Wanna Get Away? The Best Ski Resorts Near St. Louis

In the Midwest, our most popular winter sport is probably trying to guess the unpredictable weather. Lack of consistent snowfall and enormous mountains make skiing and snowboarding in this area a challenge. That said, there are some solid options in the region, and visiting them means dropping a lot less coin than trekking out west for your powder fix. Here are four of our favorite ski resorts within driving distance of St. Louis. As a bonus, they all offer numerous non-snow activities — in case Mother Nature decides not to cooperate.

Chestnut Mountain
Location: Galena, Illinois
Distance from St. Louis: 5 hours

Located 8 miles south of historic Galena, Chestnut Mountain is a 220-acre ski resort offering 19 runs on a 475-foot vertical drop and a 7-acre terrain park (“The Farside”) with over 25 rails. With a wide range of runs (four green, 11 blue, and three black diamond), there’s an option for every ability in your party. In a typical year, the slopes are open for about 100 days, thanks to over 50 snow guns and five huge pumps that can make a lot of flurries in a hurry.

But suppose you’re the type of person who prefers hot cocoa over carving (every group has a lodge bunny). In that case, hit up Main Street Galena, a charming shopping and entertainment district consistently voted one of America’s best main streets. Quaint boutiques line the street, restaurants cater to your inner foodie, and collections like the Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design will keep you entertained while the rest of your group is shredding the pow.

Where to Sleep
Stay slopeside at Chestnut Mountain’s 100-room lodge with all the amenities, including an indoor pool, sauna, and hot tub. The Summit restaurant offers contemporary cuisine and cocktails with stunning views from the top of the mountain.

Don’t Miss
Blaum Bros. Public House (and distillery) in Galena serves high-end cocktails and craft beer in a rustic western saloon.

Cascade Mountain
Location: Portage, Wisconsin
Distance from St. Louis: 5.5 hours

Cascade Mountain features 176 acres of slopes on a 460-foot vertical drop. With 48 runs, 11 lifts, and terrain for all skill levels, it’s a great family-oriented resort less than six hours from St. Louis. Runs include 20 green, 18 blue, and 10 black diamond, but there’s also snow tubing and three terrain parks stocked full of rails, jumps, and jibs for beginners to experts. Plus, kids 12 and under ski free when accompanied by a paying adult. Cascade’s daily lift tickets are sold in a limited quantity, making a visit to the mountain a more relaxed (and less cramped) experience.

As an added benefit, Cascade Mountain is a mere 20-minute drive from Wisconsin Dells, the so-called Waterpark Capital of the World. Californians love to claim they can ski and surf on the same day. Here, you can ski and waterslide on the same day — or at least on the same trip.

Where to Sleep
Cascade lacks on-site lodging, so staying at one of the Dells’ indoor waterpark resorts is the move, and there are a half dozen to choose from. Remember to pack your snow pants and your swimsuit.

Don’t Miss
In addition to an indoor waterpark, Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park boasts an indoor amusement park with miniature golf, a climbing wall, bumper cars, and even something called “soccer pool.”

Perfect North Slopes
Location: Lawrenceburg, Indiana
Distance from St. Louis: 5 hours

If you’re in the mood to head east for the winter but don’t want to go all the way to the Appalachian Mountains, Perfect North Slopes has you covered. With 23 runs on a 400-foot vertical drop, two terrain parks, and snow tubing, this southern Indiana resort is a provincial winter wonderland. Fun fact: American Olympic freestyle skier and three-time medalist Nick Goepper grew up skiing at Perfect North Slopes.

If the weather isn’t stellar or you want a break from the hill, head 30 miles east to Cincinnati, which lies within the northern reaches of the famed Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Check out the B-Line, a self-guided bourbon tour that comprises seven distilleries, nine bourbon bars, and nine bourbon-centric restaurants. Better yet, book a B-Line tour through Tour With Us KY to skip the hassle (and danger) of driving yourself.

Where to Sleep
Perfect North Slopes lacks lodging, but downtown Cincinnati has tons of amenities, not to mention easy access to the Ohio River and all of its attractions. If you want something more quaint, downtown Lawrenceburg, Indiana, is classic small-town Americana. Try the DoubleTree by Hilton, located steps from the river.

Don’t Miss
The Captain’s Tavern in Lawrenceburg is a nautical-themed restaurant and bar in a beautiful historic building.

Hidden Valley
Location: Wildwood, Missouri
Distance from St. Louis: 30 minutes

We couldn’t write a piece on Midwest ski resorts without including St. Louis’ own Hidden Valley. Missouri’s largest winter resort, Hidden Valley sits on 65 acres of skiable terrain with a 320-foot vertical drop. There are 15 runs (four green, six blue, and three black diamond) and two terrain parks with STL-centric names like T-Rav Way, Arch Way, and 270. (Personal pitch for the next run’s name: “Farty-Far.”) There is also snow tubing and night skiing. Over 100 snow guns pump out as much of the white stuff as possible, but because this is the southernmost resort on our list, it’s always good practice to check the snow report before you go.

If a winter heat wave sweeps through and melts everything, don’t worry. There are plenty of nearby activities, including hiking, mountain biking, and more at Castlewood State Park, 9 miles away. Its River Scene Trail offers some of the best bluff views in the state.

Where to Sleep
Located 6 miles north of Hidden Valley, the Wildwood Hotel is a boutique hotel featuring a slew of amenities, including a fitness room and a pet-friendly policy.

Don’t Miss
The White Bison Trail in Lone Elk Park (14 miles from Hidden Valley) allows visitors to get up close and personal with bison, elk, deer, and turkeys.

Author: Michael Shepherd Jordan is a contributor to Terrain.

Top image: Cascade Mountain. (Courtesy of Cascade Mountain)