Chicago area skiers???

#181

Rating: 0

12/31/06 at 4:54am

MWskier
offline

Joined: July 2003
Location: Illinois
Post Count: 260

Alpine Valley

IL Skier - It was nice meeting you as well. As you could probably see, we have been skiing that same hill A LOT and took our time yesterday - more talking at the top of the hill than usual. When conditions are better we do get in more runs. Let me know the next time you go to AV. We have a nice group of skiers that usually get there early. You are welcome to join us anytime.

Looks like rain today, but as of now I plan on going again.

#182

Rating: 0

12/31/06 at 7:48pm

MWskier
offline

Joined: July 2003
Location: Illinois
Post Count: 260

Alpine Valley has closed their three main hills for New Year's day. We were winding our way down the Lodge hill today and jumping mud on the other two. Their intermediate/beginner area to the west has plenty of snow and the terrain park is still in OK shape. Lots of rails and one kicker.

According to their website Grand Geneva still has their two (maybe all three) chairlifts running. I'll check it out this week if AV's main hills can't re-open.

Wilmot has suspended operations.

May have to go to Cascade.

#183

Rating: 0

1/2/07 at 10:16am

num
offline

Joined: March 2006
Location: chicago- south side
Post Count: 636

I went to Grand Geneva yesterday (New Year's day). Lifts A and B were running. I'm thinking to go out after work today, wish Wilmot were open.

Anyone going to AV tonight?

#184

Rating: 0

1/2/07 at 7:44pm

MWskier
offline

Joined: July 2003
Location: Illinois
Post Count: 260

Quote:

Originally Posted by num

I went to Grand Geneva yesterday (New Year's day). Lifts A and B were running. I'm thinking to go out after work today, wish Wilmot were open.

Anyone going to AV tonight?

Went there (AV). Only beginner and intermediate hills open. Plenty of snow on them, but just not enough to keep one satisfied. Ended up buying a pitcher of Thunder Ale. Alpine Valley still needs another night of cold weather to open their main hill - but it did look better today than the **** we were skiing on Sunday.

Thinking about Grand Geneva Wednesday (but still holiday rates) and will be going to Cascade on Thursday.

I am still amazed at how Grand Geneva keeps their snow on lifts A and B. The lift is short, but the hills are OK. Steep enough and some interesting relief.

Do you really prefer Wilmot over Grand Geneva?

#185

Rating: 0

1/2/07 at 8:11pm

num
offline

Joined: March 2006
Location: chicago- south side
Post Count: 636

Quote:

Originally Posted by MWskier

Thinking about Grand Geneva Wednesday (but still holiday rates) and will be going to Cascade on Thursday.

I am still amazed at how Grand Geneva keeps their snow on lifts A and B. The lift is short, but the hills are OK. Steep enough and some interesting relief.

Do you really prefer Wilmot over Grand Geneva?

Just comparing hills, I'd pick Grand Geneva, but Wilmot's easier when I'm just shooting up for a bit after work. A little less driving time, and a bit cheaper with Grand Geneva being on holiday rates through tomorrow.

#186

Rating: 0

1/3/07 at 9:53pm

num
offline

Joined: March 2006
Location: chicago- south side
Post Count: 636

I ended up at Grand Geneva tonight. Interestingly enough, I didn't get charged the holiday rate.

Well worth it, especially since I didn't make it out to AV yesterday.

#187

Rating: 0

1/4/07 at 5:25am

purduegrad03
offline

Joined: January 2007
Post Count: 9

Another Chicago Skier

Hey - another Chicago skier (Well actually Carol Stream, Il) - I'm up for an outing!! Please pass on any info on a potential outing!!!!

#188

Rating: 0

1/4/07 at 8:26am

midatlantic
offline

Joined: January 2006
Post Count: 128

I went out to Utah on a solo trip last year and ended up following a bunch of dudes from Chicago to steeps at Solitude and skied with them at Alta the next day. Nice friendly fun bunch of guys. I think some of them were firemen, any of you guys firemen?

#189

Rating: 0

1/4/07 at 12:50pm

Sandman
offline

Joined: December 2004
Post Count: 162

im just happy that im going out to steamboat next week. cause ive only gotten out 2 times and screwed my skis up a bit doing it. ive just been longing for turns.

#190

Rating: 0

1/8/07 at 3:08pm

num
offline

Joined: March 2006
Location: chicago- south side
Post Count: 636

Purduegrad, where do you usually ski?

#191

Rating: 0

1/9/07 at 6:15am

purduegrad03
offline

Joined: January 2007
Post Count: 9

Num -
I usually ski at Devil's Head in Wisconsin. You?

