Due to current Covid protocols, most resorts have reduced capacity and require advance purchase of tickets. We’ve included every spot’s safety measures and anything else you should know before you go.

The National Ski Association has published the Ski Well Be Well guide to set industry standards for all resorts and as a handy reference for what families can expect on the slopes this year.

If you are traveling to an activity outside of your state or local area, check if COVID cases are on the rise in the area, as well as any travel restrictions, advisories, or quarantine orders.

Four Lakes Snowsports offers skiing and snowboarding near Chicago. Photo courtesy of Four Lakes Snowsports

Ski and Snowboard Near Chicago: Illinois

Four Lakes Snowsports

5750 Lakeside Dr.
Lisle, IL 60532
45 minute drive from Chicago

Families can enjoy five different ski or snowboard trails with six tow ropes (no chairs) at this West Suburban winter sports complex that’s been around since 1960. The Alley Terrain Park challenges more advanced skiers and snowboarders, and lessons are available for beginners on the bunny hill.

For little ones looking to learn to ski, lessons are available 7 days a week, but due to Covid guidelines, some changes have been made this year. Kids must be 6 and up to take a lesson, and must be able to ride the tow rope on their own (instructors are not allowed to help this year). Snowboard lessons are available for ages 8 and up.

Covid-19 safety measures: Four Lakes requires that face coverings be worn both inside and outside whenever social distancing is not possible (except when eating). Physical distancing markers are in place, and there have been some changes to rental locations. Check the website for the most current information before you go.

Villa Olivia

1401 W Lake St.
Bartlett, IL 60103
60 minute drive from Chicago

Downhill skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing are all available for some serious winter family fun, and all just a short drive from the city. Villa Olivia makes its own snow and has seven ski runs, a chair lift, six tow ropes, and even a tubing hill. In 2021 the snow is late in coming, and Villa Olivia opened on December 17.

Ski lessons are available for kids as young as 4 (and snowboarding lessons for kids ages 8 and up) through the Snow Kids program, a class that meets 3 times for 1 ½ hours each day and includes equipment rental and a slope ticket. Individual private and semi-private lessons are offered as well. Sunday Family Fun night packages are available for the whole family.

Covid-19 safety measures: Villa Olivia requires that face masks be worn at all times. They are also managing the number of people allowed in the Ski Lodge. Advance purchase of tickets and booking of lessons online is highly recommended. Check the website for the most current information before you go.

 
Chestnut Mountain offers winter sports a few hours from Chicago. Photo courtesy of Chestnut Mountain Resort

Chestnut Mountain

8700 W Chestnut Rd.
Galena, IL 61036
150 minute drive from Chicago

With beginner, intermediate and advanced slopes and a terrain park, this western Illinois ski resort overlooking the Mississippi River has a variety of options for families. Packages enable families to ski just once, stay at the resort for a ski weekend, or run the slopes all winter. Lessons are available for all levels, but due to Covid guidelines, Powder Pups Children’s program is not available, and only private lessons are available for kids ages 4-6. Bigger kids can take the $10 beginner group lessons, and snowboard lessons are also available.

Chestnut Mountain is open year round, and in non-snowy months offers biking, hiking, Mississippi cruises, an Alpine slide, zipline, and more.

Covid-19 safety measures: Chestnut Mountain requires that face masks be worn when visitors are indoors. Restaurants are open, but food options may be limited or subject to change. Check the website for the most current information before you go.

RELATED: Best Ice Skating Spots in Chicago

Ski and Snowboard Near Chicago: Wisconsin

Wilmot Mountain

11931 Fox River Rd.
Wilmot, WI 53192
75 minute drive from Chicago

Halfway between Chicago and Milwaukee, this mountain offers 25 ski trails, 7 lifts and 2 surface conveyors for families to explore. It’s a great place for beginners to learn how to ski or snowboard, and lessons are available for kids as young as 3. Group lessons are available for kids 3 and up, and kids over age 6 can take private lessons. and everyone can participate in a family private lesson. If not everyone loves to ski, or you visit for multiple days, there’s also a snow tubing area with 22 lanes and two surface conveyors.

Covid-19 safety measures: Face masks be worn at all times except when eating or drinking. Everyone over the age of 12 must provide proof of vaccination to enter buildings on the resort.  Check the website for the most current information before you go.

Alpine Valley

W2501 County Road D
Elkhorn, WI 53121
95 minute drive from Chicago

Just north of the Illinois-Wisconsin border, this ski and snowboarding resort has one of the largest beginner areas in the Midwest, so for newbies and rusty parents, this is a perfect choice. The two bunny hills are magic carpet tows—little ones don’t even have to figure out a rope tow. A new trail opened during the 2020/21 season. They also have some of the best snow making equipment in the area, so trails opened early in the season. Due to Covid -19, the lessons for 3-4 year olds will not be offered this season, but limited-space ski and snowboard lessons for ages 5 and up are available at very reasonable rates.

A terrain park and mountain biking paths give families a reason to come back when the snow melts.

