7 Best Spots for Snowboarding and Skiing Near Chicago

Shake off the icicles, grab your board or skis and get ready to hit the slopes for some skiing near Chicago. With the winter season in full effect, it’s the perfect time to bundle up and embrace the freedom of flying down some of Chicagoland’s finest ski hills.

Shred and Slide Near the Windy City: Top Spots for Chicago Snowboarding & Skiing

Let’s face it: we can always count on at least three solid months of snowy conditions here in the Windy City. So why not get out an embrace it? Our list of the best skiing and snowboarding hills in Chicago will breakdown some of the highlights of each mountain including difficulty, number of slopes, terrain parks and more.

Read on for our list of the seven best spots for snowboarding and skiing near Chicago! We’ve even included a handy interactive map to help you start planning your Chicago skiing adventure now!

Use the Interactive Map of the Best Snowboarding and Skiing Near Chicago

Click on the map below to go to an interactive Google map to help you plan your trip to one of these amazing snowboarding and skiing resorts near Chicago.

Alpine Hills Adventure Park: Tubing, Bonfires, and Winter Adventure at Alpine Hills

Address: 4402 Larson Ave. Rockford, IL 61108
Distance from Chicago: About 90 minutes via Interstate-90

Alpine Hills Adventure Park is a five-acre snow park, perfect for those who are looking to get out of the house and practice some of their favorite tricks on the terrain park. They make their own snow here, so you don’t have to worry if there isn’t natural snow on the ground: you can be sure there is snow here!

Don’t have skis or a board? No problem. Rent with ease at the Alpine Hills adventure park. Bonus – Tubing is also available here. THis is one of the most populat spots for skiing near Chicago,

Winter Fun for Everyone: Skiing, Snowboarding, & Tubing at Villa Olivia

Address: 1401 W Lake St., Bartlett, IL 60103
Distance from Chicago: About 45 minutes via I-290

Just an hour west of the city, Villa Olivia is a great spot for skiiers and snowboarders looking stretch their legs down some exciting and challenging trails. With over seven different slopes and a terrain park, this hill can keep you out there all day. Featuring two different tubing runs, this hill has something for everyone.

EXPERT TIP: Never skied before but want to learn? Villa Olivia offers both ski and snowboard lessons for all ages with patient instructors. Taking lessons from experts helps you start off right and also teaches you important ski etiquette and how to enter and exit the chairlift.

Four Lakes Alpine Snowsports: Unleash Your Tricks at Four Lakes’ Unique Terrain Park

Address: 5750 Lakeside Dr, Lisle, IL 60532
Distance from Chicago: 40 minutes west of the city via I-55

Looking for a thrill? Four Lakes Alpine Snowsports boasts five different trails including The Alley, a terrain park uniquely outfitted with 10 features that rotate throughout the winter. Features here include a Corrugated Pipe, Flatbar Rail, Wide Box, Skinny RQ Box and more.

You an take lessons here, too, and they often host special events like Super Snofest, held anually in mid-February. Be sure to check the site regularly for openings as this hill tends to open later in the season.

Wilmot Mountain Ski Resort: Family Fun & Weekend Escape near Chicago

Address: 11931 Fox River Rd, Wilmot, WI 53192
Distance from Chicago: About 75 minutes north of the city via I-94 in Wisconsin

Relaxation and elegance meets excitement and action-packed fun at Wilmot Mountain Ski Resort. The perfect weekend getaway for those looking to forget the hustle and bustle of the city and relax in Wisconsin’s green countryside.

This is one of my favorite places to escape the city in winter. With 11 slopes, terrain parks and two tubing runs, and more, there is something for everyone in the family. be sur eto check out their events calendar for special winter activities at the Mountain like Kringle Time, Glow Nights, and special race events.

Alpine Valley Resort: Push Your Limits and Conquer Challenging Runs

Address: W2501 Co Rd D, Elkhorn, WI 53121
Distance from City: 90 minutes north of the city in Wisconsin

Find your snowy paradise at Alpine Valley Resort, with 12 uniquely challenging runs that will keep you on the slopes all day. Try out new tricks and hit some jumps at their terrain park. Dine in elegance at the Alpine Bistro or relax at the resort, with 110 comfortable rooms at the base of the hill.

Alpine Valley is very family-friendly, and the hotel has an infoor heated pool as well as an outdoor pool for apres-ski fun. There’s also an arcade-style game room above the lobby and a T.V./movie room just off of the lobby.

The Rock Snowpark: Affordable Snow Fun Just an Hour & a Half Away

Address: 7011 S Ballpark Dr, Franklin, WI 53132
Distance from City: 90 minutes north of the city via I-94

About an hour and a half from Chicago, sits exciting and affordable Rock Snowpark. Outfitted with eight slopes, including tons of beginners runs and a terrain park, this hill is great for any skill level. Not into skiing and snowboarding? Try Glow Tubing, The Rock’s tubing attraction has many runs and is lit up with colors in the nighttime.

EXPERT TIP: This is another great place to learn to ski. The Rock offers a “Terrain Based Learning” approach to skiing and snowboarding that makes learning to ski easiet by using specifically shaped snow features to naturally control speed and body position. According to the Rock, “Terrain Based Learning removes the traditional fears and anxieties associated with your first time sliding on snow, allowing you to focus purely on the fun.”

The Mountain Top at Grand Geneva: Escape the Hustle & Bustle, Relax & Rejuvenate

Address: 7036 Grand Geneva Way, Lake Geneva, WI 53147
Distance from City: 90 minutes north of the city via I-94

Another great weekend getaway, the Grand Geneva Resort and Spa is a snowsport fanatic’s dream. With 20 slopes, ice skating, sledding, cross country and snowshoe trails, there is an attraction for any and everyone.

If you don’t feel like hitting the slopes, that’s ok too. You can enjoy Lake Geneva ice skating and sledding, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. And if you are not looking to be out in the cold, relax at the resort and try one of the soothing spa amenities like a relaxing massage or facial.

EXPERT TIP: Looking to get a little further away? Check out this guide to the best ski resorts in Michigan.

With seven fantastic choices for the winter around the Chicagoland area, there is no excuse not to hit the slopes this season an do some skiing near Chicago. Whether it’s a terrain park, long, winding slopes or tubing this list has you covered. Be sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook @Littlechicagoguide and let us know which of these were your favorite.

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