigan resort is well worth making the long drive from Chicago. There are 65 runs—suitable for all levels of skiers—plus 10 lifts and five terrain parks spread across 415 acres. You can also go snow tubing, ice skating, snowshoeing, horseback riding and more, so there’s no shortage of excitement.

Season dates: November-April.

Ticket to ride: $45-$112, evenings $29-$56; equipment rentals $63.

227200 Snowbird Ave, Wausau, WI, 715-845-2846

Driving time from Chicago: About four hours.

The gist: This legendary Wisconsin resort dates back to 1937 and is one of the oldest in the country. Located within Rib Mountain State Park, it spans more than 400 acres and sports more than 60 runs, three terrain parks and seven lifts. Granite Peak is also the tallest ski area in Wisconsin, with a 700-foot vertical drop.

Season dates: December 6-April 6.

Ticket to ride: $87-$119, evenings $20-$49; equipment rentals $10-$95.

12500 Crystal Mountain Dr, Thompsonville, MI, 855-995-5146

Driving time from Chicago: About five hours.

The gist: This northern Michigan destination has it all: 59 downhill slopes for skiing and snowboarding, six chairlifts, two carpet tows, three terrain parks, seven wooded glade areas and a learning area. NASTAR racing is offered Thursday through Sunday and private and group snowsports lessons are available daily. Off-slope activities include cross-country skiing, ice skating and snowshoeing. Accommodations include luxury suites, hotel rooms, condos and resort homes.

Season dates: December 6-April 6.

Ticket to ride: Day passes start at $64; full equipment rentals start at $30.

S6330 Bluff Rd, Merrimac, WI, 608-493-2204

Driving time from Chicago: About three hours.

The gist: This South Central Wisconsin ski resort located in the Baraboo Bluffs contains one of the highest mountains in Wisconsin, with a 500-foot vertical rise. At 300 acres, it's also the third-largest resort of its kind in the Midwest.

Season dates: Weather permitting.

Ticket to ride: Weekdays $85, evenings $40, weekends and holidays $95; equipment rental $52 or $15 for just a helmet.

444 Eagle Ridge Drive, Galena, 815-777-5000

Driving time from Chicago: About two and a half hours.

The gist: This resort offers complimentary transportation to the nearby Chestnut Mountain for skiing, though if you want to have some winter fun onsite you can take advantage of the Nordic Center, which offers sledding, ice skating and snowshoeing. Warm up around a bonfire or with a relaxing treatment at the 12,000-square-foot Stonedrift Spa.

Season dates: Weather permitting.

Ticket to ride: Equipment rentals $12 for sleds, $15 for skates, $20 for snowshoes.

5750 Lakeside Dr, Lisle, 630-964-2550

Driving time from Chicago: About one hour.

The gist: With an "anyone can do it" attitude, beginners can learn to navigate Four Lakes Alpine Snowsports' slopes in no time. These hills in the western ’burbs consist of two bunny slopes, a terrain park, an intermediate trail and an advanced trail.

Season dates: Weather permitting.

Ticket to ride: Daily slope tickets $26-$34; equipment rentals $23 for skis, $33 for boards, $10 for helmets.

7036 Grand Geneva Way, Lake Geneva, WI, 262-248-8811

Driving time from Chicago: About one and a half hours.

The gist: The beginner- and family-friendly resort offers 21 runs, a 211-foot vertical, a six-acre terrain park, three chairlifts, two carpet lifts, and skiing and snowboarding lessons. You can also enjoy cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and sledding. Warm up by the fireplace at the mountaintop lodge while watching other skiers rush past.

Season dates: Opens December 14.

Ticket to ride: Weekdays $60, weekends and holidays $75; rentals $10 for helmets, $50 for skis or snowboards.

16991 Asbury Rd, Dubuque, IA, 563-556-6676

Driving time from Chicago: About three and a half hours.

The gist: This beautiful mountain, which overlooks 100 square miles of countryside, takes you down through a century-old cedar forest reminiscent of Colorado or Wyoming. With 21 trails, two terrain parks, a kids park, and ski and snowboarding lessons, you’ll find something fun for any age or skill level at this resort.

Season dates: Weather permitting.

Ticket to ride: $45-$68; equipment rentals $8–$42.

13421 Mann St, Jones, MI, 269-244-5635

Driving time from Chicago: About two hours.

The gist: This southwest Michigan mainstay (it’s been in business for more than 50 years) features 12 slopes, two terrain parks, a 225-foot vertical drop and a fireside lounge. Adults and kids can join a racing program and celebrate after with a hot drink. The ski and snowboarding schools offer lessons for all abilities and there’s a full service ski and board shop to get you outfitted with everything you need.

Season dates: Mid-December to mid-March, weather permitting.

Ticket to ride: Weekdays $45, evenings $40, weekends and holidays $59; equipment rental $35 plus $15 for a helmet.

1 Caberfae Ln, Cadillac, MI, 231-862-3000

Driving time from Chicago: About four and a half hours.

The gist: Located in northern Michigan’s snowbelt, Caberfae Peaks boasts 27 runs and three peaks, with a 485-foot drop. Once you’re done on the slopes, head to the Mackenzie Lodge and warm up by the fire or in the outdoor heated pool and hot tub.

Season dates: December 13-March 31.

Ticket to ride: Mon-Tue $49, Wed-Fri $54, Sat $79, Sun $64; $44 for equipment rentals.

07500 23 1/2 St, Gobles, MI, 269-694-9449

Driving time from Chicago: About two and a half hours.

The gist: This Michigan ski hill has been around for over 60 years. Visitors can take advantage of an expanded snow tubing park with nine lanes and a moving sidewalk lift. The mountain also offers multiple beginner hills, wooded trails, three terrain parks, group and private lessons and a race league.

Season dates: Weather permitting.

Ticket to ride: Weekdays $50, evenings $47, weekends and holidays $62; equipment rentals $40, $15 for helmets.

11931 W Fox River Rd, Wilmot, WI 630-289-1000

Driving time from Chicago: About one and a half hours.

The gist: Wilmot Mountain offers 120 acres outfitted with 25 trails, three terrain parks and 10 lifts, ensuring that beginners and experts alike will feel at home. Not so keen on skiing and snowboarding? Try out the resort's 22-lane snow tubing set up.

Season dates: December-March

Ticket to ride: $86-$117.

1401 W Lake St, Bartlett, 630-289-1000

Driving time from Chicago: About an hour.

The gist: This local slope run by the Bartlett Park District, which makes its own snow, features seven downhill runs, a quad chair lift and six rope tows, plus snow tubing. Equipment is available to rent and you can warm up at the cafe.

Season dates: Weather permitting.