5 Wisconsin Ski Hills to Beat the Crowds

Wisconsin is home to dozens of amazing ski hills perfect for outdoor adventures with family and friends. While you may have heard of or been to the most popular resorts, the state also has many smaller slopes that offer big-time fun. Whether you’re a beginner looking for a quieter place to learn or you want to try someplace new, these standout slopes offer winter fun for everyone in your group.

Mont du Lac Resort – Superior

The benefits of having a ski hill as far north as Superior are clear: there’s often more snow and colder temperatures to keep the terrain and trails in tip-top shape. Mont du Lac Resort is situated above the winding St. Louis River corridor which means you’ll be treated to spectacular views from just about any angle.

This resort was truly designed with families in mind. With eight scenic runs and a 10-acre bowl area, Mont du Lac is a great place to show the kids the ropes without overwhelming them with overly difficult runs or larger crowds. And with a tubing park with two lanes just for kids, your group can spend all day soaking up the winter fun. For the finale, share a warm and delicious meal from the Base Bar & Restaurant.

Tyrol Basin – Mt. Horeb

Located just 20 miles from Madison, Tyrol Basin is a centrally located gem with all the thrills of the biggest hills. The 21 trails offer plenty of variety for snow bunnies and skilled skiers alike.

For those looking to catch some air, head straight to one of Tyrol’s five popular terrain parks. Tyrol has a storied history with snowboarders and the terrain park scene. In fact, their massive half-pipe was the first in the Midwest at the time it was originally built, and their terrain parks have been providing adrenaline rushes ever since! If attempting daring stunts isn’t quite your style, keep your skis on the snow on one of the many more traditional runs.

Camp 10 – Rhinelander

Camp 10 Ski Area in Rhinelander offers great terrain and exciting runs with a philosophy that puts families first. Being particularly mindful about cost, Camp 10 proudly boasts some of the most affordable family rates in the state. The difficulty of the runs range to accommodate all skill levels, with 40% beginner runs, 40% intermediate runs, and 20% of runs reserved for the advanced crowd.

Plan your visit for January to experience the World Championship Snowmobile Derby in nearby Eagle River for even more winter thrills.

Little Switzerland – Slinger

Little Switzerland Ski Area near West Bend is the perfect place to learn to ski or brush up on the basics. Situated across 50 skiable acres, you and your crew will have plenty of space to get acclimated. The large beginner area features both a rope tow and conveyor lift to get you back up the hill that much faster.

If your little ones aren’t sure where to start, Little Switzerland offers lessons and how-to programs that use terrain-based learning to make sure everyone is ready to shred. Once you and the family are feeling confident with your snow legs, you’ll have a blast exploring the other 18 runs spanning all difficulty levels.

Paul Bunyan Ski Hill - Lakewood

Calling itself the “biggest little hill” in the Midwest, Paul Bunyan Ski Hill recently reopened after a 25-year hiatus. The family-owned hill in northeast Wisconsin offers 72 acres of slopes over a 150-foot drop that makes for exciting runs for all skill levels. With extremely affordable day and night skiing as well as a warming shack, terrain park and full-service restaurant, Paul Bunyan’s is the perfect place for a laid-back family or friends ski trip.

Looking to try skiing for the first time? Check out these Wisconsin ski hills great for beginners, or find more on our skiing & snowboarding directory.