Granite Peak Ski Area

Skiers looking to hit some of the better Winter venues in the Midwest need to add the Granite Peak Ski Area to their list. It boasts the third tallest peak in the Midwest region and is one of the older U.S. ski areas (opening in 1937).

Located in Rib Mountain, Wisconsin, those flying in can use the Central Wisconsin Public Airport that is 10-miles to the south or the regional airport in Wausau. Motorists can take Interstate 39 to reach the town, use U.S. Route 51, State Highway 29, or 52.

The Peak of Wisconsin's Skiing

The Granite Peak Ski Area has not only maintained the terrain since its opening, but it has also actively upgraded and improved the facilities. That starts with 225 acres of skiable terrain, the most in the state. The acreage also makes it one of the biggest in the Midwest.

Plenty of illumination is available to offer nighttime skiing on almost three-quarters of Granite Peak. That increases the value and the fun when visiting here. Millions of dollars of investment in snowmaking equipment have produced complete coverage of the Granite Peak Ski Area. That allows the resort to supplement Nature's gift and keep the terrain accessible longer.

Local "bros" take advantage of equipment rental packages, while dedicated ski bums bring their gear. The amenities at the resort might not be as prolific as other locales, but they are well-organized. Outbuildings and the ski school yurt sit at the base of the mountain.

Those visiting the Granite Peak Ski Area can find extensive dining, shopping, and lodging in the town of Wausau. Granite Peak continues with expansions each ski season, so rippers and shredders find something new here each year.

Peak Hardware

It is not just the snowmaking equipment that is state-of-the-art at the Granite Peak Ski Area. There are seven lifts used to get skiers around the ski resort, including the only high-speed 6-pack lift in the state. The remaining chairs are triples and quads, along with two magic carpets.

The staff at the Granite Peak Ski Area have cleared and maintained over a half-dozen open glades. That provides seven tree skiing sections on the mountain for guests to explore. Four dedicated mogul runs will increase the variety of terrain that skiers can use, as well.

With a base elevation of 1,250 feet and a peak elevation of 1,950 feet, the Granite Peak Ski Area has Wisconsin's longest vertical drop at 700 feet (also placing it third in the Midwest region). Over 60 runs of various ratings cover the mountain. Beginners can enjoy roughly 16-percent of the mountain (green), experienced skiers over 30-percent (blue), with the remaining rated as either black diamond or double diamond for serious fun.

With annual snowfall in the 75-inch range, the Granite Peak Ski Area is usually open between November and April, which offers plenty of time to enjoy the four terrain parks that offer progressively challenging features for rippers and shredders of all skill levels.