Skiing Near Milwaukee: Your 2025-2026 Winter Guide

Milwaukee families have excellent ski and snowboard destinations within an hour's drive, ranging from a beginner-friendly hill built atop a former landfill to Wisconsin's only ski-in/ski-out resort.

Whether you're strapping on skis for the first time or searching for terrain parks that rival larger mountains, this guide covers everything you need to plan your winter adventures: terrain, pricing, lessons, tubing, and what's new for this season. The best part? You can hit the slopes after school and still make it home for dinner.

The greater Milwaukee area punches above its weight for Midwest skiing. Six ski areas offer a combined 100+ trails, 50+ lifts, and enough variety to keep families busy all winter. From Crystal Ridge's 15-minute proximity to Alpine Valley's 388-foot vertical drop, there's an option for every skill level and schedule.

Crystal Ridge in Franklin

Distance from Milwaukee: 15-20 minutes (Franklin, WI)

Crystal Ridge holds a unique distinction—it's built on a former landfill transformed into a legitimate ski area. Don't let that origin story deter you; this is Milwaukee's most convenient option for after-work skiing, weeknight lessons, or introducing kids to snow sports without committing to a full-day drive.

The hill features 245 feet of vertical drop, five lifts including a double chair and high-speed rope tow, and runs ranging from beginner to advanced. The Progression Snow Park caters to freestyle enthusiasts with rails and features. What really sets Crystal Ridge apart is its glow tubing on Friday and Saturday nights—19 lanes lit up under the lights make for unforgettable family evenings.

Crystal Ridge operates under the Schmitz Brothers Resorts umbrella (alongside Little Switzerland and Nordic Mountain), meaning season pass holders receive 50% off lift tickets at sibling resorts. The SNO Pass offers unlimited access to all three mountains and includes three free days at 25+ partner resorts worldwide.

Best for: Families wanting minimal drive time, weeknight skiing, terrain park beginners, and those unforgettable glow tubing sessions. The Starter Ski Program for kids ages 4-7 includes lesson, equipment, lift ticket, lunch, and hot chocolate—perfect for first-timers.

Opening day 2024-2025: December 5, 2025 at 1:00 PM

Little Switzerland in Slinger

Distance from Milwaukee: 30-35 miles (~35-40 minutes via I-41) Address: 105 Cedar Creek Road, Slinger, WI 53086

Established in 1941, Little Switzerland is one of the Midwest's oldest ski areas and remains a favorite for families who value charm alongside function. The resort features 18 runs across 50 skiable acres, with a unique dual-sided mountain layout—the front side (6 runs) and back side (11 runs) create variety unusual for Wisconsin hills.

The 200-foot vertical drop serves all abilities: 38% beginner terrain, 31% intermediate, and 31% advanced. Nine lifts (including 4 double chairlifts and 2 magic carpets for beginners) keep lines moving. Three terrain parks progress from Happy Trail Park's beginner boxes to the advanced 41 Park with its large jump line and rails.

Little Switzerland's 100% snowmaking coverage with a fully automated system means they're consistently among the first Wisconsin hills to open each season. Night skiing runs daily, with the hill open 4:30-9:30pm Monday-Thursday and 10am-9:30pm on weekends.

Family-focused lesson programs include Terrain Based Learning Packages starting at $59 weeknights (includes lift ticket, rentals, and instruction) and multi-week programs for kids ages 3-12. The PSIA/AASI-certified ski school offers everything from Parent and Tot sessions to racing preparation.

Pricing highlights:

• Children 6 and under ski FREE with any paid adult ticket

• Rental packages: $35 online ($45 at window) for ski or snowboard package with helmet

• Season passes available individually or as family packages

• Indy Pass accepted (2 days included with pass)

What's new for 2024-2025: New General Manager Greg Fisher (formerly with Midwest Family Ski Resorts), new snowmaking pipelines for 41 Park, a new Prinoth snow groomer, and a refreshed Upper Chalet with new furnishings. Two new quad chairlifts are planned for the 2026 offseason.

The lodge experience includes historic touches—crystal chandeliers from Chicago's old Knickerbocker Hotel and a copper fireplace crafted from a former Storck Brewery vat. The Bavarian Bar offers terrific hill views for parents taking a break while kids tackle runs.

Sunburst in Kewaskum

Distance from Milwaukee: 30 minutes (~35 miles north) Address: 8355 Prospect Drive, Kewaskum, WI 53040

Sunburst Winter Sports Park earns its reputation on two fronts: solid skiing and absolutely legendary tubing. The hill features 11 groomed runs with a difficulty mix favoring intermediate skiers (55% intermediate, 18% beginner, 18% advanced, 9% expert). The 214-foot vertical drop and 35 skiable acres provide enough variety for a full day of exploration.

Ten lifts (3 double chairs plus surface lifts) move 3,500 skiers per hour, and 100% snowmaking ensures consistent conditions. Two terrain parks offer rails, half-pipe features, and jumps for progression.

