You'll find winter takes on a whole new feeling when you go skiing in Illinois or visit an Illinois ski resort.
From the bluffs around a Galena ski resort to the best skiing near Chicago, you can carve your way through a perfect winter day at each unique ski area. The snowmaking keeps your runs covered even when nature gets stingy, and night skiing lets you extend your adventure well past sunset.
Ski Season in Illinois
When's best to ski and snowboard
Visit between mid-December and early March for the best skiing and snowboarding experience. You'll find slopes ready for action as soon as temperatures drop, thanks to crews firing up their snowmaking machines. January and February offer the most reliable conditions, but remember to bundle up for those crisp winter days!
Visit early in the morning for freshly groomed runs and plenty of space, especially mid-week. During holidays, remember to book your gear ahead and allow a little extra time for your visit.
Ski Resorts in Illinois
For the best skiing in Illinois
Illinois ski resorts and ski areas blend no-fuss Midwestern hospitality with solid winter sports excitement. In Northern Illinois, you'll find lift-accessed slopes and terrain parks that help you build confidence or test your skills - whatever suits your style.
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Chestnut Mountain Resort (Galena)
The Mississippi River rolls past this local favorite, where nineteen runs cut through a 475-foot vertical drop. You'll find snowboarders in the Far Side Terrain Park, the largest of its kind in the Midwest, while the lodge serves up hot food alongside spectacular river views.
Chestnut Mountain Resort (Galena) -
Villa Olivia (Bartlett)
The well-groomed runs draw plenty of visitors, especially on weekends. Evening lighting extends your ski day into the night hours, adding a whole lot of value to your visit. Inside the Swiss-style chalet, you'll find warm drinks and hot meals that hit the spot after a few runs.
Villa Olivia (Bartlett) -
Snowstar Winter Sports Park (Andalusia)
With fifteen different runs spread across 28 acres, this park gives skiers and snowboarders plenty of space to explore. The terrain park features creative setups for boarders, while separate tubing lanes provide entertainment for the whole family.
Snowstar Winter Sports Park (Andalusia) -
Four Lakes Alpine Snowsports (Lisle)
This welcoming spot puts newcomers at ease with its friendly instructors and gentle learning slopes. The easily accessible location makes it a great stop during your Chicago visit, and the rental shop staff excel at helping first-time skiers find the right equipment.
Four Lakes Alpine Snowsports (Lisle)
Cross-Country Skiing in Illinois
Go exploring
Cross-country skiing in Illinois brings you a special kind of winter peace. With a simple dusting of fresh snow, these parks and preserves let you glide your way through quiet woods and sunny meadows. Head out any time between sunrise and sunset - just check conditions before you go to ensure enough snow cover.
Starved Rock State Park
The trails wind past frozen waterfalls and through snow-covered sandstone canyons. A quick stop at the visitor center will point you toward the trails with the best snow coverage, ensuring you get the most memorable (and safe!) experience.
Starved Rock State Park
Rock Cut State Park
The forty miles of trails take you across open prairies and through wooded areas, offering both gentle paths and more challenging routes. As you ski, you'll catch beautiful views of Pierce Lake - a great photo opportunity!
Rock Cut State Park
Morton Arboretum
Explore twenty miles of maintained trails winding through snow-covered tree collections. The visitor center offers convenient gear rentals, and the onsite cafe provides a cozy spot to warm up after your adventure.
The Morton Arboretum
Lake County Forest Preserves
These expansive preserves offer extensive trails for winter exploration, with the Des Plaines River Trail providing excellent shelter from cold winds. The preserve's website stays updated with current conditions, so check up before you go!
Lake County Forest PreservesExperience Night Skiing in Illinois
The slopes take on a different character after dark in Illinois. Bright lights illuminate the runs, where afternoon sun often softens the snow into perfect evening conditions. With smaller crowds, you'll find a peaceful quality to night skiing - just you, the quiet hillside, and the stars overhead.
Villa Olivia (Bartlett)
Hit the slopes until 10 p.m. at Villa Olivia, where good lighting keeps visibility clear all evening. Stop by the Swiss-style chalet for hot drinks and meals between runs. Need gear? Evening packages include rentals and lift tickets. The mix of beginner slopes, advanced runs, and tubing lanes means everyone in your group can join the nighttime fun.
Snowstar Winter Sports Park (Andalusia)
Ski or board until 9 p.m. on well-lit trails at Snowstar. Try the terrain park's jumps and rails, or head to the tubing lanes with the family. Night tickets cost less than daytime passes, making evening visits easy on your wallet.
Four Lakes Alpine Snowsports (Lisle)
The slopes stay bright until 10 p.m at Four Lakes, and evening crowds tend to be smaller. Book a night lesson if you want to work on your technique, or just enjoy some relaxed runs after a busy day. The short drive from Chicago puts good skiing within easy reach.
Where to Ski in Illinois
Explore all skiing locations in Illinois, from the best parks to cross-country ski to the terrain parks and lift-accessed ski areas.
Winter Thrills & Chills
Featured Road Trip
3 Days 105 Miles
The Great Rivers Country is calling. Come for the cocoa, stay for a snowboard. Ski, or skate to your hungry heart’s content. Outdoor winter whimsy is yours for the taking!