Shredding the Slopes in the Windy City? Hold on to Your Hot Dog!
Chicago: City of Broad Shoulders, Deep Dish Dreams, and...Snowboarding? Well, maybe not exactly in the heart of downtown, but hold onto your helmet, because within a few hours' drive, you can find some surprisingly decent hills to catch your edge on.
The Great Snowboarding Stakeout: Chicago's Not-So-Secret Stash
Let's be honest, Chicago ain't exactly the Rocky Mountains. Blizzards? Sure. Polar vortex? You betcha. But the kind of consistent powder that dreams are made of? Not so much. But fear not, intrepid snowboarder! There are hidden gems scattered around the Chicagoland area, waiting for you to unleash your inner Shaun White (or at least attempt a half-pipe without wiping out).
Here's the lowdown:
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Wilmot Mountain: Just a hop, skip, and a jump (well, maybe an hour drive) north of Chicago, Wilmot Mountain offers a decent selection of runs for all skill levels. They even have a terrain park for those who like to get a little fancy! Just don't expect epic vertical drops – think more like bunny hills on steroids. Hey, gotta start somewhere, right?
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Chestnut Mountain Resort: Calling all adrenaline junkies! This resort boasts the “Farside,” a terrain park that's been hailed as the top one in the Midwest. Rails, jumps, the whole shebang – it's a playground for experienced boarders. Just remember, with great shredding comes great responsibility (and possibly a few bruises).
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Alpine Valley Resort: This Wisconsin gem is a bit further out (think 2-hour drive), but it offers a good mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced terrain. They also have night skiing (and snowboarding!), so you can carve up the slopes under the twinkling stars (or, more likely, the glow of some powerful floodlights).
But Wait, There's More! (Because Who Wants to Spend All Day Snowboarding?)
Of course, snowboarding isn't just about catching air (though that is pretty fun). It's about the whole winter sports experience! Here's how to make the most of your snowy escape:
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Après-Snowboard: After a day of shredding, refuel with some classic Chicago fare. We're talking deep dish pizza so cheesy it'll rival the Wisconsin cheddar you might've encountered on your drive. Or, warm up with a Chicago-style hot dog – piled high with all the fixings (including the sport peppers, if you're feeling adventurous).
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Embrace the Winter Wonderland: Chicago transforms into a winter wonderland during the colder months. Bundle up and take a stroll through Millennium Park, or skate on the rink at Maggie Daley Park. Just don't forget your hot cocoa!
So, can you snowboard in Chicago? Not technically in the city limits, but with a short drive and the right attitude, you can definitely find some slopes to conquer (and maybe conquer a deep dish pizza afterwards).
