The Best Around

Readers Weigh In On Favorites

words by james johonnott

Best Ski Destination

1st Place: Christie Mountain

2nd Place: Trollhagen Ski Area

3rd Place: Granite Peak

Living in Wisconsin means living with snow, and one way to enjoy that is to play in it. Home of the Blue Hills Beast, Christie Mountain (W13755 County Hwy. O, Bruce) has tubing, over 11 hills, a black diamond with jumps, a ski school, and a first-place finish in this year’s poll. Trollhagen Ski Area (2232 100th Ave., Dresser) has 25 runs, three chairs, six rope tows, and a second-place finish this year. Granite Peak (227200 Snowbird Ave., Wausau) sits on 200 acres of terrain criss-crossed by 60 trails, and also takes home the third place slot.

Best Local Bike Shop

1st Place: SHIFT Cyclery & Coffee Bar

2nd Place: Riverside Bike & Skate

3rd Place: Spring Street Sports

Whether it’s time for new wheels or you need a tune-up, making friends with a local bike shop is important. A great place to grab both coffee and a tune-up, SHIFT Cyclery & Coffee Bar (615 Graham Ave., Eau Claire) is conveniently located downtown in a unique, modern building. Riverside Bike & Skate (937 Water St., Eau Claire), earned second place and has been one of the area’s favorite all-around bike and gear shops, selling a wide variety of gear and bikes, including ebikes. Spring Street Sports (12 W. Spring St., Chippewa Falls) is often considered a best-kept secret among bike enthusiasts in the area, offering fittings, repair, new models, and more.