Whether it’s a small slope in the backyard or a gigantic water tower hill, it’s safe to say that most Illinois and Wisconsin residents have experienced sledding, skiing, or tubing at least once in their life.  McHenry, Richmond, Poplar Grove and Williams Bay have tons of great opportunities to experience all three winter activities! Feel like a kid again, lace up your skates and enjoy some time on the ice near your McHenry new home.

Where to Ski:

Lake Geneva

Life-sized ice castles aren’t the only thing drawing thousands of people to Lake Geneva this winter. The countdown to ski opening day at Lake Geneva Ski and Snow Sports Resort is on and it’s only a few short days away – Saturday, December 15. The Mountain Top at Grand Geneva Resort and Spa boasts over 30 acres with 20 downhill ski runs designed for all ages, groups and abilities. There is also a six acre Terrain Park with a dedicated lift. Whether you want to spend the day on the slopes, sledding down the hill or ice skating, Lake Geneva has you covered! To watch the live ski cam or for ticket rates and hours, click here.

Wilmot Mountain

Wilmot Mountain is a local ski hill only a short drive from Gerstad communities. It is recognized as one of the most successful ski areas in the Midwest because of its skiing, terrain parks, ski school, and race program. In addition to skiing, there is also featuring banked turns, rollers and jumps, a mogul field and Terrain Parks featuring jumps and rails. They also offer a tubing area that is over 1,000 feet long, has up to 23 tubing lanes and two conveyor lifts to take you back up the hill.

Norge Ski Club

Norge Ski Club is the oldest, continuously open ski club in the United States! This 150-feet ski jump rises high above the Fox River and offers year-round training facilities and competition venue for world-class athletes.  How can you ski with no snow? The plastic covering on the hill creates a slick surface! For a schedule of events, programs or to become a member, click here.

Alpine Ski

Alpine Valley Resort, located in Wisconsin’s Sugar Creek Valley, provides some of the most diverse skiing and snowboarding terrain in the Midwest. Alpine Valley features over 90 acres of skiable terrain and a vertical drop of 388 feet spread out over 20 runs. The terrain is filled with mature trees and a rolling landscape indicative to the Kettle Moraine Area of Wisconsin, providing diverse skiing terrain for all ages and abilities. It is the only Southeastern Wisconsin resort to provide guests with ski-in/ski-out lodging options and is also home to full-service Bistro with excellent dining options.

Where to Sled:

McHenry

The Sledding Hill is one of the most popular destinations in McHenry to enjoy an obstacle free sledding run of approximately 300 feet. Designed for all ages, the downhill sledding path extends out past the soccer fields, offering a safe sledding experience. There is also a smaller Bunny Hill for younger children to the right of the designated walkway in the center of the hill.

Lake Geneva

The Lake Geneva sledding hill is located near the old railroad bridge just near the parking lot at the intersection of Sage and Mill Streets. The hill is lit each day from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. for all to use for free, just bring your own sled! As mentioned above, there is also a sledding hill at Grand Geneva.

Poplar Grove

The Snow Park at Alpine Hills is a 5-acre snow park divided into separate tubing and terrain park sections designed to accommodate riders of all abilities. On-site snowmaking equipment keep the snow park covered with fresh powder and the handy surface lift helps tubers and boarders enjoy more of the snow and less of the hike!

More Adventures

Aside from skiing, sledding and tubing, throughout the month of December, Lake Geneva will transform into a life-size winter playground created by Ice Castles. The ice is illuminated inside the castles at night with color-changing LED lights that twinkle to music. They feature ice-carved tunnels, fountains, slides, frozen thrones and towering ice formations. For more information on tickets and hours of operations, click here.

If you’re on the hunt for a new home in McHenry, Poplar Grove, Richmond or Williams Bay near all the winter wonderland fun, visit us online at www.gerstadbuilders.com where you can get the latest information about our new homes and communities.