Chicago is known for a lot of things: Da Bears, Lake Michigan, Wind (I know this is about politicians, relax…), a giant metallic jelly bean, and its own iteration of the hot dog.
But you might not realize how close these ski areas are to the second city.
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Whether you’re a Chicago resident, or there on business, check out the some of the Closest Ski Areas to Chicago by distance (measured from the Cloud Gate sculpture).
These areas are all within day-trip driving distance, no matter which part of Chicago you’re coming from!
Villa Olivia (39 miles)
Located just on the outskirts of Chicago, Villa Olivia is a convenient option for beginners, kids, or experts looking to make some turns. Night lift tickets start at just $14 for children. The area is also home to a snowtubing hill.
Wilmot (66.2 miles)
Wilmot is one of the most popular skiing destinations for Chicagoans. The area is serviced by 10 lifts, including high-speed detachable quads. Wilmot is owned by Vail Resorts and is on the Epic Pass.
Alpine Valley Resort (92 miles)
Alpine Valley is a historical landmark in Southern Wisconsin. The area is home to beautiful Swiss-Style buildings that will make you feel like you’ve been teleported to the alps.
It’s also home to Alpine Valley Music Theatre. A legendary outdoor venue that has hosted acts such as: The Rolling Stones, Tom Petty, The Grateful Dead, The Dave Matthews Band, and countless others.
The Rock Snowpark (87 miles)
The Rock is another family-style hill that’s perfect for beginners. It’s conveniently located within miles of Milwaukee. Take a trip to The Rock, and grab a brat while you’re at it!
The Mountaintop At Grand Geneva (85 miles)
The Mountaintop at Grand Geneva is a small hill located just 2 miles from Lake Geneva, WI. The lake draws in thousands of tourists from Chicago in the summer, but did you know you could ski there too?! Pretty neat.