Best Midwest Ski Resorts

Found in the heartland of the United States, the Midwest is home to a number of ski resorts that offer family fun. With cutting-edge snowmaking abilities and world-class terrain parks, Midwest resorts are fun for even the most seasoned skiers and riders.

Midwest resorts also offer a number of off-mountain activities, including both dining and shopping. Let’s not forget about snow tubing, as Midwest resorts have some of the world’s best snow tubing parks!

Inside Window View from Paul Pub at Afton Alps

Wilmot

Mountain Resort Highlights

Wilmot is one of the premier ski and ride resorts in Wisconsin. Located in the southern part of the state, Wilmot also attracts skiers and riders from the Chicago area and greater Illinois.

Wilmot has four incredible terrain parks that offer something for every level of skier and rider:

  • The Gully
  • The Pasture
  • The Rope
  • Progression Park

Off-Mountain Highlights

Wilmot has diverse lodging options in both Illinois and Wisconsin. There are several places to get food and beverages at Wilmot, including:

  • Ski Hill Grill
  • Walts Tavern
  • Main Lodge Bar

Wilmot also has a slopeside sports shop for last-minute items and souvenirs.

Afton Alps

Mountain Resort Highlights

Afton Alps is the leading winter resort in Minnesota, as well as the largest ski and ride resort in the Midwest Vail portfolio. With nearly 300 acres of skiable terrain, Afton Alps is in a league with many East Coast resorts.

While Afton Alps is a great beginner mountain, it also has enough blue and black runs to challenge more experienced skiers and riders.

Off-Mountain Highlights

Afton Alps is just a short 25-minute drive from St. Paul and Minneapolis. As such, it is a destination for residents of the Twin Cities and visitors alike.

Afton Alps has a wide variety of dining choices:

  • Alps Chalet
  • Meadow Chalet
  • Paul’s Pub
  • Highlands Chalet
  • The Crest
  • The Landing Zone

Kids at Afton Alps also enjoy great ski and ride school options, as well as race teams.

Mt. Brighton

Mountain Resort Highlights

Mt. Brighton has long been the go-to ski and ride resort for Southeastern Michigan. The resort boasts 130 acres of skiing and riding that are spread across 25 trails. Also, 100% of Mount Brighton is open for night skiing and riding.

With two challenging terrain parks, it’s no wonder that this part of the Midwest consistently produces top park skiers and riders.

Off-Mountain Highlights

Mt. Brighton is conveniently located for easy access from Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana. People traveling from out of state have several great hotels to choose from near Mt. Brighton.

Alpine Valley

Mountain Resort Highlights

Alpine Valley is one of the top ski and ride resorts in Ohio. With an even balance of beginner, intermediate, and advanced terrain, it is a great mountain for all skiers and riders.

Alpine Valley has night skiing and riding on 100% of the mountain. You can also use the EpicMix App to track all your activity at Alpine Valley.

Off-Mountain Highlights

A variety of food and beverages are available slopeside at Alpine Valley. The resort also has the latest ski and snowboard equipment available for rentals. Epic pass holders enjoy 20% off all equipment rentals.

Like all resorts in the Vail portfolio, Alpine Valley is committed to protecting the environment. The resort is on its way to having zero net emissions and zero landfill waste by the year 2030.

Ski racing at Wilmot Mountain

Boston Mills & Brandywine

Mountain Resort Highlights

Boston Mills and Brandywine are two sister resorts that are accessible with a single lift ticket. Located just a short 5-minute drive from one another, they make for one of the best places to ski and snowboard in all of Ohio.

Boston Mills and Brandywine boast some of the best youth racing programs in the Midwest. The Olympians Kids Race Program and Ski and Snowboard Race Clinics consistently bring up talented winter athletes in the Ohio region.

Off-Mountain Highlights

You can give your family and friends the gift of skiing and riding via gift cards for Boston Mills and Brandywine.

