Many flock to Wisconsin when ski season finally comes around, and there’s a good reason why so many in the Midwest choose the Badger State as their place to hit the slopes.
Wisconsin has more than two dozen ski resorts, most of which offer the best skiing and accommodations around, and this guide will break down all you need to know about where to go, what to bring, and how to make the most out of your next Wisconsin ski trip.
Wisconsin Ski Guide
Gear Needed to Ski in Wisconsin
If you’ve decided to try your luck at skiing in Wisconsin, you will need to prepare a few things in advance. Winters can reach below freezing temperatures, so we recommend full snow gear: snow pants, a water and wind-resistant, full-zip, insulated ski jacket, thermal or silk underclothes, mittens (these keep your fingers warmer than gloves) and a hat.
While not absolutely necessary, a scarf/neck gaiter that you can pull up over your chin and nose while cruising down the slopes is another great gear accessory for keeping the wind out of your face and your cheeks from turning into ice cubes.
The following are ski gear items that you can either 1) purchase on your own or 2) rent from the ski hill’s shop: skis, boots, poles, and a helmet.
An article of clothing to go along with boots are ski socks, which are thicker and longer than normal socks and help prevent blisters, give your ankles support, and keep your toes extra warm.
Ski goggles are optional, but when skiing at fast speeds, the bitter wind can often be an annoying eye irritator, which goggles would prevent.
Conditions in Wisconsin
The annual average snowfall in Wisconsin is 35 inches, but can vary depending on the region. Resorts central and northeast average between 40 and 50 inches, whereas north Wisconsin can see up to 100 inches of snow per season.
Temperatures can average as low as 15℉, but with the wind chill, it can drop to anomalies of 50℉ below, which might be too cold even for the bravest skiers. The weather is slightly warmer February through March, and January sees the most snowfall, ensuring the slopes have the best snow.
Best Ski Hotels in Wisconsin
Devils head is a full-service ski resort with one of the only ski-in/ski-out accommodations in Wisconsin. It has lodging ranging from standard rooms to suites, all mere seconds from the ski lifts.
Hot tubs and pools, on-site dining, and a state-of-the-art facility are just a few of many attractions. Grand Geneva resort and Spa, resting just outside of Lake Geneva, is a four-diamond resort with 358 luxurious rooms, fine dining options, and 62,000 square feet of space all overlooking the stunning southern Wisconsin landscape.
It has 21 runs at the resort’s hill, The Mountain Top. Another top ski hotel in the area is Rib Mountain Inn, which is just a one-minute walk away from Granite Peak, one of the best mountains in Wisconsin. It offers guests a hot tub and sauna, breakfast, and is convenient to get to, with only a 15-min drive to the nearest airport. Rooms can be booked beginning at $99 per night.
The Best Places to Ski in Wisconsin
Granite Peak
Located in Wausau, Wisconsin, Granite Peak is famous for its legendary snow and 68 trails including 7 tree terrains, 4 mogul runs, 3 terrain parks, and 7 lifts.
It rests on Rib Mountain, which is one of the tallest peaks in the state, and boasts over 1,500 acres of forested land, with 400 acres of that dedicated solely to some of the best slopes Wisconsin has to offer.
Prime season (12/13-04/06), all-day lift tickets begin at $109, with night passes averaging $30. With how many slopes and terrains Granite Peak has to offer, you can be sure to spend at least one full day exploring the mammoth hill, if not an entire weekend, and still be left wanting to ride more.
Cascade Mountain
There are 48 trails at Cascade Mountain in Columbia County, WI, with roughly 37% of those dedicated to beginners, 40% named intermediate, and 23% advanced.
There are 11 lifts, ensuring line time is short, the average annual snowfall in this area is 50-55 inches, and Cascade offers 100% coverage of their trails with snowmaking. There are six food and drink locations on site when you need a respite from the cold. Lift tickets average around $80 for an entire day.
Whitecap Mountains
3 mountains and 48 runs in a lakeside, woodsy setting.
Tucked up in northern Wisconsin in the Penokee Mountains, Whitecap Mountains is a resort that can be timely to get to, but worth it when you explore all the remote trails one of the largest ski resorts in Wisconsin offers.
It also has some of the best snow in the state and the uncrowded runs make the $70 lift tickets well worth the money.
Devil’s Head
This resort is nestled in the heart of the glacier-formed Bamboo Bluffs in South Central Wisconsin that has become a popular area to frequent for all Midwestern skiers.
With 30 runs and 500 feet of vertical, there are runs for all abilities and the trails are located on different sections of the mountain, giving each type of skier their own part of the mountain to cruise down.
Intermediate skiers will especially love Devil’s Head for its long, winding slopes that make for an easy ride without the harshness of bumps and glades. It showcases panoramic views of the Wisconsin River, offering skiers both exhilarating rides and stunning views.
Alpine Valley
For a more conveniently located ski resort, Alpine Valley is less than an hour from Milwaukee and a short trip from both Madison and Chicago’s northern suburbs. It is voted both number in snowmaking and as the best family resort in Wisconsin.
While Alpine Valley does only have around 100 acres of land, it still offers skiers 20 runs to choose from, the longest one sprawling 3,000 feet down, with 3 high-speed lifts for quick delivery to the top of the hill. Lift tickets begin at $65.
The Bottom Line: Skiing in Wisconsin
Wisconsin is more than just farmland and cheese. When winter arrives, the state’s plentiful, glacier-carved hills become a hot spot for skiers, and now you have all you need to know about the best slopes around, so we hope you feel prepared for your next ski adventure. Catch you out there carving the slopes!
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