But let's talk about what brings families from across Wisconsin: the world's largest tubing hill. With 45+ chutes stretching a quarter-mile long and a 90-100 foot drop, riders reach speeds of 30-40 mph. Two magic carpet lifts return you to the top for unlimited runs on weekdays ($18 for 5.5 hours) or 2-hour sessions on weekends ($18). USA Today named it one of America's best tubing destinations—and it lives up to the hype.

Lesson programs include the Mogul Mite 4-week intensive for young skiers, the Snowman's Club with 90-minute sessions mixing instruction with games, and private lessons for ages 5+. All lessons require 48-hour advance booking.

Big news for 2024-2025: Sunburst joined the Indy Pass network, giving Indy Pass holders two days of skiing plus a discounted third day. This significantly expands value for families already holding the pass.

Pricing:

• Dynamic lift ticket pricing starting around $25 (early season/advance) to $59 (peak weekends)

• Children 10 and under: $10 with each full-price adult ticket

• Season passes in three tiers: Classic (7-day access), Lite (Sunday-Thursday only), and Racer

• Black Friday sale: November 27 - December 1

Hours: Night skiing runs 7 days per week until 9:30pm. The rustic chalet features the 28 Degrees Bar, Edison-bulb lighting, and capacity for 200 guests—also available for private events.

Alpine Valley in Elkhorn

Distance from Milwaukee: 37-40 miles (~45 minutes southwest) Address: W2501 County Road D, Elkhorn, WI 53121

For families wanting the closest thing to a destination resort experience without leaving southeastern Wisconsin, Alpine Valley delivers. With 388 feet of vertical drop (the largest within an hour of Milwaukee), 20+ runs across 100+ acres, and an on-site 120-room hotel, this is where you go for a proper ski weekend.

The terrain breakdown—30% beginner, 40% intermediate, 30% advanced—serves all family members. Three high-speed detachable quad chairlifts (rare for Midwest resorts) plus 4 triple chairs and 5 magic carpets move an impressive 12,000-15,000 skiers per hour with minimal wait times. The longest run stretches 3,000 feet.

Three terrain parks (Alpine Park for beginners, Mohawk Park for intermediates, Shelter Park for advanced riders) feature rails, quarter pipes, and jumps maintained by dedicated park crews who post updates on Instagram @alpinevalleyparks_wisconsin.

The lodging advantage: Alpine Valley is southeastern Wisconsin's only ski-in/ski-out property. The hotel offers family suites with bunk beds and kitchenettes, indoor pool and hot tub (year-round), arcade game room, and direct slope access. The Alpine Bistro serves elegant meals with hill views, while the Valley View Lounge hosts local musicians.

Lesson pricing is transparent:

• Group lessons: $50/hour

• Adventure Kids (weekends): 2-hour morning or afternoon sessions

• Private lessons: $200 for 2 hours, up to 4 guests

• Adult Learn-to-Ski Package (weekdays): $140 including all-area lift ticket, equipment, and 2-hour lesson

• "Let's Get Social" adults-only package: $140 Saturday afternoons, includes lesson, lift ticket, equipment, and drink ticket

Lift ticket pricing:

• Weekend/holiday full day: $69 (beginner area) to $88+ (all-area)

• Weekday full day: $59 (beginner area) to $68+ (all-area)

• Children 5 and under: Half-price tickets

• Seniors 65+: $5 discount

• Military: $5 discount with ID

What's new: Alpine Valley is celebrating its 60th anniversary this season (opened December 5, 1964). The beginner area has been converted to carpets only (no chairlift) for improved safety. A hotel remodel is planned within the next two years.

Wilmot Mountain in Wilmot

Distance from Milwaukee: 40-45 miles (~55 minutes south) Address: 11931 Fox River Road, Wilmot, WI 53192

Wilmot Mountain represents something unique in the Milwaukee ski landscape: a Vail Resorts property with all the infrastructure, technology, and pass connectivity that implies. Purchased in 2016 with a $13 million renovation, Wilmot offers 23 trails across 120+ acres with terrain split evenly between beginner, intermediate, and advanced.

The lift infrastructure is impressive: 3 quad chairlifts, 2 triples, 2 doubles, and 3-4 surface lifts move 12,500 skiers per hour. The renovated snowmaking system—5+ miles of new pipe and 56 snow guns—covers 100% of terrain. General Manager Chuck Randles notes this season has "the best snowmaking conditions we've seen in years."

Four terrain parks designed by staff from Park City and Keystone progress from Progression Park (beginner) through The Gully and The Pasture to The Rope (advanced), featuring 40-50 total elements.

The Epic Pass connection is Wilmot's distinguishing feature:

• Wilmot Pass: $406 — Unlimited access to Wilmot plus half-price tickets at Breckenridge, Park City, Keystone, and 40+ other Vail resorts

• Epic Day Pass: From $49/day — Build your own 1-7 day pass

• Epic Pass (Full): $982 — Unlimited access to all Vail resorts

• Epic Military Pass: $163 — Available to active duty, veterans, and dependents

Epic Mountain Rewards give pass holders 20% off food, lessons, rentals, and lodging at Vail properties. New for 2025-26: 6-10 Epic Friend Tickets providing 50% off for friends.

