Best Ski Resorts in Wisconsin

Photo Credit: Granite Peak Ski Area

1. Granite Peak-Wausau, WI

Granite Peak, situated in Rib Mountain State Park in north central Wisconsin, stands as the state’s oldest ski resort and largest. Boasting an authentic ski town atmosphere with over 85 years of history, Granite Peak keeps things fresh with modern amenities and upgraded lifts and equipment, including the only six pack lift in the state. The resort has two chalets offering food, beverages, and full bars with live music on weekends. Granite Peak is a sister resort to Lutsen Mountains on Minnesota’s North Shore and Snowriver Mountain Resort on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. A Legendary Pass Product allows access to all three resorts. While Granite Peak doesn’t have on-site accommodations, there’re many lodging options nearby.

Highlights:
- Largest ski resort in the state
- 400 combined acres of diverse terrain, 68 trails, three terrain parks, and seven designated tree skiing areas
- Highest vertical drop in the state at 700 feet
- Quick lifts and lines, well-groomed trails, and well-maintained facilities

Drawbacks:
- No ski-in/ski-out accommodations
- Lift tickets pricier compared to other ski resorts in the state

Nearby Lodging:
- Owl Ridge Cabin Wausau
- Jefferson Street Inn Wausau
- Hilton Garden Inn Wausau
- Courtyard by Marriott Wausau
- Hampton Inn Wausau

Closest Airports:
Central Wisconsin Airport – 13 miles (about a 15-minute drive)

Photo Credit: Granite Peak Ski Area

2. Cascade Mountain - Portage, WI

Cascade Mountain located in Portage, South Central Wisconsin, is a premier Midwest day trip ski resort. It overlooks the I-90/I-94 interstate, situated between Madison and the Wisconsin Dells. It’s just a three-hour drive from Chicago, less than two hours from Milwaukee, 30 minutes from Madison, and only 25 minutes from the Wisconsin Dells. Cascade is a terrain park haven, offering excitement and challenges for all levels of riders. A bonus perk of this family-friendly resort is kids 12 and under ski free with a purchased adult ticket. You can grab post-slope eats at the Peak Café and Bar, Daisy Café, or Outdoor Cookout. While Cascade doesn’t have on-site accommodations, there’re abundant lodging options nearby, including the Wisconsin Dells waterparks.

Highlights:
- 48 trails, maximum vertical drop at 460 feet
- Well-equipped terrain parks-some of the best in the state
- Snow tube park
- Kids 12 and under ski free with purchase of an adult ticket

Drawbacks:
- May feel crowded at times
- No ski-in/ski-out accommodations

Nearby Lodging:
- Sundara Inn & Spa Wisconsin Dells
- Wilderness Resort Wisconsin Dells
- Kalahari Resort Wisconsin Dells
- Graduate Madison
- The Edgewater Madison

Closest Airports:
- Dane County Regional Airport in Madison - 34 miles (35-minute drive)
- General Mitchell International Airport in Milwaukee-112 miles (less than 2-hour drive)
- Chicago Midway International Airport-185 miles (3-hour drive)

3. Devil’s Head Resort - Merrimac, WI

Devil’s Head is a full-service ski resort adjacent to the popular Devil’s Lake State Park in South Central Wisconsin. It’s nestled in the beautiful Baraboo bluffs and borders the iconic Ice Age National Scenic Trail. This is a popular spot amongst city dwellers and families seeking a winter getaway. The resort is less than an hour drive from Madison, one hour and 45-minute drive from Milwaukee, and a three-hour drive from Chicago. Devil’s Head offers diverse terrain and attracts laid-back skiers and snowboarders with long and wide trails-the longest stretching one-and-a-half miles. Choose from simple hotel rooms to spacious condos for your on-site stay. Ski-in/ski-out convenience lets you unwind by the outdoor firepit or indulge in local après-ski delights: dining, drinks, and live entertainment.

Highlights:
- Ski-in/ski-out accommodations
- 30 runs; runs are long and wide; highest vertical drop at 500 feet
- Well-equipped terrain park
- Beautiful views and plenty of off-slope activities, including a three and a half-mile cross-country loop trail on the resort’s Glacier Golf Course and snowshoeing at Devil’s Lake State Park

Drawbacks:
- Good terrain but limited options for advanced skiers seeking more difficulty

Closest airports:
- Dane County Regional Airport in Madison-40 miles (50-minute drive)

Photo Credit: Devil's Head Resort

4. Whitecap Mountains Resort - Upson, WI

Whitecap Mountains is set in the hilly wilderness straddling Northern Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, affectionately known as the “snowbelt” of Lake Superior. This four-season resort in Big Snow Country flies under the radar and exudes a down-to-earth, woodsy lakeside atmosphere. With 43 groomed trails winding through 400 acres across the Penokee mountain range, Whitecap receives an annual dump of 200 inches of fresh lake-effect snow each season. The resort offers a secluded winter wonderland perfect for those who crave a quieter experience. It’s family-friendly, has trails for every ability, lift tickets are affordable, and the location provides consistent snowy conditions. Cap off your adventure with après-ski at the one-of-a-kind Wine Hut, a Midwest gem for drinks, bites, and a shotski!

