Heading out on a Wisconsin ski trip? Granite Peak Ski Area is a favorite among many, locals and travelers alike! You don’t have to be an expert skier to enjoy a weekend on the slopes. From restaurants and bars to spas and snowball fights, there’s always something for everyone to enjoy. These 10 best apres ski activities near Granite Peak will cap off the perfect winter weekend with memories to last forever.
Trade your ski poles for fishing poles and head to Lake Wausau for some renowned ice fishing. Ice fishing always draws a big crowd when the lake fully freezes over; be sure to check with local authorities to make sure the lake is sound. Throw a line to the bottom of the lake to catch panfish, northern pike, bass, walleye, and musky. It’ll certainly be a relaxing way to kick back after hitting the slopes!
After a day of skiing, change your scenery and check out some colorful artwork at the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum. Open until 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 5 p.m. on weekends, this is the perfect place to gain some culture and appreciation for the artistic side of Wausau. You’ll be so mesmerized by the artwork that you won’t want to leave.
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If you’ve been skiing at Granite Peak and need a break, take a trip to Blades and Boards for a unique weekend activity. Perfect for date night or family time, you can test your hatchet throwing skills in a safe environment. They offer an assortment of beverages and light snacks for purchase, or you can bring your own food and make an evening of it.
Handcrafted wines and wine-making supplies are worth the stop, but you’ll want to sit and sip awhile in their tasting room. They also have a Cheese Shoppe on-site, along with other handcrafted items like jewelry and locally made products.
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If wine isn’t your drink of choice, there’s a great brewery nearby serving up icy cold craft beer. They offer occasional tours of the brewery where you can see all the magic happen. It’s the perfect way to unwind after a long day of carving the slopes at Granite Peak.
If you’re skiing at Granite Peak, you won’t have the benefit of staying on property, but with a place like Grand Lodge Hotel + Waterpark nearby, that won’t be a problem. You can book your stay here as part of a ski & stay package that gives you great discounts on both. The resort offers a heated indoor waterpark, on-site restaurants, and cushy rooms. There’s so much happening here you might never make it to the ski slopes!
This natural approach to health and wellness is just what you need to soothe sore ski muscles. They offer a variety of massage techniques to whisk away your achiness, or simply to help you unwind and enjoy your weekend.
To complete your experience at Granite Peak, head to this cozy candy store and get your sugar rush on. This sweet shop offers hand-dipped ice cream, chocolates, coffees and espressos, herbal teas, and other goodies that are simply satisfying. It’s a chill spot for warming up after a day of skiing and reconnecting with your group.
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If you’ve been to Willow Springs Garden, you know that they go all out for the winter season. They don’t fear the snow, they thrive in it. From dog sled races and horse-drawn sleigh rides to dinners and live entertainment, they have it all. Check their schedule to see if you’ll be in town for one of their events, or ahead to book a sleigh ride, where you’ll be taken through the woods to a cozy campfire with hot cocoa waiting for you. There is nothing cozier to follow up a skiing adventure.
People call this place a local gem, and once you enter, you’ll understand why. You’ll be joined by friendly folks, live music, delicious daily specials, a great beer selection, and more. The menu is always changing, but you can expect elevated classic dishes like breaded pork loin, German potato salad, and gyros to name a few. After a day flying down Granite Peak head to this gem for some well-deserved drinks, a game of pool, sounds by local musicians, and an all-around great time.
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Alli Hill is a freelance content writer and mom of two. She spends most of her free time exploring the great outdoors by trail or by kayak. She is also the founder and director of FreelanceSpeak, a blog to support other freelance creatives.
