5 Affordable Ski Resorts Near Chicago
Where are the cheap Chicago ski vacations? Residents of the Windy City that want to get away for a fun ski vacation have many options. From quick Chicago getaways to thrilling regional ski resorts to more elaborate vacations at some of the nation’s best world-class destinations, there’s something for people of all tastes – and budgets.
When you’re ready to plan your next ski vacation on a budget, consider these options below that offer deals, discounts and promo codes for savings on our website. These 5 popular ski resorts near Chicago provide lots of exciting skiing, relaxing accommodations and plenty to do off the slopes, all on an affordable budget. Let’s first look at the ski resorts closest to Chicago, then explore some inexpensive options a little further away. Here are the 5 most affordable ski resorts near Chicago:
1. Wilmot Mountain Resort
Wilmot Mountain is the closest ski resort to Chicago, about 65 miles from downtown. The ski area is in beautiful Wilmot, Wisconsin and serves up more than 20 unique ski trails across 120 acres. Nicknamed the Matterhorn of the Midwest, the mountain has gentle, wide-open runs and few trees. And it’s easy to navigate. It’s an excellent location for a family getaway or a quick trip for those who want to try skiing or snowboarding for the first time. The full-service resort offers gear rentals, ski lessons and five terrain parks.
The entire slope is lighted for night skiing, so visitors can make turns all day and enjoy peaceful runs in the evening under the stars. At Wilmot Mountain, you can start the day learning to ski and – by the end of the day – you’ll be cruising down the slopes with confidence during night skiing. It’s a great place to find cheap ski vacations for Chicago skiers.
Wilmot is accessible from Chicago via Interstate 94W/Eden’s Expressway toward Milwaukee for about 30 miles, then exit at IL-173/Rosecrans Road and follow UL-173 West to Wilmot until you see the signs for the resort.
2. Alpine Valley Ski Resort
Alpine Valley is an excellent place for beginners, about 90 miles from downtown Chicago. (It’s about a two-hour drive depending on traffic.) It’s also a convenient ski getaway for residents of Madison and Milwaukee. The ski area has eight trail runs covering 90 skiable acres. The resort has three high-speed lifts, so there’s never any waiting in line.
At Alpine Valley, newer skiers can build confidence under the leadership of top ski instructors and then hone their skills on some fun terrain and three challenging terrain parks. The resort has an excellent lodge at the base of the resort that has 120 rooms, that’s perfect for stay and ski getaways.
To get to Alpine Valley from Chicago, take Interstate 94 West toward Milwaukee, exit Wisconsin Highway 20, and then go west to Highway D. Many people find cheap ski vacations for Chicago skiers here.
3. Cascade Mountain Resort
Cascade Mountain Resort is a three-hour drive from Chicago and has lots of trails to feed your powder hunger. The full-service ski resort in Portage, Wisconsin, presents nearly 50 named courses covering about 160 acres of terrain. The resort offers ski rentals, lessons, a ski shop and an authentic atmosphere. A popular spot for beginners, the ski area does have a few excellent advanced trails that will keep more experienced skiers entertained. The resort has 10 lifts, 34 runs geared for snowboarders, and four terrain parks with jumps, rails, a superpipe and a halfpipe.
If that’s not enough, Cascade Mountain Resort has awesome sledding and tubing on the hill and a bunch of fun adventures in Portage. Take the Snow Shuttle to town and explore the fabulous shops and restaurants, then head back for more skiing!
Cascade Mountain Resort is conveniently located only about three hours from the heart of downtown Chicago. To drive from the Windy City, take Interstate 90/94 to exit 106, then go west on Highway 33 for a quarter mile before turning left on Cascade Mountain Road.
Cascade Mountain Resort is family-friendly and has some easy runs for beginners. More determined skiers and snowboarders should try Devil’s Head Resort because it’s geared more toward advanced skiers.
Cascade Mountain Resort has some easy runs for beginners. More determined skiers and snowboarders should try Devil’s Head Resort because it’s geared more toward advanced skiers.
4. Devil’s Head Resort
Devil’s Head Resort in south-central Wisconsin has about 30 runs, including some extra-challenging blacks and double-blacks. The resort has more than 500 feet of vertical drop. There’s some nice room for beginners, who can ski comfortably around 30% of the resort. The other 70% is for intermediate and advanced skiers.
There’s plenty to do around Devil’s Head, from gambling trips for adults at nearby casinos to more family-oriented outings like ice skating, sledding and cultural experiences around Merrimac.
Devil’s Head Resort is about 184 miles (a little more than three hours’ drive) from Chi-Town. From Chicago, hit Interstate 90/94 and take it to the Merrimac Exit (108A), then follow Highway 78 south for 8 miles. Turn right onto Highway DL and then right at Bluff Road. When you see the Devil’s Head Resort sign, turn right, and you’re there.
5. Granite Peak
Granite Peak is Wisconsin’s highest peak. It is about four and a half hours from downtown Chicago via Interstate 90 and I-39. The ski area has 68 runs to entertain skiers and snowboarders for days. There’s no waiting at Granite Peak because the resort’s high-speed six-passenger chair, pair of quads and other lifts keep visitors moving. With the deals, discounts and promo codes available on our site, Granite Peak tops the list of cheap Chicago ski vacations.
There are 209 acres of skiable terrain with plenty of challenges for skiers of all ages and abilities. The resort also offers night skiing, a unique experience if you’ve never tried it.
Wausau has lots to keep families, singles and romantic couples entertained after a day on the slopes. The city has an abundance of tasty restaurants, neat shopping and educational experiences like museums and theater performances.
Fly To Denver From Chicago To Ski
One of the best benefits to skiers living in Chicago is the number of convenient flights at O’Hare Airport. The airport is one of the largest in the world and has a vast number of national and international flights daily.
You should find cheap airfare from Chicago to Denver for a ski vacation if you spend a little time browsing online. It’s common to find direct flights from Chicago for under $150 through airlines like American and United. Southwest has additional flights through Chicago’s Midway Airport. We’ve even seen tickets drop to even less than $100 through occasional incredible discounts and promotions during the season. Search often and book early are our best recommendations for snagging cheap air travel.
Having flexibility in your travel dates can help keep travel costs down. Once you get to Denver, you’re close to several world-class resorts in Colorado, like Arapahoe Basin, Breckenridge, Keystone and Winter Park. Remember: You’ll need to arrange transportation from Denver to your lodge through a shuttle service or a private car rental. Both options are available at Denver International Airport.
We have specials for savings at all the top Colorado ski resorts. Check out our exclusive deals to save the most!
Fly To Salt Lake City From Chicago To Ski
Colorado gets most of the ski love, but don’t sleep on Utah – especially Salt Lake City – when it comes to an epic vacation. Believe it or not, Salt Lake City is less than an hour away from more than 10 top ski resorts. From massive favorites like Park City, Deer Valley and Alta to a fine selection of unique smaller resorts with intimate runs, chills and thrills and fewer crowds.
You can even stay in Salt Lake City and ski at a different resort each day of your vacation. Hotels are inexpensive in the competitive big-city marketplace. And there’s plenty to do – from fine dining to exploring the area’s rich history. We have deals at some beautiful and cozy lodges in SLC. And we have discounts on ski rentals.
If you head to a specific resort in Utah, check out all our specials and bargains for savings on every aspect of your ski vacation! Use a coupon for everything and save a little here and there. It adds up, especially if you’re a family on a budget or a romantic couple trying to keep prices low. From singles to groups, we certainly have a little something special to save you big!