Wisconsin's Must-Visit Ski Hills
There’s a good reason why the parking lots at many of Wisconsin’s ski areas are filled with cars from Illinois, Minnesota and Iowa. The Badger State has more than 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 searching for an adrenaline-packed outing with friends, Wisconsin has a huge array of hills perfect for any and all skill levels. Read on to find your next winter adventure destination.
Wilmot Mountain - Kenosha County
Originally opened in 1938, Wilmot Mountain has been a beloved snow sports destination for over eight decades. Right on the Wisconsin Illinois border, it’s the perfect spot to escape from the city and spend quality time getting fresh winter air with family and friends. The resort was recently bought by Vail Resorts, who made major renovations that mirror its epic sister resorts in the Rockies out west. Improvements include a state-of-the-art ski and snowboard learning center for beginners, four terrain parks with challenging features, and three new quad chairlifts to transport guests back up from the 25 trails.
For family fun with no learning curve, try out the 22 lanes in the tubing area with two surface conveyor lifts for maximum hours of fun. Tubing concessions like hot chocolate are served at the base of the hill for easy snacking, or you can fill up beforehand at the resort’s Ski Hi Grill or Walt’s Tavern for pizza and cheese curds.
Granite Peak - Wausau
Endless adventures await you and your crew at the largest Ski Resort in the Midwest! With over 200 acres and more than 60 runs, Granite Peak takes advantage of Rib Mountain, a geological wonder that’s 2 billion years old. Hop on Wisconsin’s only 6-pack high speed chairlift to buzz up the mountain before skiing or snowboarding down 700 vertical feet. Snowboarders will love the four exciting terrain parks, and everyone will love snacking by the fire outside the Sundance Chalet and Grill.
Devil's Head - Merrimac
Nestled in the Baraboo Bluffs formed by ancient glaciers, Devil’s Head is a full-service ski resort in south central Wisconsin popular with travelers from Chicago and beyond. Full-service here means 30 incredible runs for all skill levels, six quad chair lifts and two magic carpets, tons of room options from luxurious private condos to rustic lodge rooms and multiple bars and restaurants onsite. And who could forget the indoor pool and hot tubs perfect for relaxing after a long day on the slopes?
The resort is open year-round but shines in the winter when the 300 acres of skiable terrain are groomed for ultimate fun and memory-making with friends.
Whitecap Mountain - Upson
The lake effect from Lake Superior supplies the Whitecap Mountains Resort with an average of 200 inches of snow each season, making this Northwoods resort a one-of-a-kind winter getaway worth taking. Glide down one of the three ancient Penokee Mountains spread out over 400 acres with diverse terrain that will keep you and your friends entertained at every turn. Ski right into your room at the Austrian village-style hotel or book a private home and bring the whole family along. Even non-skiers can explore designated snowshoe trails and ice fishing and ice skating on nearby Weber Lake.
Tyrol Basin - Mount Horeb
Just 20 miles west of Madison, Tyrol Basin is famous for its thrilling lit up night skiing and 12 tubing lanes, as well as an impressive terrain park that stretches over three runs and includes numerous rails, jumps and other features. The quintessential Wisconsin destination, the main lodge is a repurposed 100-year-old dairy barn that offers Friday Night fish frys and 14 beers on tap to keep the fun going for as long as possible. Get your crew together and try out their 21 runs for every skill level or bring a first-timer friend for ski or snowboard lessons and discover a new winter hobby!
Mt. La Crosse - La Crosse
Perched on top of the Mississippi River Bluffs, Mt. La Crosse has runs that range from the gentle Mileway all the way to Damnation, an experts-only double black diamond run with a 516-foot vertical drop. Take your pick of the eighteen trails day or night and try the terrain park for extra excitement. No day on the slopes is complete without filling up on tasty food afterwards, and you and your people can do just that at the rustic chalet with an award-winning bar. Cheers!
Cascade Mountain - Portage
Bring the kids with you to Cascade Mountain and they’ll ski for free if they’re 12 years old or under. Once there, you all can take a ski lesson or visit Tube Town and fly down fifteen 800-foot-long chutes for some hilly thrills. With 48 ski and snowboarding runs and 11 lifts as well as three terrain parks, there’s truly something for everyone in your group here. And snacks are never in short supply, with six different food and drink locations on the premises including the Cookout, perfect for roasting brats and warming cold hands.
The downhill adventures don't end here. Wisconsin's downhill skiing and snowboarding options exist in every corner of the state! Keep up-to-date on hill conditions with the Wisconsin Snow Report.
