Area ski and snowboard rates: January 8–10

Whether you lament the onset of a frosty Chicago or bask in the beauty of our winter wonderland, it’s prime time to venture forth from the comforts of warmth. Take advantage of the many ski and snowboarding destinations the Midwest offers while the snow is fresh. This weekend, strap on your gear, and hit the slopes. After all, this snow isn’t going anywhere anytime soon—might as well enjoy it. Remember to call or consult ski area websites for snow conditions before setting out.

Illinois
Raging Buffalo Snowboard Park (19-265 Western Ave, Algonquin, Illinois, 60118, ragingbuffalo.com)
This weekend, the park is hosting a United States of America Snowboard Association Snowboarding Competition, including events in slopestyle, slalom, halfpipe and boardercross. Anyone is welcome to come watch the contest and ride on the park’s three hills (one beginner, two advanced). Weekend tickets range from $38 to $45, depending on whether you choose a full day, ‘nooner’ (noon to close), or half day ticket.

Villa Olivia Country Club (1401 West Lake Street, Bartlett, Illinois, 60103, villaolivia.com)
If you’re not willing to make a road trip beyond state borders, try the Villa Olivia, conveniently located 40 minutes outside of the city. Six runs, including the terrain park, will be opened this weekend. Tickets are $37 for adults, $27 for juniors and $12 for children and seniors. For those who aren’t avid skiers, Villa Olivia also offers snowtubing fun for the whole family.

Chestnut Mountain Resort (8700 West Chestnut Road, Galena, Illinois, 61036, chestnutmtn.com)
With 19 runs encompassing skiers of all levels, Chestnut Mountain doesn’t just cater to winter time activities. This Saturday and Sunday, the resort will host a Jimmy Buffet cover band and provide food and drink specials beginning at 9 p.m. Kick back and relax after a full day on the slopes (Tickets are $45 for adults and $35 for children). If you want to beat the weekend traffic, get to the resort after 4 p.m. on Friday for the Fantastic Fridays special where all lift tickets are $25, and the slopes stay open until midnight.

Wisconsin
Alpine Valley Resort (W2501 County Road D, Elkhorn, Wisconsin, 53121, alpinevalleyresort.com)
Make a two hour drive to Wisconsin and arrive at Alpine Valley Resort where 388 vertical feet of skiing and 21 slopes present exciting opportunities for groups. Groups of 20 or more can get $5 off lift tickets on the weekend and $2 off rental equipment.

Michigan
Swiss Valley Ski and Snowboard Area (13421 Mann Road, Jones, Michigan, 49061, skiswissvalley.com)
If you’re looking for economical solutions to a sometimes pricey pastime, look no further than Swiss Valley where deals for both families and pairs are popular. Try the two-for-one deal on Saturdays where pairs can purchase both tickets for $36 and $18 for ski rentals. On Sundays, Swiss Valley makes family outings easy with a program that offers a lift ticket, ski rental and a lesson for $18 a person. With 11 trails and two terrain parks, Swiss Valley is only a two-and-a-half hour drive from Chicago.