Wisconsin Ski Spots

Making a Mountain Out of a Molehill

For those used to skiing the slopes “out west”, or “overseas”, skiing Wisconsin might seem a little tame. While the state does not boast runs that take hours to traverse, it has a lot to offer every skill level and all families.

Alpine Valley (www.alpinevalleyresort.com), a popular destination for Wisconsin and northern Illinois residents, offers a 388’ vertical drop and 12 runs that range from beginner to expert. Approximately 40% of the terrain is deemed beginner, another 40% intermediate, and the remaining 20% advanced. Twenty chair lifts are available for use, including a newer high speed quad lift. Snowboarders and skiers are welcome and there are several tow areas that are a great place for boarders and/or beginning skiers.

Crystal Ridge (www.crystalridge.com) is conveniently located approximately 10 minutes from downtown Milwaukee. The 225’ vertical drop makes it accessible to all skill levels. Five lifts operate to take skiers to 10 different trails. Beginner runs comprise 20% of the hill, 50% are intermediate, and 30% are advanced. The hill is generally not too crowded, and has friendly staff.

Grand Geneva’s (www.grandgeneva.com) location roughly mid-way between Milwaukee and Chicago make it an easy and quick weekend destination for both cities. Families especially love the friendly and helpful staff. Best of all, when the weather outside is truly “frightful” as the song goes, if you are a guest of the hotel it’s just as much fun to stay inside and play in the indoor water park. The vertical drop is 211’, there are 5 lifts servicing 15 runs. The runs are geared 30% to beginners, 40% to intermediate, and 30% to advanced. The view from the hill and lifts is very scenic and with 100% snowmaking ability, there is a chance that they’ll be open and operating every weekend, with or without mother nature’s deliverance of snow.