Wisconsin may not be considered a top destination for winter skiing, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t still some really excellent ski resorts in Wisconsin! Really, the state of Wisconsin is a veritable winter wonderland, with excellent opportunities for popular snowsports like snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and yes, even downhill skiing and snowboarding. What’s more, these top-rated ski resorts in Wisconsin are easy to get to for a large population of the Midwest!
It may come as a surprise, but there are more than 30 ski resorts in Wisconsin in destinations around the state. From top-rated destinations like Granite Peak, rated as one of the best ski resorts in Wisconsin, to hidden gems like Whitecap in the remote northern part of the state, there’s no shortage of great wintertime retreats in this great state.
Of course, you’ll need to find lodging while visiting any or all of these ski resorts in Wisconsin. What better to choose than the most unique and sought-after lodging in the state? With unmatched hospitality and unique accommodations that range in size and style, you truly won’t find any better places to stay in Wisconsin than our collection of Wisconsin Bed and Breakfasts, Inns, and Boutique Hotels.
If you’re ready to experience the best ski resorts in Wisconsin this winter, plus a whole host of other winter-related fun, it’s time to book your room at one of our Wisconsin Bed and Breakfasts today!
6 Best Ski Resorts in Wisconsin
With more than 30 ski resorts in Wisconsin, it’s pretty easy to pack up and hit the slopes for a fun, wintry weekend getaway in Wisconsin. Though many people think of the Midwest as extremely flat, and, therefore not fit for winter sports like skiing, Wisconsin is actually pretty hilly – thanks to the state’s glacial past.
Ski resorts in Wisconsin come in various shapes and sizes – some fit just for beginners, and others do for the most advanced skiers among us. Many of them are easily accessible from top population centers in the state, too, meaning it’s easy to get out for a few days of fun on the snow in Wisconsin.
Below, we’ve listed 10 of the best ski resorts in Wisconsin and included the nearby Wisconsin Bed and Breakfasts to stay at while you’re there.
Granite Peak Ski Area
Granite Peak Ski Area, located at Rib Mountain State Park just outside the charming yet rugged town of Wausau, is considered one of the best ski resorts in Wisconsin. This is largely thanks to its substantial 700-foot vertical drop, which is rare among Midwest ski resorts! With 400 skiable acres, Granite Peak is also the largest of the ski resorts in Wisconsin.
There are 75 ski runs here, with something for every level of skier, including beginner slopes, intermediate runs, terrain parks, glades, and more.
Cascade Mountain
Cascade Mountain is a short drive from Baraboo and is another of the top-rated ski resorts in Wisconsin. The vertical drop here is around 450 feet, but the runs here can be as long as one mile, which makes skiing here an absolute delight. There are approximately 50 ski runs spread across the mountain, in addition to four terrain parks and a tubing park.
Alpine Valley Resort
If you’re looking for centralized ski resorts in Wisconsin and relatively close to major metropolitan areas of the state, consider Alpine Valley. It’s relatively small, with only 90 skiable acres, but it’s genuinely a fantastic place for a quick trip to the snow and to learn and practice your skills. There’s a high-speed lift, so you get the most out of your time here, as well as a dedicated beginner area for those just learning.
Trollhaugen Outdoor Center
If you’re in the northern part of the state or near Minneapolis/St. Paul, then one of the most popular ski resorts in Wisconsin to visit is Trollhaugen Outdoor Center. There are 24 ski runs and three terrain parks, making it a quick, easy, and fun winter getaway. There are also some great tubing opportunities here if that’s more your speed!
Mt. La Crosse Ski Area
If you want steep skiing, then don’t miss Mt. La Crosse. It’s one of the steepest ski resorts in Wisconsin. It may not have the biggest overall vertical drop like Granite Peak Ski Area. Still, the difficulty of the runs here are unparalleled, offering skiing that is unmatched anywhere else in the state.
Nordic Mountain
If you’re looking for one of those smaller, hidden gem ski areas this winter, don’t miss a fun trip to Nordic Mountain near Waupaca. Nordic Mountain is small, with a vertical drop of 265 feet, but the old-fashioned charm of this Wisconsin ski resort makes the trip more than worth it! Most of the runs here are rated intermediate to advance, with a few places for beginners to hone their skills, too.
There’s also a fantastic terrain park and a wonderful tubing hill, with a conveyor belt to get you back to the top, for even more fun in the snow.
More Great Things to do in Wisconsin This Winter
As diverse as these five ski resorts in Wisconsin are, they only represent a small fraction of all the things to do in Wisconsin during the winter months. Wisconsin is a veritable playground for snow sports and winter enthusiasts. With Wisconsin Bed and Breakfasts around the state, you’re never too far from some wintry fun.
Below, we’ve highlighted some of the more popular things to do in Wisconsin in the winter. Remember, though, that this is just the tip of the iceberg of this frozen paradise of a state.
- The Eagle River area is king in Wisconsin when it comes to snowmobiling. It’s known as the World Snowmobile Headquarters and features more than 500 miles of trails. Of course, it’s not the only place to enjoy snowmobiling in Wisconsin – here are some of the best places for Wisconsin snowmobiling this winter.
- Snowshoeing is one of Wisconsin’s easiest and most tranquil ways to enjoy winter. Many of our member B&Bs offer snowshoes and have access to trails right on their properties. Moreover, several groomed and ungroomed trails around the state are suitable for snowshoeing, including at many of the most popular Wisconsin State Parks.
- Head to the capital city of Madison, and enjoy the best of an urban winter in Wisconsin. Over 20 outdoor ice skating rinks spread throughout its extensive parks system, with The Edgewater being amongst the best.
- Cross Country skiing is another time-honored winter tradition in Wisconsin, and there’s no shortage of spots for cross-country skiing in Wisconsin.
- Have you ever been ice fishing? Fishing is a popular sport year-round in Wisconsin, and getting out there in a chilly shanty while you fish for the prize of the day is a popular thing to do in Wisconsin in the winter. Lake Winnebago, Wisconsin’s largest interior lake, is also an excellent place for ice fishing. It’s rated as having one of the best lake sturgeon populations in the country, celebrated each year at Fond du Lac’s 3-day winter festival, the Sturgeon Spectacular held each February.
- The biking doesn’t stop in Wisconsin in the winter – we just turn to fat tire bikes instead! Read here to find some of the most popular bike trails in Wisconsin, and head out for a fun adventure in the snow.
- Head north to Bayfield and cheer on the teams at the Apostle Islands Sled Dog Race, which is expected to occur in 2022. At the same time, you’re there. Head across the water to the Apostle Islands to view the ice caves and unbelievably beautiful winter landscapes.
Of course, as fun as these amazing things to do in Wisconsin this winter will surely be, nothing compares to getting cozy and comfortable in the accommodations offered by our state association of Bed and Breakfasts. For unique lodging and unbeatable hospitality, turn to the Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast Association to find the best places to stay in Wisconsin. We can’t wait to see you this winter!
