Mount La Crosse

Nestled along the eastern banks of the Mississippi River, between Milwaukee and Minneapolis, sits La Crosse, Wisconsin. Locals in the area have enjoyed the alpine fun that the Mount La Crosse Skiing & Snowboarding resort has provided since 1959. Its variety of terrain and the longer trails have allowed it to build a reputation in the region.

Interstate 90 travels into Onalaska, just north of La Crosse. US Route 14 or Wisconsin State Highway 35 go right past the ski area. La Crosse Municipal Airport puts you right by the resort. Those wanting to fly into a larger facility can use Minneapolis-St Paul International Airport 150 miles to the west, in Minnesota.

Skiing and Riding the Banks of the Mississippi

The city of La Crosse sits on the banks of the Mississippi and is the largest city on Wisconsin's western border. It is a college town and regional shopping hub. That means that visitors to the Mount La Crosse ski resort will find all the amenities they could want just minutes from the venue.

Most lodging accommodations have rooms available for singles, couples, families, and small groups. A full range of dining options is available, with Midwestern tastes highly represented (there is a decent variety compared to non-college towns in the area). Plenty of arts and entertainment can be enjoyed after a day on the slopes as well.

The city and Mount La Crosse receive about 46 inches of annual snowfall, with December and January being target dates for carving fresh tracks after a snow storm. Visitors will find the venue has 100-percent snowmaking coverage, which should keep a decent base under their boards and skis. Mount La Crosse sits on the bluffs outside of town and has a base elevation of 594 feet. A 1,100-foot summit creates the 516 feet of vertical drop that skiers and snowboarders use to create potentials down the slope.

Wisconsin's Long and Winding Trail

The Mount La Crosse ski area covers roughly 100 acres. That terrain provides the alpine skiing and riding, with an additional terrain park added as well. Ski bums looking to rip and shred across features might find it a bit crowded with locals and college students. Visitors wanting to avoid crowded lines for lifts or on the slopes should hit weekdays or evenings (rejoice nighttime skiers and riders).

Mount La Crosse is known for the St. Bernard Room, which hosts live entertainment during the ski season. Rentals are available, and guests can also reserve lessons. Private sessions last for 1, 1.5, and 2-hour sessions, while group lessons are available in one or two-hour increments. Private adaptive, family groups, and kid-oriented programs can be reserved too.

As one might expect from a venue in a college town, Mount La Crosse resort has FIS youth racing, NASTAR, and adult leagues on Tuesday nights. There are 18 trails at Mount La Crosse. These include Wisconsin's longest run (Mileaway - rating of green) and the steepest trail in mid-America (Damnation - rating of double diamond).