Where to Ski and Snow Tube Near Lake County
Winter in the Midwest wouldn’t be any fun if we didn’t have things to do outside of the house. Yes, I know that eating your weight in pizza and binge watching Pete’s Dragon on Netflix also qualifies as fun but I don’t want to be on an episode of My 600-lb. Life and neither do you. So I’ve compiled a list of where to ski and snow tube near Lake County.
So here is the funny thing: we have no ski resort of any kind IN Lake County. No snow tubing either. I can’t believe I never realized this until the writing of this article. So if anyone is looking to fill a need, there is your opening*.
*sledding doesn’t count here
Downhill Skiing near Lake County
Wilmot Mountain - Wilmot, Wis.
With $13 million dollars in improvements alone this year, a visit to Wilmot will need to be on your radar in 2017. They offer a larger eating area, improved cafeteria-style fare, and much more. Since 1938, Wilmot has been a tradition for many local families for skiing, snowboarding and now snow tubing as well. Ski lessons, and a separate bar for adults, can also bepart of your Wilmot visit.
Grand Geneva- Lake Geneva, Wis.
Located on the outskirts of Lake Geneva, the Grand Geneva was once The Americana Hotel but before that was the first Playboy Club in the U.S.. But that’s a story for a different article. But here is where I am going to make your day: Wednesday night is Family Night. From 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. on Wednesdays, your family can get lift tickets for $15 each, and there are no rental fees. This is huge! Also, cheese pizza is 10 bucks and a pitcher of beer (for the adults, duh) are only $5. This means a family of four can ski for less than $60 without food. What are you waiting for?
Alpine Valley- Elkhorn, Wis.
According to their website, Alpine has one of the fastest lift systems in the Midwest. But don’t listen to them; you be the judge. They offer Friday Fish Fry every Friday night which could make for a fun family weekend getaway at the resort at the bottom of the hill. They even offer rooms you can ski right up to! Just make sure you aren’t near the bunny hill, or that could be disastrous. Ski lessons, restaurant, night life and much more are offered here.
Villa Olivia- Bartlett, Il.
Offering skiing, snowboarding and tubing as well, Villa Olivia has been a staple for the Chicago suburbs for years. In the fall of 2012, they went through a major renovation and now offer ski lessons as well as a cafe and a full-service bar.
Snow Tubing near Lake County
Wilmot Mountain- Wilmot, Wis.
Located on the back side of Wilmot Mountain, the separate tubing hills are some of the best in the area. With 22 lanes, which are over 1,000 feet each, your kids won’t get bored here. They also offer a tubing lodge to warm up in as well as to get a snack and a drink before heading back in.
Villa Olivia- Bartlett, Il.
Really, Really, Worth the trip
Sunburst Winter Sports Park - Kewaskum, Wi.
Located just north of Milwaukee, this tubing place is one to visit if you can. They offer skiing and snowboarding, too, but I have heard their snow tubing is incredible. Dubbed “the largest tubing complex in North America,” Sunburst has something for everyone. And then there’s the Bloody Mary bar every Sunday from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., so now you HAVE to go.
For a list of places to Cross Country Ski in Lake County, head here.
Where is your favorite place to hit the slopes?
