Devils Head

Devils Head is located in southern Wisconsin, in an area that is distinctly different from the state's otherwise soft landscape. Here, a significant height rises above the surroundings – an unusual formation in the region – which also gives the place its name. As early as the 1800s, the area began to be called Devils Head, probably by early settlers who experienced the steep cliffs, dense forest and dominant skyline as both barren and dramatic. As in many parts of the United States, places with deviant and "wild" natural features were given names linked to the devil.

The ski resort has grown up around this altitude and utilizes the terrain in a way that is unusual for the Midwest. The drop is clear, the slopes are relatively steep in terms of the region and the skiing feels more cohesive than at many nearby resorts. There are both open slopes and sections of forest skiing, which provides variety despite the limited mountain.

Devils Head is known for prioritizing the ride itself rather than all-around experiences. Here the focus is on lift-borne skiing, well-prepared slopes and efficient access to the entire mountain. The proximity to major cities such as Madison makes the resort popular for day trips, but the nature of the terrain means that it is often highlighted as one of the more interesting options in the area for those looking for something more than flat cruising.

The result is a ski slope where the shape of nature, the history of the name and the skiing are closely linked – a mountain that literally and culturally stands out in the landscape.