Devil's Head in Wisconsin is regularly listed as one of the top 10 Midwestern ski resorts, and for good reason. It offers an excellent ski school, a variety of alpine ski terrain, a three and a half mile cross-country course, a fun terrain park, and much more.
This is a family friendly resort, but one-third of its trails are rated for advanced skiers, so there's truly something for every skill level. The 500 vertical feet and twice-daily groomed runs provide an excellent ski experience with challenging bumps and glades. There are over 30 runs and 12 lifts throughout the mountain. In addition, over 80 percent of the runs are open at night. That's such a fun and unique experience that most people never get to even try, and it's right here in Wisconsin!
Families can also venture out to Devil’s Lake State Park, which is less than two miles from the resort. Here you can go on snowshoe hiking with free snowshoe rentals. You can go sledding on giant hills and cross-country skiing over five miles of groomed trails. Parfrey's Glen is less than half-mile away with paths through ravines that were carved by glaciers. The Circus World museum houses circus memorabilia and history. And just 12 miles away, the adults can visit the local winery.
Dining at Devil's Head offers variety and cuisines to suit every taste. There are cafes that specialize in homemade soups, sandwiches, pizzas and typical fare, in a huge cafeteria with a cathedral peak. There's a slopeside restaurant that's also a family restaurant with a bit more variety like a large breakfast menu and grilled entrees. Finer dining is available for dinner located at the main complex. The Cornucopia serves gourmet meals and reservations are highly recommended. While the resort is year around, there are more dining options open during the winter months. Check out Devil's Den Bar or the Avalanche Bar & Grill for drinks and more adult type of flare. Don't miss the Reggae Event and Hawaiian Luau each year. There are a also variety of shops and activities in the area like small tourist shops, ski supply stores, and outlet stores are also available.
Devil’s Head Resort in Wisconsin is a great place for both beginners and advanced skiers, but it’s especially fun for intermediate skiers, with 40 percent of the trails rated as intermediate slopes. The mountain has 500 vertical feet with 30 runs and 12 lifts. The slopes are steep and wide, offering easier, longer turns, with the longest run is just at one-and-a-half miles. The slopes are smooth as opposed to bumpy with few sharp turns or surprises, though advanced runs will offer more challenge.
The terrain parks, spread throughout the mountain have jumps, boxes, rails, and a pipe for those who want a challenge. Just as the slopes are designed with long, curving turns, the terrain parks are filled with natural rolls and banks. The jibs are ideal for new snowboarders as well as those who have a bit more experience. NASTAR is a ski and snowboard race program that can boast as being the world’s largest, and Devil’s Head offers registration for the program at their ski school.
Local activities like the Circus World Museum, which chronicles circus history and excitement, is fun for individuals, couples, and families. At Parfrey’s Glen, you can walk through a ravine carved out by glaciers, and at Devil’s Lake State Park, enjoy the gorgeous view from 500-foot cliffs. Also, check out the gaming action at Ho Chunk Casino and Luxury Hotel located in Baraboo, Wisconsin.
For great après ski, there’s a bar and grill open from lunch onward and enjoy beer buckets, bar games like pool and darts, and a full bar. There’s even live music often featured at night. Enjoy a sports bar with televisions, a fireplace, and a huge variety of beers available, with live entertainment on Saturday nights during their peak season.
Only three hours from Chicago (and less from Madison or Milwaukee), take I-90/I-94 W to Exit 108A (the Merrimac Exit). Stay on Highway 78 south for eight miles, and follow the signs to the resort.