MAIN Sports Skiing Illinois Ski & Snowboard Resorts

Chicagoans are lucky enough to have two ski areas that, although small in comparison to the major Chestnut Mountain Resort in Galena, are only an hour's drive away.

In fact, it only takes 40 minutes or so to reach Four Lakes Village in Lisle, (convenient to I-88 or I-355), which offers 4 ski trails served by 4 lifts and provides a great day out or cheap weekend getaway for ski or snowboard enthusiasts and their families. For newbies, beginner and semiprivate lessons are always available during the season, which usually lasts in Illinois from late November to early Spring.

Only 50 minutes from Illinois' biggest metro area also lies the much larger Villa Olivia Ski Area, with 12 trails and 7 lifts offering outdoor winter fun and lessons in skiing and snowboarding, along with a snowtubing area for the young and young at heart.

By far the premiere skiing area in the state, however, is Chestnut Mountain Resort located within a three-hour drive from Chicago and offering nineteen trails and a snowboarding terrain park on 220 rolling acres of white powder perfect for serious skiers and snowboarders. Rooms and accommodations within the resort are considered first-rate, along with fine dining in two onsite restaurants or head off to nearby Galena for hopping nightlife and after hours winter fun.

Meanwhile, snowboarders have lots to love about Illinois at Raging Buffalo Snowboard Park, located between Algonquin and Carpentersville, and boasting the world's first terrain park exclusively devoted to snowboarding with two rope tows, half pipes, kickers and table top runs.

More about Illinois skiing and snowboarding around the Web:

Illinois Ski & Snow Report - The latest reports on new snow and current base depth, including related photos of major ski areas with visitor reviews.

Ski Clubs Illinois - Hook up with other snow sports enthusiasts with this directory of ski clubs throughout the state offering memberships to organized ski trips throughout the season.

Ski and Snowboard Guide on Chicago CitySearch - A roundup of major ski areas and resorts in nearby Michigan and Wisconsin.

also see related features -> Expert Skiing Tips

Fitness & Training for Skiers | How to Choose the Right Skis

How to Ski | How to Buy the Right Ski Boots