#192

Rating: 0

1/9/07 at 7:57am

num
offline

Joined: March 2006
Location: chicago- south side
Post Count: 636

Wisconsin, usually either Wilmot, Grand Geneva or Cascade.

#193

Rating: 0

1/9/07 at 1:31pm

PurgatoryZ
offline

Joined: December 2006
Post Count: 2

Hey everyone, new member here and I'm a Chicago area skier out of Mundelein, IL.

I've got a season pass to Wilmot, WI and I'm probably heading up there tomorrow if they re-open, which looks likely since they are making snow like mad right now

Pass on any information for any outings you guys come up with, because I'll be up for it.

If you are ever at Wilmot, look for the 5 11 blue jacket skier sporting some 04 K2 PE's w/ red white and blue salomon 1080 boots and probably falling off a railslide somewhere

#194

Rating: 0

1/11/07 at 7:14am

num
offline

Joined: March 2006
Location: chicago- south side
Post Count: 636

Quote:

Originally Posted by PurgatoryZ

I've got a season pass to Wilmot, WI and I'm probably heading up there tomorrow if they re-open, which looks likely since they are making snow like mad right now

They say they're opening up tonight.

#195

Rating: 0

1/22/07 at 10:24pm

fishEH
offline

Joined: October 2003
Location: lindenhurst, il
Post Count: 129

Anybody heading to Alpine Valley some night this week?

Cascade on Sunday?

#196

Rating: 0

1/23/07 at 12:12am

SLATZ
offline

Joined: July 2001
Location: New Glarus WI USA
Post Count: 2,338

$10 Tuesday at Tyrol. I'll be there tonight.

#197

Rating: 0

1/23/07 at 2:19pm

IL_Skier
offline

Joined: January 2003
Location: Shorewood IL
Post Count: 199

Quote:

Originally Posted by fishEH

Anybody heading to Alpine Valley some night this week?

Cascade on Sunday?

I think I'm heading up to Cascade on Saturday!

#198

Rating: 0

1/23/07 at 5:09pm

IL_Skier
offline

Joined: January 2003
Location: Shorewood IL
Post Count: 199

Devils Head

Hey Chicago skiing fans, I just saw this on Devils Head's website:

Here's the public deals we currently have:

The best Deal of the Season just came knockin at your door!!! Book a room now at Devils Head for $99. This is no snow job folks! But this offer is not valid holiday weekend

Too bad my skiing buddy (10 y.o. daughter) is recovering from an ice skating fall. Lets hope the special sticks around for another few weeks!

#199

Rating: 0

1/23/07 at 11:11pm

SLATZ
offline

Joined: July 2001
Location: New Glarus WI USA
Post Count: 2,338

USSA race at Granite Peak this weekend.
Tyrol was awsome last night. Busiest I've ever seen.

#200

Rating: 0

1/24/07 at 10:38am

Coyote27
offline

Joined: November 2006
Location: Illinois
Post Count: 26

Went to Cascade on Saturday.

I have never seen more injuries in a given day. Half dozen on sleds with a couple ambulances. The boarders really have no fear there on the jumps.

Conditions: Packed powder on most runs through out the morning/day turning icy at night except at the tree lines. Mogul Monster is starting to take its form!

Only two runs were closed, both narrow tree runs if you can call them that.

Overall: Could use some more fresh snow (but who couldn't). Wasn't packed at all for a typical weekend.

Later

#201

Rating: 0

1/24/07 at 6:04pm

fishEH
offline

Joined: October 2003
Location: lindenhurst, il
Post Count: 129

I'm heading to Alpine tomorrow at 3pm. Cascade on Sunday. Possibly Wilmot Monday night. I'll give reports for each.

#202

Rating: 0

1/24/07 at 6:38pm

MWskier
offline

Joined: July 2003
Location: Illinois
Post Count: 260

Mini demo day at Alpine Valley / Reschedule the Get-together

I believe that AV is having a mini demo day on Sunday, Jan. 28. At least that is what the Head Rep told me today. Les Moise Ski Shop from Milwaukee and Head Skis. You might want to call first to make sure [http://www.lesmoiseinc.com/]

When are we going to reschedule the Get Together?

#203

Rating: 0

1/26/07 at 6:03am

purduegrad03
offline

Joined: January 2007
Post Count: 9

Quote:

Originally Posted by MWskier

I believe that AV is having a mini demo day on Sunday, Jan. 28. At least that is what the Head Rep told me today. Les Moise Ski Shop from Milwaukee and Head Skis. You might want to call first to make sure [http://www.lesmoiseinc.com/]

When are we going to reschedule the Get Together?

