One may not always think first of the Midwest when it comes to excellent skiing options. In Indiana and surrounding states, you’ll find luxurious resorts and wonderfully-maintained slopes perfect for a family getaway. If you’re considering a family skiing vacation this year, put these 10 destinations on your list!
One might not think that Indiana would be known for its skiing but believe it or not, the Corn State offers not one, but two, ski resorts. The first destination is Paoli Peaks, located in southern Indiana. Paoli Peaks has been the go-to destination in Indiana for skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing since it first opened in 1978. If it’s your first time skiing, never fear. Paoli Peaks offers lessons for beginners, including the kids. They also offer what are known as “adaptive” lessons in which those with disabilities can experience the thrill of snow sports as well!
The next stop for skiing in Indiana is Perfect North Slopes in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. The resort is located on the southeastern side of Indiana, almost near the Indiana/Ohio border, and it offers some of the most beautiful slopes one could imagine. There are dozens of trails to choose from, some more difficult than others but all trails are marked with colored flags. A race course is also available, as well as a food court stand, equipment rental shop, and so much more! The resort also offers lessons for beginners and those with disabilities.
When you visit Mad River Mountain Ski Resort in Zanesfield, Ohio, the first thing on your list should be the Avalanche Tubing Park. Featuring 10 lanes at 1,000 feet long, it’s Ohio’s largest tubing park! Visitors can also partake in the adult race league, junior race program, or the NASTAR, which stands for national standard race and is the largest grassroots ski racing program in the world. It’s designed for all ages, it’s fun, competitive, and easily accessible. This is a great way for racers of all ages and abilities to compare their results with other competitors across the country. Be sure to check it out.
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Another great place to go skiing in Ohio is the Boston Mills Brandywine Ski Resort in Peninsula, Ohio. At this resort, night skiing is a popular activity, as is taking a shot at the Tiger Run, which is the steepest slope in the state. Be sure to check out their Women’s Snow Discovery, which is skiing and snowboarding lessons for women. Enjoy camaraderie in a laid-back environment as you learn to ski and snowboard. Want to learn some fancy new tricks? Be sure to check out the resort’s Freestyle Boot Camp, where you can learn airs, grabs, spins, and more!
Welcome to your second home! Located near Chicago with an amazing view of the Mississippi River is the Chestnut Mountain Resort in Galena, Illinois. The resort is open year-round (even during the summer) and there are so many activities to participate in! Plow through Chestnut’s 19 ski slopes and snowboarding trails and let your cares fall away. The resort gives visitors a fantastic view of the mountain’s 475-foot vertical drop, and 3,500-foot slopes. And not to worry. The resort even offers “Powder Playcare” for those who have children too young to be out on the slopes.
Another great place for skiing in Illinois is Four Lakes Alpine Snowsports. The resort has been in operation for over 50 years. Four Lakes is the place to learn, enjoy, and challenge yourself. Here at Four Lakes, it’s all about the “anyone can do” attitude. Their amazing staff is available and ready to teach visitors how to ski or snowboard and before you take off, they have all visitors go through Snowsports School to ensure you are properly prepared! Come for a weekend getaway, bring the Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts, or have your next birthday party here!
Michigan is well known for its abundance of snow and ski resorts. The first place on your list should be Swiss Valley Jones Ski and Snowboard Area. The resort opened in 1968 and started with 122 pairs of rental skis. Now, they have over 2,000 pairs of rental skis and over 500 snowboards to offer visitors. The resort now offers four rope tows, two quads, and one triple chairlift. Night skiing is also popular in this area. Come into the Fireside Lounge after a long day of skiing or snowboarding and unwind with live music and of course a great cup of hot chocolate! Be sure to check out their Progressive Lessons which teach advanced skiers and boarders everything from dance floor, park etiquette, storm drain and more!
Another great place for skiing in Michigan is Boyne Mountain Resort in Boyne Falls. The resort is one of many owned by Boyne, and offers 60 slopes and trails for some fantastic skiing this season. The longest slope is one mile, but the entire resort itself is situated on over 400 acres. Take a lesson from one of their Austrian-led ski school instructors. When you’re done with that, check out the zip lines and sail over the gorgeous white blanketed ground.
One of the best places for skiing is at the Mon du Lac Resort in Superior, Wisconsin, where memories are made. The resort is just 15 minutes south of Duluth, and the resort is a sight to behold. Naturally sculpted by glaciers and nestled among what could only be described as the enchanted forest, this resort is charming and unique, and offers spectacular views of the St. Louis river and Jay Cooke State Park. The longest run here is 3,000 feet. The resort offers eight runs, two-man chair lifts, high-speed tow ropes, and tow rope for the Beginner’s Hill where young and old alike learn to ski.
Nordic Mountain in Wild Rose, Wisconsin, is the best place for beginners! The resort offers an 80-foot conveyor lift and the ground is shaped to lead you back to the bottom of that same lift. After that is the 200-foot conveyor, which will then take beginners through a course to learn how to control their speed. As you advance to the next steps, you’ll gain confidence and ability and feel as though you are ready to conquer the mountain’s 18 runs! After a long day of learning to ski, be sure to stop in at Nordy’s Pub and have a great beer, followed by some amazing fries and a quick snack!
