Chicago Ski Guide: Where To Hit The Slopes Near The Windy City (PHOTOS)

Glad as we all may be that this Chicago winter has been less than snowpocalyptic, winter sports fans can still indulge in some powdery recreation with a quick trip outside the city. In less than a day's drive--in many cases, only a few hours--Chicagoans can spend a weekend at a wide array of ski slopes, resorts and really big hills (hey, it's still the Midwest).

We rounded up some of the top nearby skiing and snowboarding destinations, along with a couple of tips to help optimize your stay. Just make it back to the office on Monday.

Did we miss your favorite spot? Tell us about it in the comments.

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Comments

[RahmCorpShill]

02:26 PM on 02/13/2012

Granite Peak is easily the best. Much better than most on this list and closer than a few on the list. Should be number one on the list if you are willing to drive 4 to 5 hours.

[Ex Marine]

10:44 AM on 02/12/2012

Me and the Mrs. went up to Granite Peak with WXRT 3 weeks ago. We're chartering a bus and taking about 36 other skiers up to Powderhorn on the 24th. I know it aint no Colorado, but it makes for a fun weekend without having to go too far.

[Tomazulob]

09:39 AM on 02/12/2012

Granite Peak and Whitecap are far superior to Big Powderhorn--and closer.

[blurredmolly]

08:58 AM on 02/12/2012

the best place to ski that is closest to Chicago would be Loveland Ski Area.

[Dan Kushner]

08:11 PM on 02/11/2012

I've spent many happy hours on Wilmot. Though I would hesitate to call it a mt!

[jimmyshoe87]

04:51 PM on 02/11/2012

Chestnut Mountain in Geneva, IL is a great spot. Four hour drive.

[MrPragmatic]

05:04 PM on 02/11/2012

four hours to Geneva from Chicago? Only if you are riding a horse. More like an hour to an hour and a half.

[Alwayslearning82]

01:34 AM on 02/13/2012

I'm I Dixon il and its an hour and a half from us!!!! (88 just past Dekalb)

[ListenMoreThanSpeak]

10:28 AM on 02/12/2012

Uh, Chestnut Mountain is in Galena, not Geneva, and I agree, is about a four hour drive from the Chicago area. Believe it or not, the far northwest corner of Illinois (Jo Davies County, etc.) is quite hilly. Rt. 20 (yes the same U.S. 20 as Lake St. in the western suburbs) between Freeport and Galena can be somewhat of a nerve-wrac­king experience driving at night in wintery conditions­!

[Deirdre89]

03:07 PM on 02/11/2012

I would've included Granite Peak in Wausau, WI
- 700 foot vertical drop (higher than most in the Midwest)
- 74 runs
- about 4.5 hours from Chicago