Downhill Days and Starry Nights in Wausau
Rib Mountain rises high above Central Wisconsin, turning its ancient quartzite ridge into a touch of alpine magic each winter. At its heart is Granite Peak, the state’s largest and most complete ski destination, offering terrain for every type of skier and snowboarder. Add in Wausau’s lively off-hill food, arts and adventure scene, and you’ve got a winter escape that delivers way beyond the slopes.
The ski hill faces north, looking away from the sun by day and caught between the stars and the city lights at night. The slope counts 68 runs with a vertical drop of 700 feet – the greatest in the state and 4th highest in the entire Midwest. The runs, serviced by fast lifts, are divided evenly among beginner, moderate and difficult, and you and your friends will find a variety of terrains and mogul runs.
Their Alpine Learning Center offers private and group lessons for all ages and levels, and beginner lessons with “magic carpet” lifts or refresher lessons if any of your crew are feeling a little rusty. Don’t worry if Mother Nature delivers or not, as snowmaking operates round the clock, and the slopes light up for magical nighttime skiing.
After a few hours out on the snow, warm up and unwind Finnish-style with your friends: Northern Lights Sauna in Rib Mountain books spots by the hour in a traditional public wood-fired sauna.
More Snowy Options
If cross-country skiing is more your vibe, head to the 4,900-acre Nine Mile County Forest with its 30km of groomed Nordic ski trails. With a four-mile lighted section programmed to activate at dusk until 9 PM daily, a nighttime trek is sure to ease your mind and refresh your perspective. Or, if you’re skiing with littles, youth skiers can enjoy the Cookie Trail Loop, designed for their skill set. If you’re looking to warm up, the chalet features a nice fireplace for you and your besties to crowd around and ski rentals are also available.
If you don’t enjoy stand-up downhill, consider snow tubing. Situated on the north side of Wausau is Sylvan Hill Park where you have six snow tubing runs with vertical drops of 120-133 feet and tow wires to get you back up the hill. Don’t worry about running out of daylight – the runs here are also lit up at night.
Down Time in Downtown
With Wausau at the foot of the slopes, you and your pals can transform this ski trip into a complete winter getaway. At the city center is 400 Block, a public square surrounded by restaurants, shops and bars, as well as the historic Grand Theater. Start your day at The Mint Café, a retro diner with coffee and carbs to face the slopes, and finish it off with a fine Italian dinner at Ciao.
Browse for your next great read at the indie Janke Book Store or go see some art at the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum, set in a 1931 English Tudor-style home.
Grab drinks at one of several local craft breweries [link to new brewery tour article], such as Red Eye Brewing, also one of the area’s most beloved eateries. For a real taste of Wisconsin dining, book a table for your gang at one of the area’s traditional supper clubs: Cozy up near the big stone fireplace in the dining room at The Pinewood Supper Club, on a lake in nearby Mosinee, or sit at the round bar and sip an Old Fashioned as you wait for your table at The Palms Supper Club in Weston.