Dining options at the resort include:

  • Hot Laps Bar
  • Joe Rider’s Bar
  • Cafeteria

If you are looking for some different winter activities, Polar Blast Snow Tubing is located next to Brandywine. Enjoy seamless uphill access at the tubing park with a magic carpet lift.

Mad River Mountain

Mountain Resort Highlights

With 12 ski lifts, 20 trails, and an impressive terrain park, Mad River Mountain is Ohio’s largest winter resort. As seen with other leading ski areas in the Midwest, Mad River Mountain has 100% snowmaking and 100% night skiing capabilities.

Whether you are ripping groomers or skiing moguls, use the EpicMix App to track all your activity at Mad River Mountain.

Off-Mountain Highlights

Located between Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati, Mad River is easy-to-access from key cities around the Midwest. Even better, with such a great location, Mad River Mountain has several comfortable lodging options.

When at Mad River Mountain, also be sure to check out Bubbly Tubing Park. This amazing snow tubing area is fun for the whole family - both day and night.

Hidden Valley

Mountain Resort Highlights

Hidden Valley is the largest and most popular skiing and riding area in Missouri. Beyond its well-groomed runs and comfortable amenities, Hidden Valley also has two notable terrain parks:

  • Badlands Park
  • Outlaw Park

Guest also enjoy the flexibility of night skiing at Hidden Valley.

Off-Mountain Highlights

Found in a convenient region just to the west of St. Louis, MO, Hidden Valley is a favorite destination for residents of both Missouri and Illinois. With slopeside dining and shopping options, Hidden Valley makes for a great day trip or weekend getaway.

Hidden Valley’s Polar Plunge Tubing Park rivals anything in the Midwest and beyond. With sixteen 1,000 ft. lanes, this tubing park is sure to keep your kids entertained!

Snow Creek

Mountain Resort Highlights

Snow Creek is recognized around Missouri for its well-groomed runs and top-of-the-line snowmaking capabilities. To keep their slopes in the best possible conditions, Snow Creek has 60 snowmaking machines that pump an incredible 3,000 gallons of water per minute.

Snow Creek is also known for its Adaptive Program that helps handicapped people learn to ski and ride. You can use the EpicMix App to track your skiing and snowboarding days at Snow Creek.

Off-Mountain Highlights

When you aren’t skiing and riding at Snow Creek, be sure to check out their slopeside restaurants. Notable establishments include:

  • Snow Creek Cafe
  • Creek Side Pizzeria
  • Last Run Bar

Snow Creek also supplies guests with locker rentals, vending machines, and various shopping options. Your kids can also snow tube at Tornado Alley Tube Park.

Paoli Peaks

Mountain Resort Highlights

Paoli Peaks is the top ski and ride destination in Indiana. Like other Midwest resorts, Paoli Peaks prides itself on great snowmaking, it also offers night skiing and riding on 100% of the mountain.

Paoli Peaks has two terrain parks where you can hit jumps and rails:

  • Pioneer Park
  • The Bonk

Skiers and riders can use the EpicMix App to track all their vertical feet and location at Paoli Peaks.

Off-Mountain Highlights

Because it is located in Southern Indiana, people travel to Paoli Peaks from Kentucky, Tennessee, and Ohio. As such, it is one of the most visited ski and ride resorts for residents of the Southern United States.

Food and beverage options at Paoli Peaks include:

  • Peaks Pizzeria and Grill
  • Main Lodge Bar
  • Bully Bar

Your family will love the Arctic Blast Tubing Park. This cutting-edge tubing park has a 2,400 square foot day lodge with a concession area, restrooms, indoor seating, storage lockers.

Book Your Ski and Ride Vacation in the Midwest

The best way to maximize your ski and ride vacation in the Midwest is with an Epic Pass. Not only do Epic pass holders enjoy unparalleled access to skiing and riding in the Midwest, but they also have access to the Rocky Mountains, West Coast, Canada, and more.

Epic Passes are only available for purchase pre-season and early season. With Epic Mountain Rewards, Epic pass holders also enjoy 20% savings on lodging, food, rentals, and more.

You can also save big by booking your Midwest ski and ride vacation through the resort website.