As fall turns to winter, area snowboarding and skiing spots are getting ready to take advantage of plunging temperatures. Plenty of places make their own snow, so even if nature hasn’t provided any, those looking for the best things to do outside this winter should plan on making a day trip to hit the slopes. Lessons for all skill levels and ages are available if you don’t have any experience or are rusty, and many destinations in neighboring states provide excellent options for weekend getaways with spas, restaurants and luxurious hotel rooms. So get a taste of cold weather adventure at the best destinations for skiing and snowboarding near Chicago.
Skiing and snowboarding at these slopes is contingent upon weather conditions. Always call ahead or check resort websites.
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: Full day weekday tickets $76 (beginner hill $57), weekends $90 (beginner hill $67); equipment rentals are $47 for a half-day and $57 for a full-day plus $15 for a helmet.
600 River Rd, Otsego, MI, 269-694-2820
Driving time from Chicago: about 2.5 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: Weekday tickets $54 (beginner hill $44); Saturday and holiday tickets $72 (beginner hill $62), Sunday tickets $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: Opens November 25.
Ticket to ride: $95; kids under 12 ski free with adult; equipment rentals $39–$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.
1 Boyne Mountain Rd, Boyne Falls, MI, 855-688-7024
Driving time from Chicago: about 5.5 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 more than 60 runs—suitable for all levels of skiers—plus 11 lifts and seven terrain parks spread across 400 acres. You can also go snow tubing, ice skating, snowshoeing, horseback riding and more, so there’s no shortage of excitement.
Season dates: December-March.
Ticket to ride: Starts at $59, evening tickets start at $35.
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 200 acres and sports 58 trails, four terrain parks and seven lifts. Granite Peak is also the third tallest ski area in the Midwest, with a 700-foot vertical drop.
Season dates: November 22-April 7.
Ticket to ride: Nov 22-Dec 25, Fri-Sun $85; Dec 26-Apr 7 $109.
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 lessons are available daily. Accommodations include luxury suites, hotel rooms, condos and resort homes.
Season dates: November 24 to April 1.
Ticket to ride: Day passes start at $34; full equipment rentals start at $55.
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.
444 Eagle Ridge Drive, Galena, 815-777-5000
Driving time from Chicago: about 2.5 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 $10 for sleds, $15 for skates, $30 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 the 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 1.5 hours
The gist: The beginner- and family-friendly resort offers 20 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, ice skating, and sledding. Warm up by the fireplace at the mountaintop lodge while watching other skiers rush past.
Season dates: Opens December 16.
Ticket to ride: Mon-Thu $65, Fri-Sun and holidays $70; rentals $10 for helmets, $45 for skis or snowboards.
16991 Asbury Rd, Dubuque, IA, 563-556-6676
Driving time from Chicago: about 3.5 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.
Season dates: Weather permitting.
13421 Mann St, Jones, MI, 269-244-5635
Driving time from Chicago: about two hours
The gist: This southwestern 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. There's also a racing program for adults and kids, a renovated cafe, extra equipment rentals and improved snowmaking. The ski and snowboarding schools offer lessons for all abilities and there’s a full service ski & board shop to get you outfitted with everything you need.
Season dates: Weather permitting.
Ticket to ride: Weekday tickets $45, Saturday and holidays $55, Sunday and holidays $45; equipment rental $30.
1 Caberfae Ln, Cadillac, MI, 231-862-3000
Driving time from Chicago: about 4.5 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 heated pool and hot tub.
Season dates: November 24-March 9.
Ticket to ride: Mon-Tue $44, Wed-Fri $49, Sat $79, Sun $64.
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