SIMPLY THE BEST
Wisconsin's skiing and snowboarding destinations offer something for every boarder and downhill enthusiast. Here's an insider's peek at the best Wisconsin has to offer.
Most Runs
Granite Peak. One of the largest ski areas in the Midwest, Granite Peak (715-845-2846; www.skigranitepeak.com) has 73 runs spread across 400 acres of north-facing slope with a 700-foot vertical drop. Seven lifts service the mountain, including the high-speed six-person Comet Express.
If you need a break from the slopes, grab a bite at the Sundance Chalet and Grill or the Stone Hearth Eatery at the base of the mountain. Warm up at the Reindeer Coffee Bar, or for a stiffer drink find your way to the Bear's Den Saloon and Tavern, where you can warm up by the fireplace or sit outdoors on the heated deck.
Biggest "Little" Ski Area
Whitecap Mountain (800-933-7669; www.skiwhitecap.com) in Montreal is a resort with a series of interconnected peaks that feel like a "big" mountain resort. Stay aboard the two-seater lift as you span the valley and get a sense of everything Whitecap has to offer. And when you're done slaying the hills, the on-site condos/chalets are great for groups enjoying a resort weekend.
Most Unique Atmosphere
Score another one for Whitecap. Imagine an "Up North" supper club turned ski resort and you’ve got a pretty idea of the resort’s unique vibe. The wine hut is a prime example. Located at the bottom of one of the runs, this local hangout offers a cozy environment with a woodburning stove that's always blazing and an assortment of drinks on hand to help warm you up. The quarters are tight, but the crowd is always friendly.
Don't miss the rollicking neighboring town of Hurley. A century-old old mining town (with a well-preserved, albeit toned down, red light district) this village is a Mecca for snowmobilers that offers what one boarder described as a "Northwoods cowboy culture." You'd be hard pressed to find another skiing town like it.
Best Place for a Day Trip
Close proximity to major cities make Tyrol Basin (608-437-4135; www.tyrolbasin.com) your best day trip option. Located in Mt. Horeb, just south of Madison, Tyrol attracts a fairly even split of boarders and skiers with its challenging terrain park and long mogul runs.
Tyrol lodge, converted from an old dairy barn, offers a rustic setting and ideal gathering place to unwind, spin tall tales or just grab a quick bite to eat. The bar and front deck provide a nice view of the action on the slopes.
Before heading home, follow the pack downtown to the Grumpy Troll Brew Pub (608-437-2739; www.geocities.com/grumpytrollpub) to share stories and pints. The Grumpy Troll's handcrafted beers, such as Troll's Gold Lager, along with an extensive menu make this a popular hangout among boarders and skiers alike.
Best On-Site Restaurant
While most of the clientele makes their way to the slopes, many of those visiting Cascade Mountain (1-800-992-2SKI; www.cascademountain.com) head to this resort for the food and camaraderie. Cascade has more than enough on-site spots to take a break from the slopes and grab a bite or a drink while you warm up. Offering the best views of the action, The Daisy sports top-notch pizza, the best views of the slopes and easy ski-in, ski-out convenience. The original Chalet is still intact and still a great stop to grab a warm drink or a cocktail while you dry out beside the fireplace. A lively crowd and great atmosphere can be found at the bar next to the dining area.
Best Place for Kids
Cascade wins this category, too. If you're looking for an affordable excursion for the family, then you've found a winner here. Cascade offers free skiing to kids 12 & under accompanied by a paid adult. Downhill, snowboarding and even tubing are all on the menu at this Wisconsin resort. Combine that with an abundant supply of great indoor waterpark deals in the nearby Wisconsin Dells area and you have the recipe for an affordable, action-packed weekend.
Best Night Skiing
Named one of the "10 Best Ski Destinations" by Ski Magazine, Devil's Head Resort (608-493-2251; www.devils-head.com) features 28 trails, a half pipe and new terrain park supported by 16 lifts.
If the thought of wide-open runs has you salivating, night skiing at Devil's Head will be right up your alley. For just ten bucks on Thursday night, you can generally hop right on the lifts and ski or board at your own pace.
If you're itching to get in a couple of runs after a day at the office, or just can't break away until after the sun goes down, night skiing at Cascade is a hoot, particularly on Tuesdays when the resort's two-for-one special makes for a cheap date.
Longest Run
Devil's Head attracts a vibrant mix of both skiers and snow boarders and is guaranteed to offer a challenge to all levels of downhill enthusiasts. The resort boasts the longest run in the state -- over a mile long.
If you're looking for a cozy respite from your time on the hill, this lodge will be a perfect fit. The spacious setting with a cozy fireplace and winding bar is lined with expansive glass windows offering a great view of the action on the mountain.
Best Lodge
It has to be the lodge at Whitecap Mountain. The eclectic atmosphere and cozy environment are hard to top.
Best Overnight
Devil's Head has a variety of lodging options and such amenities as an indoor pool, sauna, game room and more less than 30 seconds from the chair lifts. Just a couple of minutes down the road, an overnight at the Rustic Ridge Log Cabins (608-493-2440; www.rusticridgecabins.com) is great for a romantic getaway.
For those wishing to explore the surrounding area, the resort is near Madison and the Wisconsin Dells. An assortment of eclectic restaurants, coffee shops and miles of indoor water slides await.
Best Nightlife
The bowls and bluffs of Mount La Crosse (608-788-0044; www.mtlacrosse.com) provide a natural backdrop for shredding and carving along the 19 trails and a terrain park, but it’s the nightlife that has the regulars talking.
After a day on the slopes boarders and skiers alike find themselves migrating toward La Crosse's lively downtown scene. Located in an historic train depot, the Freight House (608-784-6211; www.freighthouserestaurant.com) is a favorite among skiers looking for great food and atmosphere. The award-winning wine list and live entertainment provide ambiance while you enjoy the area's best steaks, seafood and salad bar.
For families, Big Al's (608-782-7550) is the ideal destination to enjoy some mouthwatering pizza. The unique décor and family-friendly atmosphere can only be topped by their primo pizza. The double cheese and sausage comes highly recommended by the pizzeria's regulars.
If you'd prefer to share your downhill tales over a couple of cold ones, Third Street is the place for you. Compared to Bourbon Street by many of the locals, the expansive bar scene includes everything from country and dance clubs to sports bars and corner taverns. The nightlife is in close proximity to several overnight options for those planning a weekend on the slopes.
Best Place for Snowboarding
Overall, the terrain park at Tyrol Basin is second to none. Known nationally for its world-class half-pipe, the facility has just added a second half-pipe to accompany its 16 downhill runs. Tyrol's tree-lined slopes, challenging terrain park and long mogul runs are supported by six lifts.
Best Place for Skiing
Between Devil's Head and Granite Peak, it's a tough call. Both have several great runs catering to all levels of downhill enthusiasts.
Granite Peak's extensive renovation and improvement have upped the available runs to more than 70 covering everything from challenging chutes to tree skiing. Nestled in the hillside of a glacier-formed bluff, Granite Peak will challenge every level of skier. You won't be disappointed either way.