Yes, you can take the kids skiing in Illinois
Illinois might be a perfect microcosm of the country with its notable urban metropolis, farms and fields, suburbs and small industrial towns. You'll find people of all kinds spouting an array of accents from downstate Southern drawl lite to Da Bears of the city's South Side.
Apart from Chicago, though, droves of travelers aren't paying social calls to the "Land of Lincoln" and who would ever consider an Illinois ski weekend? You might, after you read on.
Even the ice age glaciers took a pass at stopping by some of Illinois, and that's a good thing. A northwestern slice of the state features rolling hills, high points and a more rugged geography. Sure, Chicago may have the Sears Tower, but Jo Daviess County offers some stunning visuals and voluptuous landscape you can ski and board in a family-friendly atmosphere.
Chestnut Mountain Resort, perched high on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River, is no also-ran either. It's consistently ranked among the top 10 ski resorts in the Midwest by Ski Magazine.
Nineteen runs for skiers and snowboarders of all levels slice through bluffs over 220 acres, and Chestnut Mountain boasts the largest Terrain Park of its kind in the Midwest. A triple chairlift takes boarders to seven acres of quarter pipes, half pipes, tabletops, log slides, box jumps and more than 20 types of rails. A 475-foot vertical drop that runs 3,500 feet is something to brag about in these parts and the resort has it all: an on-site ski center for equipment rental and apparel; 100-room slopeside lodge with an indoor pool, sauna and Jacuzzi; two eateries serving breakfast, lunch and dinner; spa services; game room; and a lounge for adult beverages.
There are many midweek and weekend packages that include meals, lift tickets and lessons, too. Lessons for kids are smartly divided between Powder Pups (ages 4-6) and Powder Rangers (ages 7-12). There's also "playcare" for little ones.
Go to www.chestnutmtn.com and look for information about Dollar Days, which run Dec. 1-14 (whatever date you visit, that's the rate of your lift ticket). For details, call (800) 798-0098.
When you're ready to trade skis for shoes, explore the Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium in nearby Dubuque, Iowa, or some of the shops and eateries in Galena. For help with other attractions, dining and lodging in Jo Daviess County, go to www.galena.org or call (877) 464-2536.
Just minutes from the Quad Cities and nestled in Coal Creek Valley, Ski Snowstar Winter Sports Park is a modestly sized, family-oriented resort with 14 trails for all ability levels.
Snowboarders get into the numerous rails, boxes, spines, tabletops, hip jumps and the quarter pipe and the whole family enjoys the five-lane Stargazer Tubing Hill that's serviced by a Magic Carpet to ensure more fun than lugging.
The facility offers ski and snowboard lessons for kids and adults and state-of-the-art ski and snowboard equipment to rent. Take advantage of lighted slopes for night skiing, riding or tubing; two restaurants and a lounge; and beginner ski and snowboard package specials.
For more information about events or special packages at the family-owned park, visit www.skisnowstar.com or call (800) 383-4002. The season runs from early December through mid-March at the park just outside Andalusia, Ill.
There are many choices for family lodging in the Quad Cities; just travel around www.visitquadcities.com for ideas and package deals.
You might consider Country Inn & Suites in Moline, which offers reasonable rates and the convenience of suite space, microwaves, refrigerators and complimentary breakfast each morning for famished snow bunnies. Call (309) 797-4249.
Don't leave the area without taking a peek around Black Hawk State Historic Site in Rock Island, voted one of the Seven Wonders of Illinois. Younger kids appreciate a visit to the Family Museum across the river in Bettendorf, Iowa. To celebrate its 10-year anniversary, the museum is planning special entertainment and activities, including Winterfest in early December. Call (563) 344-4106 or glance at www.familymuseum.org.