Planning a One-Day Ski Trip in the Midwest

Being from Denver, I'm spoiled when it comes to great ski resorts located just a couple hours away. It certainly makes a day trip to the mountains a lot easier, especially since I've been to many of the resorts and know the slopes. But planning a ski trip in the Midwest is a little more challenging--at least for me. First of all, I have to get over my some what snobby attitude towards Midwest skiing, which is certainly doable, considering there are some relatively nice places to go in Wisconsin and Minnesota and Michigan. (But let's face it, they'll never compare to what I grew up with, I'm sorry, it's just the truth.) But I digress. The second challenge is deciding where exactly to go. Chicago is close to a few ski areas, but it's difficult to know how good they are and if they're worth trying. Some ski resorts, which I've learned about through word of mouth, come highly recommended, but unfortunately take over two hours to get to, and when you only have a day, you want to spend as little time as possible in the car and more time on the hill.

So here are a few options that seem plausible:

• Wilmot Mountain: It's located just over the border in Wilmot, Wisconsin, only an hour drive from Chicago. It offers 25 runs, a snocross course and four terrain parks.
• Alpine Ski Resort: A little further north in Wisconsin, but still only an hour and a half from Chicago. It has about 12 runs--though it is unclear from the map on their website--and features two high speed quads and four wonder carpets.
• The Mountain Top: Located at the Grand Geneva Resort and Spa, the mountain features 18 slopes, a terrain park, cross country ski paths and snow shoeing.

Pricing is a major factor I need to consider, seeing as I'm living on a pretty tight budget right now. I will say one thing, though, the Midwest certainly has more manageable prices for its lift tickets than Colorado, but I guess that means you're paying for what you get. (I know, I can be harsh sometimes.) All of them seem to be in the $40-$50 range, which is definitely manageable.

Another component I like to think about is the Apres Ski amenities available. Since these resorts are pretty small, the bars and restaurants are limited. However, that doesn't mean they lack in quality. In fact, the Mountain Top is attached to a swanky spa and resort, so there must be great places to grab a drink after a long day of skiing and snowboarding. I must admit, in this aspect, Mountain Top wins out.

Overall, I think all three would offer a great day of winter fun. But no matter what happens, and no matter how much I might enjoy myself, I still maintain that nothing compares to Colorado.

Take A Ski Trip

It's winter, and that means hitting the slopes--at least for some people. I happen to be one of those looking to get some serious time in on the mountain. With limited time off, it can be difficult to fit in a ski trip. Luckily, I was able to swing a little extra vacation time, and now I plan to carve through some powder with my friends in Colorado. Where we'll go, I'm not quite sure yet, but there are plenty of options for us to choose from. Personally, I love Keystone. It's where I learned to ski and snowboard, and my family owned a condo there for years. It's comfortable, and I know the terrain better than any other resort. However, I am open to going other places, and I'm sure Breckenridge, Vail and Beaver Creek will be thrown out on the table. For me and my friends, it's an easy drive to the mountains, but for many it isn't as easy. If you have the time, and the money, I strongly suggest looking into a ski trip with family or friends. Even if you don't ski or snowboard, there's always the apres-ski to enjoy.

So where should you go? Town & Country Magazine has a helpful questionnaire in this month's issue that determines the right ski scene for you. They feature resorts all over the country and the world that provide various perks that suit every individual's needs. If you're more of a ski bunny looking for a nice dinner or cocktail, Aspen is an impressive town full of world-class restaurants and four-star hotels. Not only is the nightlife exciting, but the mountain offers its own thrills with 300 inches a year of fresh powder. Courchevel, France is full of Michelin-star restaurants, five-star hotels and countless spas. And after skiing any of its 93 slopes, you'll certainly want to relax with a nice martini or full-body massage.

For those more avid skiers and snowboarders, Park City, Utah is a local Western gem that has the country's only heated chairlift, as well as 4,000 acres of terrain. It's also nearby other resorts, so you can change things up. Jackson Hole, Wyoming is known for its beautiful scenery and exotic wildlife, but its also known for its adventurous backcountry. Visitors can blaze a trail on their own or hire a professional guide from the ski school, which ever they prefer. Abroad, head to Verbier, Switzerland, where the La Tzoumaz resort offers fast lifts, crazy back-runs and toboggan rides. Are, Sweden's Areskutan is a party day and night. Ski any of the 103 exciting runs during the day, and then socialize with other guests as you warm up in the hot tub accompanied by delicious schnapps.

If you can't find the time or cash to get away this year, and are looking for places close to home, there are a number of smaller ski hills around the East Coast and Midwest. For all you Chicagoans, check out Chestnut Mountain in Galena, Illinois, or Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville, Michigan. Both of these locations have reasonable lift ticket prices and feature a decent number of slopes, plenty to keep you busy for a day. 

Whether you can spare a week or just a weekend, take the time this season to grab your skis or snowboard and head out on the snowy trails.