Keep me updated on any get together news!!

#204

Rating: 0

1/31/07 at 8:54am

num
offline

Joined: March 2006
Location: chicago- south side
Post Count: 636

Anyone going to Grand Geneva tonight?

#205

Rating: 0

2/5/07 at 2:17pm

Coyote27
offline

Joined: November 2006
Location: Illinois
Post Count: 26

Couple of us (6-8) are going to Crystal Mtn this coming weekend. The weather is frigid, but with all the snow they are getting, it won't be an ice block at least.
We plan on leaving Chicago early Saturday morning. Mapquest says 5 hours. Couple questions to whom that have gone there. What's the fastest route, is Mapquest spot on with their time estimate and routes? Any cheap hotels that are closer to the mountain or do you need to go up to Traverse City?
If anyone else is headed there, let me know, I'll take a few runs with ya.

Thanks
Kevin

#206

Rating: 0

2/5/07 at 7:14pm

MWskier
offline

Joined: July 2003
Location: Illinois
Post Count: 260

Went to Alpine Valley on Monday, Feb. 5. About -9 degrees. The snow was great, the sun was shining, and there were six people on the hill. It was a much better morning than I expected. We did go in for a cup of coffee and to warm up, but went back out for another hour of skiing.

#207

Rating: 0

2/12/07 at 7:30am

Wags
offline

Joined: November 2000
Location: Chicago, IL
Post Count: 186

190 North on ABC 7 Sunday Feb 18

I produced a feature on skiing in the area for "190 North" that will air on ABC 7 next Sunday, Feb. 18 at 10:35 p.m.. It will re-air Saturday, Feb. 24 at 11 p.m.

Janet Davies is the on-air talent for the segment. She goes to Snowcrest Ski and Snowboard Center in Crestwood and takes a lesson from Tom Gabrielse on their indoor Mogulslope trainer. Then, we head up to Villa Olivia for night skiing. Then we go to Grand Geneva. We interviewed Hans Hauschild, their snowsports director. Finally we visit Wilmot. Janet skied with instructor Mike Moenning (who said he visits this site sometimes) and we also interviewed their GM Dennis Sheen.

The feature is obviously geared toward a general audience, but hopefully those of us avid skiers will enjoy it as well.

I must say it was quite cool on the two days of shooting bringing my skis on the L to do my "work". Plus I managed a couple "cameos" in the piece.

-- Wags

#208

Rating: 0

2/12/07 at 9:45am

num
offline

Joined: March 2006
Location: chicago- south side
Post Count: 636

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wags

I must say it was quite cool on the two days of shooting bringing my skis on the L to do my "work". Plus I managed a couple "cameos" in the piece.

I take my skis on the bus and train whenever I go nightskiing after work, or when I take em to get tuned. You wouldn't believe how many times people have asked me what I'm carrying.

#209

Rating: 0

2/15/07 at 4:42pm

wireless
offline

Joined: November 2006
Post Count: 19

Most likely this weekend will be the last chance for good skiing in Chicago area ( fresh snow & cold). Rain and 40's coming next week. With this in mind we decided to try Chestnut Mt. in Galena.
I am looking for some feedback from people who already been there :
- how long is the drive on US20 portion after Rockford? Is it a "highway like" driving or small local road?
- How is Chesnut compare to Alpine or Cascade? We have 2 real beginners in our group and there is only one green run on Chestnut trail map. Are their blue runs as easy as blues in Alpine Valley?

See you in Galena....

#210

Rating: 0

2/16/07 at 6:01am

Coyote27
offline

Joined: November 2006
Location: Illinois
Post Count: 26

Wireless - Chestnut isn't bad, but depending on your skill level can get monotonous. I believe there are only 3 blacks and from what I can remember are more difficult than the blacks at other resorts like Cascade; however, they are a little shorter. I feel the blacks increased difficulty drives the traffic up on the other runs. I haven't been there a ton of times, so I'll let others comment. My favorite run there is the one to the left of Warpath looking from the top of the mountain. As for the drive after Rockford, it's not a highway, but the road is not bad. Don't speed through the little towns. Speed limit drops very quickly.

I'll be up at DH this Saturday, anyone else? Went to Crystal last weekend and the snow was excellent. I highly recommend giving that place a try if you have never been there.

Later

Tags

Recent Reviews

What Barking Bears Want

Alpine Valley

Another Chicago Skier

Devils Head

Mini demo day at Alpine Valley / Reschedule the Get-together

190 North on ABC 7 Sunday Feb 18

Got Facebook?

Already a User?

Create a New Account

Recent Discussions

Recent Reviews

Recent Wikis