Covid-19 safety measures: Face masks be worn at all times indoors, unless eating or drinking, and must be worn outdoors when social distancing is not possible. Check the website for the most current information before you go.

 
Stay at the Grand Geneva Resort for a ski weekend near Chicago. Photo courtesy of Grand Geneva Resort

The Mountain Top at Grand Geneva Resort and Spa

7036 Grand Geneva Way
Lake Geneva , WI 53147
100 minute drive from Chicago

Looking for all the winter sports in one easy spot? Stay and play (and play and play) at the Grand Geneva Resort with downhill or cross country skiing, snowboarding, snow shoeing, sledding, and ice skating. Packages are available through the resort to include several activities at one price. The 20 runs are designed for a range of ages and abilities, and snow making equipment all combine to make this a good starting place, no matter the forecast or ski prowess of everyone in the family.

The new Burton Riglet Park was built with young children in mind and is perfect for a first time experience. Snow Cub lessons are offered for kids 3-6 years old, and kids ages 7 and up can take ski or snowboarding lessons. Private lessons are also available.

Covid-19 safety measures: Face masks are optional for fully vaccinated guests. All unvaccinated guests ages 2 and up must wear a mask inside or outside when social distancing is not possible. . All tickets must be purchased online in advance, and are available in limited quantities per day. Check the website for the most current information before you go.

 
Sunburst offers snowboarding, tubing, and skiing near Chicago. Photo courtesy of Sunburst, Facebook

Sunburst Winter Sports Park 

8355 Prospect Drive
Kewaskum, WI 53040
120 minute drive from Chicago

Ski, snowboard, and even learn how to ski moguls at this winter sports haven with 11 runs (including 2 terrain parks) in southeast Wisconsin. Kids ages 3-5 can join the Snowman Adventure Club, which is a ski lesson in a separate area. Kids 5 and up can take private lessons, or ages 6 and up can take group lessons in either skiing or snowboarding. You can even sign up for a family lesson. Want to see how the slopes look before the drive? Check out the live cams to see exactly what’s happening at three spots on the mountain.

Side perk: with more than 45 tubing chutes, Sunburst Winter Sports Park claims to be the largest tubing park in the world.

Covid-19 safety measures: Sunburst's website doesn't mention any current protocols, but you can check for updates in the safety section. 

Bundle up and stay warm to enjoy winter sports! Photo by Ally Noel

Ski and Snowboard Near Chicago: Michigan

Swiss Valley Ski and Snowboard Area

13421 Mann St.
Jones, MI 49061
135 minute drive from Chicago

This Southwest Michigan ski resort boasts four tow ropes and three ski lifts, as well as the ability to make snow. Valley Kids is Swiss Valley’s award winning learn to ski and snowboard program. This year, due to Covid restrictions, only kids 8 and up are allowed to participate (usually children 4 and up can learn to ski, and kids 7 and up can start snowboarding). Kids under 8 may be able to arrange a private lesson with the ski school. Be sure to check the website for an array of special deals, like Sunday Funday, Scout Days, Two For One Nights and more. Night skiing and a terrain park with a beginners area for skiers and snowboarders are also available. With a great beginners area, a Black Diamond Hill for the experts, and loads of special promotions, Swiss Valley has enough options to keep the whole family happy.

Covid-19 safety measures: Face Coverings are required everywhere at Swiss Valley Ski & Snowboard Area. Additional outdoor dining areas have also been added

 
Snowboarding at Timber Ridge, photo courtesy of Timber Ridge Ski Area

Timber Ridge Ski Area

07500 23 ½ Street
Gobles, MI 49055
145 minute drive from Chicago

This family-friendly Southwest Michigan ski slope, terrain park, and snow tubing area has something for outdoor winter sports enthusiasts of all ages and ability levels. Most ski lifts are less than 60 seconds long, giving kids more time to spend on the slopes. Two bunny hills makes this mountain a good one for beginners

Lessons for kids ages 5 and up are available, and instructors here strongly recommend you arrive early to purchase Saturday lessons as they will begin promptly at 5 p.m.

Covid-19 safety measures: Face coverings are required in most locations, and social distancing must be maintained whenever possible. Policies will likely change throughout the season, so Timber Ridge encourages visitors to check the website for the current policy.

 
Photo courtesy of Bittersweet Ski and Snowboard Resort

Bittersweet Ski and Snowboard Resort

600 River Road
Ostego, MI 49078
150 minute drive from Chicago

Featuring 20 different runs and a terrain park with 17 features, this ski and snowboard resort will keep families moving all day. Well maintained equipment, trails, and a speed lift helps keep everything running smoothly. Ski and snowboard lessons are available daily for all different abilities, and due to Covid guidelines, the lessons at Bittersweet look a little different this year. Lesson reservations are recommended 48 hours in advance. Ski lessons are available for ages 3 and up. Kids 7 and up can take snowboard lessons.

Covid-19 safety measures: Skiiers are asked to boot up outdoors or in their cars to reduce time lingering outside. Additional outdoor eating areas have been added, and indoor lines will be limited. Bittersweet asks visitors to ride the lift with the people they came with.