While Wisconsin certainly isn't known for its mountains, that doesn't mean fans of snow sports can't find at least a few slopes on which to ski / sled / snowboard. This list of skiing and snowboarding spots within 125 miles -- or about two hours drive time -- of Milwaukee will help you find the perfect place to test the powder.
- Cascade Mountain
Located in Portage, near Wisconsin Dells, Cascade is one of the most popular spots to ski and snowboard in the state. Features include skiing, snowboarding and snowtubing, and runs to fit all skill levels.
Distance from Milwaukee: 100 miles
Where: W10441 Cascade Mountain Rd., Portage
When: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. - 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Sunday. Snowtubing and holiday hours differ, be sure to verify times before visiting.
Contact: 800-992-2SKI (2754) or www.cascademountain.com
- Christmas Mountain
Located in Wisconsin Dells, Christmas Mountain Village is a resort that features a ski hill in winter. A great place to go with the family during a weekend in the Dells, or a great spot for beginners.
Distance from Milwaukee: 125 miles
Where: Christmas Mountain Village, S944 Christmas Mountain Rd., Wisconsin Dells
When: noon - 9 p.m. Monday - Friday; 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Saturday, Sunday & Holidays
Contact: (608) 254-3971 or www.christmasmountainvillage.com
- Crystal Ridge
Crystal Ridge is located in Franklin, which it makes it probably the closest option for Milwaukee skiers and snowboarders. The property features a lodge, plus eight runs from beginning to expert.
Distance from Milwaukee: 15 miles
Where: 7900 West Crystal Ridge Dr., Franklin
When: 5 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Monday - Thursday, 5 - 10 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. Sunday
Contact: 414-529-SNOW (7669) or www.skicrystalridge.com
- Devil's Head Resort
Devil's Head Ski Resort boasts that it's got "500 vertical feet of excitement." Devil's Head sits on top of one of the highest "mountains" in Wisconsin.
Distance from Milwaukee: 115 miles
Where: S6330 Bluff Rd., Merrimac
When: 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Sunday, 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday - Wednesday, 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 9 a.m. - 10 p.m. Saturday
Contact: (608) 493-2251 or www.devilsheadresort.com
- Grand Geneva
Located in Lake Geneva, this resort is another family-friendly option, or a great place for those who are strapping on the skis or the snowboard for the first time. Also features a half-pipe and terrain park.
Distance from Milwaukee: 60 miles
Where: 7036 Grand Geneva Way, Lake Geneva
When: 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. Friday through Monday, noon - 10 p.m. Wednesday through Thursday
Contact: (262) 248-8811 or www.grandgeneva.com
- Highlands of Olympia
A small resort close to Milwaukee that offers a lot of shorter runs for skiers and snowboarders alike, plus a terrain park. Highlands is also another great place for the beginner.
Distance from Milwaukee: 30 miles
Where: 965 Cannon Gate Rd., Oconomowoc
When: 4 - 9 p.m. Monday - Friday, 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Contact: (262) 567-2577 or www.skihighlandsofolympia.com
- Sunburst Ski Area
Also close to Milwaukee, Sunburst offers an all-around experience, a half pipe and terrain park in addition to the runs, as well as cross-country trails.
Distance from Milwaukee: 45 miles
Where: 8355 Prospect Drive, Kewaskum
When: 4 - 10 p.m. Monday - Thursday, 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. -9 p.m. Sunday
Contact: (262) 626-8404 or www.skisunburst.com
- Tyrol Basin Ski & Snowboard Area
Distance from Milwaukee: 110 miles
Located just west of Madison, Tyrol Basin is a no frills place to ski and snowboard. This operation is relatively inexpensive and features a variety of runs for all skill levels.
Where: 3487 Bohn Rd., Mt. Horeb, WI
When: 10 .m. - 9 p.m. Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 9 .m. Saturday and Sunday
Contact: (608) 437-4754 or www.tyrolbasin.com
- Wilmot Mountain
Located very close to the Wisconsin / Illinois border, Wilmot Mountain offers 25 trails, a terrain park and half pipe, plus a tubing hill. Runs suit all variety of skill levels.
Distance from Milwaukee: 50 miles
Where: 11931 Fox River Rd., Wilmot
When: 10 a.m. - 11 p.m. Monday - Friday, 9:30 a.m. - 11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Contact: (262) 862-2301 or wilmotmountain.com/
