Where to Go Snowboarding & Skiing Near Chicago

Kristy Pepping:  Four Lakes offers ski and snowboard fun for all ages and levels. Lessons at the "Snowsports School" will teach you and your kids how to ski and snowboard successfully and safely. Amenities include equipment rentals, lodge with restaurant, bar and cafeteria service, free parking, free WiFi and more.

Kristy Pepping:  Downhill skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing are right here in your backyard. Villa Olivia is just a short drive from anywhere in the Chicago area. With 100% snow making, ski and snowboard lessons for all levels, and rental equipment available, they have something for everyone. The hill includes seven runs, a chairlift, six rope tows, and a tubing hill.

Kristy Pepping:  It may not be traditional skiing or snowboarding, but if your kids love watching ski jumping in the Winter Olympics, check out Norge Ski Club, the oldest, continuously open ski club in the United States. Almost anyone can learn and experience the thrill and enjoyment of ski jumping! If you live in the Chicagoland area and your child wants to try ski jumping, they offer a junior training program. This is a lesson based program, registration required.

Molly Weber:  Wilmot Mountain offers great opportunities for winter family fun, including skiing, snowboarding and tubing. With nearly 120 skiable acres, 25 trails, 7 lifts, 2 surface conveyor lifts and 4 progression terrain parks with a double high speed rope tow, there is enough terrain to challenge experts to beginners, day or night.

Molly Weber:  Pick from skiing, boarding, and snowtubing at The Rock Snow Park. They offer several trails to suit the skill levels of your group. They also offer a variety of lessons, including private lessons, parent and tot lessons and family lesson packs. There is also an onsite dining option with great views to enjoy while you warm up with some hot chocolate and snacks.

Molly Weber:  The Mountain Top at Grand Geneva Resort & Spa boasts 20 downhill ski runs and terrain designed for all ages, groups and abilities. Check out their awesome kid dedicated group skiing lessons, which are tailored to appropriately suit each age group (3-6 and 7-14). There are a variety of restaurant options onsite or nearby to pick from when your family needs a break to refuel before hitting the slopes again!

Molly Weber:   The resort features over 100 acres of ski area with 20 runs and a vertical drop of 388 feet. The longest run is 3,000 feet. What's great about this resort is their beginner's section is enclosed, allowing the less confident and experienced skiers to practice their skills in a safe space. In this same section, there is also a carpet lift, allowing beginners to stand with ease and be pulled to the top of the slope. They also have some pretty cool ski-in/ski-out with a full service bistro!

Molly Weber:  At Cascade Mountain, you can get your winter sports fix with snow tubing, skiing, or snowboarding. They offer lessons for all ages, from first timers to racing.

Molly Weber:  Tyrol Basin has 22 different slopes and over 40 acres while still maintaining a quaint atmosphere for visitors. They offer both private and group skiing and snowboarding lessons as well as winter camps.

Molly Weber:  This resort has some highly sought after slopes for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. They are very family friendly and have a great learn to ski or snowboard program featuring station teaching to allow students to learn the basic fundamentals at their own pace!

Kristy Pepping:  Chestnut Mountain’s slopes are meant for all levels of skiers and boarders to enjoy. Their 475-foot vertical drop meanders 3,500 feet through 19 runs, ranging from novice to black diamond. They have two quad chairs, four triple chairs, two conveyor lifts and one surface lift to get you back up to the top. It is also one of the top-rated Midwest snowboard parks, containing more than 25 rails and an array of features! Be sure to check out their lessons and programs for all ability levels.

Molly Weber:  Here, you can participate in skiing, snowboarding, tubing and even snowshoeing (which is free of charge if you bring your own snowshoes!). Ski lessons are available for all age and experience levels!

Molly Weber:  Home to Wisconsin's longest run, this resort offers the widest variety of skiing and snowboarding terrain in the Midwest. Mt. La Crosse’s eighteen slopes and trails are serviced by three double chairlifts and one rope tow. Aside from the excellent recreational options, you can take advantage of their onsite dining and drink service while taking in some wonderful views. They offer a variety of lessons for all ages, including a family series for the family that wants to learn to ski together!