Ski Attraction Just Outside of Milwaukee

If you live in or near Milwaukee and you want to ski in Wisconsin, you may have a bit of a drive ahead of you, unless you visit Crystal Ridge. Located less than a 20 minute drive from downtown Milwaukee, this ski resort features the same winter thrills as resorts further away in the state. The resort opened in the late 1980's and features a lodge onsite with a dining hall and a bar. This means after a long, chilly afternoon of rushing downhill, you can stop in, enjoy a beer or hot chocolate, and a sandwich or entrye. There is also free wireless Internet offered in the lodge, so if you can get some work done before or after hitting the slopes.

There are seven runs at Crystal Ridge and they range from novice to expert skier. There is a chairlift for the intermediate and expert runs, and a towrope for the beginner hill. The mountain offers a 245-foot vertical drop with a top elevation of 290-feet. The base elevation is 60-feet. The facility is located on 75-acres of land, and the terrain is divided into 20% beginner, 50% intermediate, and 30% expert.

Rates vary, depending on when you are skiing. Monday through Friday, you can get a lift only ticket for $20.00. On Saturdays, holidays, and Sunday night sessions, lift tickets are $25.00 for adults and $22.00 for children. Ski and snowboard rentals are available and cost between $20.00 and $25.00. Season passes are available for individuals and families. Discount ski rates are available for groups of 15 or more. A complimentary lift ticket is given to the organizer of each 15 paid person group. Groups are required to reserve space at least a week in advance. Monday through Friday ski sessions are available for groups of 75 or more people. Crystal Ridge often runs ski specials, sometimes entitling certain groups, like seniors 65 and over or children 6 and under to ski free. Season passes area available and in some cases, can be used at other area resorts.

Onsite, skiers can purchase items like snowboards, boots, skis, and bindings. You can stop into the shop during regular hours of operation or call Crystal Ridge for an appointment. Ski lessons are also available for a very reasonable fee. Lessons are for children and adults and range from $30.00 to $55.00.

The Crystal Ridge Ski patrol work to ensure the safety and comfort of all of their visitors. They are a part of the National Ski Patrol, an organization viewed as the authority on ski protection, emergency care, and safety. This group is always looking for ski experts familiar with the terrain of Crystal Ridge who are willing to volunteer their time and services.

This is a ski resort that is convenient and offers all the amenities and thrills of larger ski resorts elsewhere in the country. If you live near Milwaukee and you are looking for somewhere to ski on the spur of the moment, Crystal Ridge is your answer.