Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow! When you think of the Midwest in the winter, the first thing that probably pops into your mind is all that snow. Luckily, we know how to put that snow to good use – skiing! There are plenty of slopes to hit this winter when the temperatures drop. 

Isn’t it time for you to have some winter fun instead of dreaming about hot summers? Put down the shovels, bundle up the kids, pack the sleds and skis and get ready for fun! Whether it’s a bunny hill or a double-black diamond slope, there’s something just for you. 

Hit up the premier Midwest ski destination: Chestnut Mountain Resort. Located in Galena, Illinois, this resort boasts 19 trails that span 220 rolling acres and a total vertical drop of 475 feet. From novice to black diamond, you’ll find a trail perfect for you. Chestnut is a snowboarder’s heaven with its terrain park, the Farside, that offers seven acres of quarter pipes, halfpipes, box jumps and more than 20 types of rails. Stop by Fantastic Fridays when the slopes are open until midnight every Friday during February. Chestnut Mountain Resort is located at 8700 West Chestnut Road in Galena, IL. For more information, call (800) 397-1320 or visit www.chestnutmtn.com.

Perfect skiing and boarding can only be found at one place: Perfect North Slopes. Offering 22 trails from beginner slopes to experts-only terrain, there’s fun and adventure waiting for you. When you’re done hitting the slopes, take the family snow tubing for even more fun. Mark your calendars: March 1 is the annual Spring Carnival with family events taking place all day including box races, the slush pit run, downhill dummy exhibition and more. Perfect North Slopes is located at 19074 Perfect Lane in Lawrenceburg, IN. For more information, call (313) 381-7517 or visit www.perfectnorth.com.

Family-fun is the focus at Snowstar Winter Sports Park, and the park delivers thanks to its 14 trails and 28 acres of skiable terrain. If going downhill on your skis or board isn’t enough, relive childhood memories of riding an inner tube at the tubing hill. The Freestyle Terrain is made of jumps, bumps, mounds, moguls, rails, jibs, tabletops, boxes and other features for you to practice your skills and tricks. Nighttime skiing is offered every night on all trails. Snowstar is located at 9500 126^th Street W in Andalusia, IL. For more information, call (309) 798-2666 or visit www.skisnowstar.com.

When winter comes, it’s time to head to Paoli Peaks where plenty of challenges await skiers and boarders on its trails and in its two terrain parks. The mountain also features a kids’ fun park and the ultimate family activity: “Arctic Blast” snow tubing, which takes your family sliding down a snow-covered 700-foot-long slope! Mark your calendars: a freestyle clinic will be held February 28 through March 1 that will teach you to turn, jump and more. Cost is $129, which includes a two-day lift ticket, two-day instruction, breakfast and a private room with bag storage. For more information, call (812) 723-4696 or visit www.paolipeaks.com.

It’s time for you and your family to enjoy the thrills and chills of winter!