Highlights:
-Ski-in/ski-out accommodations (newly renovated rooms)
- Consistent lake-effect snow
- One of the state’s largest ski resorts- 400 acres of diverse terrain with 43 runs facing nearly 360 degrees and a maximum vertical drop at 400ft
- Uncrowded, laid-back Northwoods vibe
- Other winter activities nearby: snowmobiling, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, and ice skating

Drawbacks:
- Remote location

Closest airports:
- Gogebic -Iron County Airport in Ironwood, Michigan-19 miles (30-minute drive)
- Rhinelander-Oneida County Airport in Rhinelander, Wisconsin- 92 miles (one hour 45-minute drive)
- Duluth International Airport in Duluth, Minnesota- 112 miles (two hour 15-minute drive)

5. Christie Mountain - Bruce, WI

Tucked away in the Blue Hills of Northwestern Wisconsin, Christie Mountain is a family-owned ski destination that offers something for everyone: well-maintained runs for all abilities, exciting terrain parks, a snow tube park, and even free skiing for little learners. Carve through the woods, refuel with snacks, meals, and beverages on-site, and cozy up in the charming four-season log cabin rental on the property—all without the crowds of bigger resorts and at a great value. Experience the Wisconsin Northwoods at its finest, and if you’re lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of the Blue Hills Beast.

Highlights:
- Big fun, small scale
- 21 runs, maximum vertical drop at 350 feet
- T bar lift (a rare sight) for a historical backcountry experience
- Four progressive terrain parks
- Snow tube park

Drawbacks:
- Remote location

Nearby Lodging:
- Northern Boundaries Cabin Rental at Christie Mountain
- Canoe Bay Chetek
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Rice Lake

Closest airports:
- Chippewa Valley Regional Airport – 60 miles (one hour 10-minute drive)
- Minneapolis-Saint Paul Airport – 129 miles (two hour 25-minute drive)

6. Alpine Valley Resort - Elkhorn, WI

Alpine Valley is a haven for all-season adventures. This family-friendly resort boasts convenient access near Milwaukee (40 minutes) and Chicago (one and a half hours). Despite its cozy size, Alpine Valley packs a punch with over 100 skiable acres, catering to skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Fuel up for fun at your choice of dining options: grab a quick bite at the indoor café, unwind with a weekend BBQ at the outdoor bar and grill, or savor lighter fare and cocktails at the Valley View Lounge. For a more refined experience, the Alpine Bistro awaits. While the resort offers slope side lodging with 110 rooms, take note of their seasonal closure in the early winter. Summer brings legendary concerts at the neighboring Alpine Valley Music Theatre, a top American amphitheater.

Highlights:
- Ski-in/ski-out accommodations
- Reputable ski school – great for beginners
- Affordable lift tickets
- 20 runs ranging from beginner to expert and three terrain parks

Drawbacks:
- Hotel seasonal closure (November through Christmas)

Other Nearby Lodging:
- Grand Geneva Resort & Spa
- Holiday Inn Club Vacations at Lake Geneva Resort
- Harbor Shores on Lake Geneva
- The Ridge Hotel Lake Geneva
- Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark

Closest Airports:
- General Mitchell International Airport – 37 miles (40-minute drive)

7. Mt. La Crosse - La Crosse, WI

Mt. La Crosse is a small but mighty ski hill nestled in the stunning bluffs of La Crosse. It is home to the steepest ski hill in the state, 'Damnation,' and features challenging terrain, making it the chosen venue for the annual state high school ski and snowboard championships. Established in 1959, Mt. La Crosse is steeped in tradition and offers a welcoming atmosphere suitable for families, with trails catering to all skill levels. After a thrilling day on the slopes, unwind at the St. Bernard Bar, a local favorite for après-ski relaxation.

Highlights:
- Steepest trail in the state at 516 feet
- 100 skiable acres, 19 runs from beginner to advanced, terrain park
- Good place to learn and tune up
­- Well-groomed ski hills and clean facilities
- Affordable lift tickets with weekly specials

Drawbacks:
- No ski-in/ski-out accommodations

Nearby Lodging:
- The Charmant Hotel La Crosse
- Hatchery Riverside Hotel La Crosse
- Courtyard by Marriott La Crosse Downtown/Mississippi Riverfront
- Hampton Inn & Suites La Crosse
- Justin Trails Resort Sparta

Closest Airports:
- La Crosse Regional Airport- 12 miles (less than 30-minute drive)

This best ski resorts in Wisconsin guide provides a glimpse into the enjoyable and diverse skiing in the Badger state. These resorts are equipped with full-service rental shops and ski and ride lessons and typically kick off their season in the northern regions in November, with most resorts opening by December and closing out in March.

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Wisconsin. In need of further inspiration? Check out Lily Zenner’s trip report, Grand Geneva: Making Memories at the Most Diverse Ski Lodge in Wisconsin.