Important: Daily lift tickets are LIMITED to preserve experience—if sold out online, tickets cannot be purchased at windows. Epic Pass holders face no limits.

The lodge and dining doubled in capacity during the 2016 renovation (now 400+ seats). Walt's Tavern offers full-service dining with mountain views, while Ski Hill Grill serves made-from-scratch pizza and Wisconsin cheese curds. The main lodge bar reopens this season for the first time since 2020.

bubly Tube Park features 22 lanes over 1,000 feet long with covered conveyor lifts and its own lodge. Located separately from the ski area (¼ mile south), it operates Friday evenings through weekends.

Hours: Weekdays 10am-9pm, weekends 9am-9pm. Night skiing covers the entire hill. Season opening: December 6, 2024 at 3pm

The Mountain Top at Grand Geneva

Distance from Milwaukee: Approximately 1 hour (Lake Geneva, WI)

For families wanting skiing combined with waterpark fun, fine dining, and spa treatments, The Mountain Top at Grand Geneva Resort offers an entirely different category of winter getaway. This full-service resort (voted #1 Midwest Resort by Condé Nast Traveler 2025) features 20 downhill runs, a 6-acre terrain park, and 10 kilometers of cross-country trails.

Six lifts (3 chairlifts, 2 carpet lifts) serve terrain designed for all abilities with 100% snowmaking. The experience extends beyond the slopes: indoor waterpark access at Timber Ridge Lodge, on-site spa, multiple restaurants, and sledding hills.

Value packages make the premium experience accessible:

• Stay and Ski Free: Sunday-Thursday guests receive two complimentary lift tickets

• Splash & Ski packages: Combine skiing with Timber Ridge waterpark

• Children 6 and under: Complimentary lift tickets with rental purchase

• Seniors 65+: Half-price tickets

• Scout Troop Days: January 12 & 26, February 9 & 23 (special rates)

• Military/First Responder Day: February 21, 2025

Night skiing runs until 9pm Friday-Saturday and 8pm Sunday-Thursday. PSIA/AASI-certified instructors lead lessons, and trolley transportation connects Grand Geneva and Timber Ridge Lodge to the slopes.

Best for: Weekend getaways, families wanting multi-activity resorts, celebrations, and those seeking luxury without a 4-hour drive.

Quick-reference comparison: finding your fit

Resort Distance Vertical Drop Trails Best Feature Crystal Ridge 15-20 min 245 ft ~6 Closest; glow tubing Little Switzerland 35-40 min 200 ft 18 Historic charm; dual-sided mountain Sunburst 30 min 214 ft 11 World's largest tubing hill Alpine Valley 45 min 388 ft 20+ Ski-in/ski-out hotel; high-speed quads Wilmot Mountain 55 min 200 ft 23 Epic Pass access; Vail investment Grand Geneva 1 hour Varies 20 Full luxury resort experience

What every family should know

The pass question: Multi-resort passes offer significant savings for families planning 3+ ski days. The Indy Pass ($449 adult) now includes both Little Switzerland and Sunburst, providing 2 days at each. The SNO Pass covers Crystal Ridge, Little Switzerland, and Nordic Mountain with unlimited access. Wilmot's Wilmot Pass ($406) adds half-price tickets at world-class Vail resorts for future family trips.

Dynamic pricing is universal: Every major resort now uses demand-based pricing. Book online, book early, and ski weekdays when possible. Some resorts offer 15-30% savings for advance purchases.

Beginners start here: Alpine Valley's weekday Learn-to-Ski Package ($140 all-inclusive) and Little Switzerland's Terrain Based Learning ($59-69) offer the best value for first-timers. Crystal Ridge's Starter Program handles the youngest learners (ages 4-7) with kid-friendly pacing.

For terrain park families: Wilmot's four parks (designed by Park City staff) and Little Switzerland's progressive 3-park system offer the most dedicated freestyle infrastructure.

Tubing trumps skiing? Head straight to Sunburst for the quarter-mile world's largest hill, or Crystal Ridge for glow tubing without the drive.

Industry outlook is strong: The Midwest ski industry saw 21.8% growth in skier visits last season. Regional resorts continue investing in snowmaking technology, with conditions across southeastern Wisconsin reported as excellent for 2024-2025.

Final thoughts for planning your winter

Milwaukee families have legitimate skiing options that don't require vacation days or overnight stays. Crystal Ridge gets you on slopes in 15 minutes. Little Switzerland and Sunburst offer quality terrain under 35 minutes. Alpine Valley provides the region's most complete resort experience. Wilmot connects your kids to the broader world of skiing through Epic Pass. And Grand Geneva turns a ski day into a luxury getaway.

The 2024-2025 season brings fresh investment across the region—new snowmaking, upgraded lodges, and expanded pass networks. Whether you're teaching a 4-year-old to pizza-wedge or chasing your teenager through terrain parks, the hills are ready. Bundle up, book ahead, and enjoy the surprisingly robust skiing within an hour of Milwaukee.