Skiing? On the Prairie? Is this a joke?
No joke, there are places within a day’s drive that will get your little ones on some skis. It might not be serious powder that our friends out West have, but it works.
We asked our readers where they take their kids skiing in near Central Illinois, and they answered!
Editor’s Note: These recommendations are taken from our readers on our Facebook page. We do not endorse any of these places. Always check the facility’s website before you plan your trip!
Chestnut Mountain, Galena, IL: “Chestnut Mountain in Galena. The kid ski instructor there was amazing and has been teaching there for 20-30 years. He said he is coaching the 3rd generation of families now.”
Cascade Mountain: Portage, WI ” Best part is kids ski free with paid adult!” “See Bob Bell at Cascade Mountain for skiing lessons and snowboarding lessons!” “Cascade Mountain Portage Wisconsin. My old neck of the woods…great place!”
Snowstar Winter Sports Park: Andalusia, IL “Snowstar is smaller, and near the Quad Cities.” “Great place in Andalusia near Moline.”
Swiss Valley, Jones, Michigan: “Just went to Swiss Valley in Michigan. Great instructors if learning and very small if new at it. It was a fun beginning place!”
Sundown Mountain Resort: Dubuque, IA. “Kid friendly and also fun for adults. Great things to do with kids in Dubuque as well when you are not on the slopes!”
Devil’s Head Resort and Convention Center, Merrimac, WI: “Devil’s Head in WI is kid-friendly.”
Wilmont Mountain, Wilmont,WI: Newly remodeled with a $13 Million dollar expansion by Vail resorts, our Readers have not yet visited the updated Wilmont Mountain ski center located on the border of Illinois and Wisconsin. “I haven’t visited since college.” “Didn’t used to be worth it. It’s just an old trash dump. Barely tall enough to do two turns on.”
So pack up the car and get introduce your little ones to skiing before the season is over! Some places close as early as the second week of March– so make you plans today!
Did we miss your favorite place to take kids to ski (nearish) Central Illinois? Add it in the comments below!