One of the Best Midwest Ski Resorts Is Just A Drive Away in Wausau, Wisconsin

If your family loves to ski or snowboard, Wausau, Wisconsin should be on your must-visit list. Four hours northwest of Chicago, Granite Peak boasts Wisconsin’s longest ski season— open mid-November to mid-April.

So if you’re searching for places to squeeze in more Midwest skiing, rest assured that you’ll find late-winter and spring slope days in Wausau. Plus, there’s an adorable downtown with tasty restaurants and cute shopping to boot. 

Granite Peak is for winter sport lovers

Granite Peak is lauded as one of the best Midwest mountain resorts for its 700-foot vertical, modern chairlifts (named after Santa’s reindeer) and snowmaking capabilities. Located on Rib Mountain, the 65 runs serve up scenic views of Wausau and the Wisconsin River. Skiers and snowboarders can tackle tricks on three terrain parks. Those who are newer to winter sports or want to brush up their skills can sign up for lessons – from private to group, for kids, teens and adults. My teen son was instructed by Ben, who was kind and enthusiast, and showed him the ropes of the resort and refreshed his carving skills. 

The fun doesn’t end at sundown—Granite Peak stays open until 9 p.m. daily. Take advantage of the most night skiing terrain in Wisconsin plus the cheapest tickets after 5 p.m. You can also soak up one of the longest Midwest seasons at Granite Peak, which stays open until mid-April. Family-friendly festivals add to the good times. Show Us Your Tricks Rail Jam is March 7, Spring Fling Festival is March 29 and Cardboard Cup sledding is April 5. Greg Fisher, Granite Peak’s general manager, says there’s nothing quite like spring break skiing in a T-shirt. The sunshine vibes are supposed to be on point. 

Warm up at the Historic Chalet

Originally built in 1939, the Historic Chalet at Granite Peak has been updated to include an outdoor deck with fire pits and two indoor fireplaces. Dine on cheese curds, cheese quesadillas, or cheese pizza (are we noticing a theme here? When in Wisconsin, after all.) The Historic Chalet’s menu allows you to check off customized toppings, so my son ordered mac n’ cheese with fried chicken, bacon and beef. Talk about carb and protein loading for a day on the slopes! When you’re ready for apres, live music by Granite Peak’s resident musician, Brad Emanuel, will be rocking and you’ll find 16 Midwest craft beers on tap. 

Where to stay with kids when skiing at Granite Peak

Hilton Garden Inn is located only a mile from the ski resort. It features a pool with hot tub and kids zero-depth splash area as well as a high-end restaurant that features outdoor dining igloos. Van Acre serves a phenomenal breakfast buffet, with veggie quiche, baked oatmeal, chocolate pancakes and deviled eggs.

I can’t say I’ve seen deviled eggs on a breakfast buffet before, but I like it! For dinner, order brick oven pizzas, steaks, and salads. We heard the brined Tomahawk Pork Chop is to-die-for with mushroom and bacon spoonbread and Door County cherry glaze. My son ordered gooey cheese curds battered with Spotted Cow beer, bison lasagna and spiced pear bread pudding. That filled him up after a full day on the slopes. Plus, it was super convenient to just walk back to our room after a delicious meal. 

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