Villa Olivia

As Chicago, Illinois has grown over the years, winter venues like the Villa Olivia ski area have become part of the greater metroplex. With alpine access after working hours and close highway access, the facilities are popular with residents of Bartlet and the surrounding communities.

Those living in the region who want to access the beginner-friendly terrain can drive Interstate 90 out of Chicago, but US Route 20 is a better option that will take them right to the facility. Chicago's O'Hare International Airport is just miles away for those coming from afar.

Thanks Lake Michigan

Chicago might fall short of America's windiest city, but the nickname does highlight the area's sometimes erratic weather. The winters are similar to most northern states, so guests that dress in warm layers will find more fun on the Villa Olivia downhill sections than those focusing on windy conditions. Lake Michigan affects things around here, but not as much as on the eastern shores over in Michigan. Temperatures are about 10 degrees cooler than in southern Illinois, and there is double the snow (average annual snowfall amounts for Barlett is over 32 inches).

Villa Olivia has 100-percent snowmaking capabilities on the hill, so the cold winter months provide the right conditions for the machine-made powder to cover the runs. Like many of today's winter venues, Villa Olivia is a year-round resort. For skiers and snowboarders, that means the restaurant offers a variety of dishes to keep them filled and satiated. A Ski Cafe is a quick refueling stop for those wanting to get back to the winter fun.

Equipment rentals for skiers and snowboarders disappear quickly, especially on weekends and during the holidays. It can get crowded at times with a metropolitan population as large as Chicago's, so those traveling through the area might want to plan for trips during weekdays.

Better Beginner Downhilling

The Villa Olivia ski area ranks highly on lists for beginner-friendly terrain (some have it at #1 for Illinois). Part of that success is the Sports School, offering sessions with thoroughly trained instructors that allow the venue to be certified with the Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA). Students group into first-timers, beginners, intermediates, and advanced skill levels. These lessons at Villa Olivia last for an hour for private, semi-private, or group sessions (a three-session Snow Kids clinic is available for kids ranging from 4 to 12).

One way to enjoy the snow without strapping on a snowboard or set of skis is snow tubing. Children aged 4 to 100 can enjoy two-hour access to the chutes at the tube area (ticket includes a tube). Online reservations work out the best as this is the most popular winter attraction at Villa Olivia.

There are seven trails/areas at Villa Olivia that rate as green/beginner (two), blue/intermediate (three), and advanced/black diamond (one). The terrain park area is rated double diamond (expert), catching first-time visitors by surprise. A single chair lift and three rope tows get skiers and riders around the venue, with an additional conveyor lift at the tube area.