The
Marquette Journal

Wisconsin Winter Sport Guide

Like most things in life, winter in Wisconsin is what you make it. You can choose to stay inside and wish away the next few months of icy weather, or come out and play in the snow. Wisconsin averages around 45 inches of snowfall each year – and that means great skiing, tubing, snowboarding and a host of other winter sports are right in your backyard.
So, whether you’re a novice or a pro in the snow, here are your “Cliff’s Notes” to finding snowy hot spots in and around Milwaukee this winter:

• Elkhorn, Wisconsin plays home to the utopia of all things snow in the greater Milwaukee area with Alpine Valley. This winter paradise offers the whole nine yards (not including the 90 acres of snowy landscape, of course) because it offers a flurry of everything. Snowboarding, skiing, sledding and snow tubing are all included in the package here, all yours for a short 45-minute ride Southwest to the Elkhorn area.

• The Grand Geneva is a fun, high-class way to hit the slopes. Just about an hour away, in Lake Geneva, is the Grand Geneva Hotel and Resort’s ski and snowboard destination. If you’re a little rusty or just starting out, the Grand Geneva offers lessons with professionals ski instructors, as well as late night skiing until 10 p.m.

• In Madison’s backyard is the Tyrol Basin. It’s heavy on the “family adventure” front and you are bound to see a wide range of ages here as snowboarders and skiers alike are invited to take on the banks of the basin. Speaking of banks, the Tyrol Basin is one of the more affordable sites with access for only $12.

• Though it may be a bit off the beaten path, Granite Peak is surely the pinnacle of Wisconsin snow venues. Recipient of the “Transworld Snowboarding” #1 Park in the Midwest designation, Granite Peak is a mammoth 700 ft. mountain with 72 dynamic runs. Skiers and snowboarders will embrace the height and won’t be disappointed with the Peak’s possibilities.

• Cascade Mountain is the gritty veteran on the list, home to 50 years of winter sports. Consider attending for a weekend as 3-day lift tickets are currently on sale for $88. Snow tubing also is offered at Cascade Mountain, though skiing and snowboarding are the main attractions at this Portage, Wis. location.

• Downtown Milwaukee’s very own Water Tower Hill is an enticing scene for sledding enthusiasts. Sure, you may bring the median age up by about 10 years, but the inner kid in you will be thrilled at this sledding site bordered by Lake Michigan… Not to mention, Alterra at the Lake is mere steps away for hot cocoa afterwards.

• For a slice of ice downtown, visit Red Arrow Park ice rink. Located on Water Street downtown, this rink offers the finest combination of skating with downtown ambiance and sights. Though it can get crowded later in the evening, there just happens to be a Starbucks waiting for you before and/or after you skate.

• Another option to ride, glide or slide can be found about an hour away at Wilmot Mountain in Twin Lakes. You can ski, snowboard or tube from morning to night and even end the day with live music in the lodge.

• Lastly, there’s Sunburst Ski Hill in Kewaskum. Sunburst offers the trifecta of winter sports: skiing, snowboarding and tubing. Skiing and snowboarding are open weekly from 4 to 10 p.m. while tubing is offered from 4 to 8 p.m. And, if you act fast, Marquette Student Government is offering a Tubing Excursion at Sunburst on Feb. 4 at 10 a.m. Tickets are on sale for $15 at the Brooks Lounge now.