ГІРСЬКОЛИЖНИЙ ВІДПОЧИНОК НА СЕРЕДНЬОМУ ЗАХОДІ Snowboarding and skiing near Chicago (Midwest) The gist: This resort’s 120-room lodge is situated high on the bluff of Chestnut Mountain, offering breathtaking views of the Mississippi River. And even though indoor activities include a pool, sauna and game room, the real reason for visiting is to take advantage of the hill. The seven-acre winter terrain is constantly covered with the white stuff, enticing skiers and boarders of all levels. Its 475-foot vertical drop runs 3,500 feet through 19 slopes ranging from beginning to black diamond. Two Sunkid conveyor belts, two quad chairs and four triple chairs zip you to the top of the mountain as fast as you go down.
Four Lakes Alpine Snowsports
Illinois ski and snowboard slopes Villa Olivia
5750 Lakeside Dr, Lisle, 630-964-2550 Travel time from Chicago: about a 40-minute drive The gist: With an “Anyone Can Do” method, beginners can learn to navigate the slopes in no time. These hills in the western burbs consist of two bunny slopes, a terrain park, and two intermediate inclines, each accessible by tow ropes.
ski school and a Wonder Carpet lift on the beginner hill, which makes it easy for first-time skiers to get to the top of the slope.
Crystal Mountain
12500 Crystal Mountain Dr, Thompsonville, MI, 855-995-5146 Travel time from Chicago: about a five-hour drive The gist: Said to have the best terrain in the Midwest, this destination has it all: 58 ski or snowboard slopes, eight lifts, four terrain parks, snow-sports school and daily NASTAR racing. Accommodations include 250 luxury suites, hotel rooms, condos and resort homes, with amenities such as an outdoor 20-person hot tub, a fitness center and a spa.
Timber Ridge
7500 23 1/2 St, Gobles, MI, 269-694-9449 Travel time from Chicago: about a two-and-a-half-hour drive The gist: This Michigan ski hill has been around for more than 50 years, beginning with a single tow rope before expanding to four lifts. Visitors can relax with drink and some grub at the Snowshoe Bar or take advantage of 15 trails and two terrain parks.
1401 W Lake St, Bartlett, 630-289-1000 Travel time from Chicago: about an hour drive The gist: This local slope run by the Bartlett Park District features seven downhill runs, the perfect options to cut your teeth on the snow.
Raging Buffalo Snowboard Ski Park
19-265 Western Ave, Algonquin, 847-836-7243 Travel time from Chicago: about an hour drive The gist: You don’t even have to leave the burbs to find a hill dedicated to the oh-sotrendy sport of snowboarding. Raging Buffalo, near the Fox River in the northwest suburbs, offers half-pipes, kickers, table tops and other rad features, plus a “magic carpet” (basically a slanted moving sidewalk) on the beginner hill.
Chestnut Mountain Resort 8700 W Chestnut Rd, Galena, 800-397-1320 Travel time from Chicago: about a three-hour drive
Michigan ski and snowboard slopes Bittersweet Ski Resort
600 River Rd, Otsego, MI, 269-694-2820 Travel time from Chicago: about two-and-a-half hours by car The gist: Boasting 20 runs and seven chairlifts, Bittersweet caters to intermediate shredders of all ages. The resort offers a
Swiss Valley Ski & Snowboard Area
13421 Mann St, Jones, MI, 269-244-5635 Travel time from Chicago: about a two-hour drive The gist: This southwestern Michigan mainstay (it’s been in business for more than 40 years) features 11 slopes, a 225-foot vertical drop and a fireside lounge. Swiss Valley also offers race programs, lessons and group rates.