Six Amazing Winter Sports Destinations in Wisconsin and Illinois

Jan 16, 2024

Today on the blog, we’re sharing our picks for 6 amazing snowy destinations for outdoor fun! Whether you’re looking for cross country skiing, snowboarding, downhill skiing, or even snowmobiling, you’ll have a blast. Here’s our recommendations to check out in both Illinois and Wisconsin:

Chestnut Mountain Resort in Galena, IL

This ski resort has got it all! It’s family friendly, but also makes a great getaway for friends or couples looking for a bit of respite. Whether you’re looking for prime winter sports activities or you prefer watching them in 4K high definition on the big screen at a sports bar, there’s lots to do at Chestnut Mountain Resort. There are also wonderful restaurants for dining in and refueling between your downhill runs! Plus, it’s even got a great indoor pool and hot tub for warming up with some hot cocoa after a day on the slopes.

Villa Olivia in Bartlett, Illinois

No matter if you’re into skiing or snowboarding, there’s something exciting in store for you at Villa Olivia! Sign up for some of the guided classes and learn something new, or head right to the lift if you’re ready to test your limits. Passes are available for regular visits, too. Check the website for regular updates on weather conditions, but with state of the art snow-making things should be ski-ready at a moments notice even if Mother Nature won’t cooperate.

Argyle Lake State Park in Colchester Illinois

This beautiful nature preserve is just waiting for you to come and explore the grounds. You can enjoy a wide variety of wintertime activities such as ice skating, ice-fishing, snowshoeing, sledding, and even snowmobiling! With over 1,700 acres of property to explore such as 5 miles of foot trails through virgin wooded forests, a 93-acre lake, and plenty of year round options for camping and outdoor exploration. Learn more about it here.

Eagle River Wisconsin for Snowmobiling and the Ice Castles

Eagle River is known as the Snowmobile capital of the world but there’s even more to do and explore there! You can enjoy Fat Tire biking on the trails, or visit the breathtaking and intricate ice castles and igloos made by volunteer sculptors, and even try cross country skiing or snowshoeing! Did you know that it is also home to the World Championship Snowmobile Derby, the largest and most prestigious competition in snowmobiling? Competitors will achieve speeds of more than 100mph as they fly around the ice oval track. In addition, sno-cross pilots will compete in sno-cross racing across a very exciting snow and ice course. Visit the World Championship Derby Complex Facebook Page for more information.

Mountain Top Ski & Adventure Center at Grand Geneva in Lake Geneva, WI

Tucked away in the countryside and nestled in the snow covered hills around Lake Geneva is the Mountain Top Ski & Adventure Center. It’s one of the top rated ski resorts in the region, with plenty of fun to be had from skiing to snowboarding and then some! There’s lots of opportunities for young enthusiasts to learn the ins-and-outs of skiing, too. And don’t worry, if you’re an adult who needs to learn the ways of the slopes, you’ll be well at home here with their beginner lessons for all ages. There’s even skating and sledding available for those who are averse to sliding down mountains at breathtaking speeds.

Snowmobiling in Rhinelander, Wisconsin

Rhinelander is an amazing destination for snowy family fun! You’ll find lots of trails to explore, ice skating at Pioneer Park or the Rhinelander Ice Arena, and it’s also known as the Ice Fishing Capital of the World! With more than 1,000 miles of grounds to cover on the Ho-Dag Sno Trails, you’ll have opportunities for infinite amounts of fun on your snowmobile! The Hodag Organization maintains over 140 miles of adventure trails, and publishes maps that you can pick up in the local area. Connecting trails from the following areas include: Tomahawk, Lake Tomahawk, Minocqua, St. Germain, Eagle River, Three Lakes, Sugar Camp, Monico, Crandon Pelican Lake, and Antigo.