Snow lovers haven’t had a lot to celebrate the last few years and the beginning of 2024 doesn’t appear to be much different.
According to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, an El Niño is going to cause warmer and drier conditions in the northern U.S.
Fortunately, there are still ways to have fun out there this winter. There are some places to ski and snowboard that make their own snow. And just maybe the weather experts will be wrong and we’ll get plenty of fresh powder this winter — in which case, check out area forest preserves that have great trails for cross-country skiing.
Bartlett
Villa Olivia: 1401 W. Lake St. Hours are 5-9 p.m. Thursdays, 5-10 p.m. Fridays, 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturdays and 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Sundays. Opening is to be determined. See website for winter break and holiday hours. Slope tickets are based on age and time of day; residents get a discount. Equipment rental is extra. 630-540-4199; Bartlettparks.org/villa-olivia/winter-sports.
This is another place in the Chicago area that makes its own snow and offers downhill skiing and snowboarding. The hill includes seven runs, a chairlift and six rope tows and a tubing hill. Lessons are available.
Highland Park
Heller Nature Center: 2821 Ridge Road. 7:30 a.m.-dusk daily. 847-433-6901; pdhp.org/heller-nature-center/cross-country-ski-rentals.
There are three miles of ungroomed trails for cross-country skiers when there is at least four inches of snow on the ground. Ski rentals are available for $12 and must be reserved online. See website for rental times.
Ingleside
Volo Bog State Natural Area: 28478 Brandenburg Road. Gates open at 8 a.m. daily. 815-344-1294; dnr.illinois.gov/parks/activity/park.volobog.html.
Cross-country skiing is allowed on Tamarack View Trail, Deerpath Trail and Prairie Ridge Trail, provided there is a six-inch base of snow.
Lemont
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center: 12545 W. 111th St. Hours are 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily through early March. 630-257-2045; fpdcc.com/places/locations/sagawau-environmental-learning-center.
With adequate snow on the ground, this forest preserve facility becomes Sagawau Nordic, a full-service cross-country ski center. They rent equipment, groom the trails and offer lessons. Rentals cost $10-$15 and equipment must be reserved in advance.
Libertyville
Adler Memorial Park: 1500 N. Milwaukee Ave. Hours are 6 a.m.-9 p.m. daily. 847-918-7275; libertyvillerecreation.com.
Cross-country skiing is permitted, plus there’s a big hill for snowboarding.
Lisle
Four Lakes Alpine Snowsports: 5790 Forest View Road. Open 4-9 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, 4-10 p.m. Fridays, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturdays and 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sundays and holidays. 630-964-2550; fourlakessnowsports.com.
Downhill skiing and snowboarding are available, as well as equipment rental and private lessons. Four Lakes makes their own snow. There’s a lodge with bar and restaurant. Slope tickets are $24-$30 and equipment rental costs $26-$34, plus $10 for a helmet.
Naperville
Riverwalk Sledding Hill at Rotary Hill: next to the Millennium Carillon, 443 Aurora Ave. It is lighted and open until 10 p.m. Napervilleparks.org.
Naperville Park District has many sled hills that snowboarders are welcome to use, including this popular winter spot.
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Wadsworth
Des Plaines River Trail: 15601 W. Russell Road. 847-367-6640; lcfpd.org/dprt.
The trail spans most of Lake County, covering 31 miles and meandering through 12 forest preserves. Cross-country skiing is allowed. A good spot is at Captain Daniel Wright Woods in Mettawa, which has a three-mile loop for skiers; or the Ryerson Conservation Area in Riverwoods, with its more than six miles of trails.
Chesterton, Indiana
Indiana Dunes State Park: 1600 N. 25 E. Hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesdays-Sundays. 219-926-1952; in.gov/dnr/state-parks/parks-lakes/indiana-dunes-state-park/#Activities.
Trails are available for cross-country skiing; no ski rentals.
Griffith, Indiana
Oak Ridge Prairie: 301 S. Colfax St. Hours are 7 a.m. to sunset daily. 219-884-7238; facebook.com/ORPCountyPark.
A three-mile trail is available for cross-country skiing. Ski rentals are available during favorable conditions.
Porter, Indiana
Indiana Dunes National Park: 1100 N. Mineral Springs Road. Hours are 6 a.m.-11 p.m. daily. 219-395-1882; nps.gov/indu/planyourvisit/winteractivities.htm.
There are trails for cross-country skiing but bring your own skis; there are no rentals available. A 4-to-6-inch snow base is recommended. Trails are not groomed.
Elkhorn, Wisconsin
Alpine Valley Resort: W2501 County Road D. Hours are 2-10 p.m. Mondays-Wednesdays; 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Thursdays-Fridays and 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays. See the website for lift ticket prices. 262-642-7374; alpinevalleyresort.com.
Located about 20 minutes north of Galena, Wisconsin, this resort offers human-made snow, lessons, equipment rental and has 21 runs and three terrain parks for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.
Wilmot, Wisconsin
Wilmot Mountain: 11931 Fox River Road. Hours are 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Mondays-Fridays and 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays and holidays. Lift tickets are $55-$60. 262-862-2301; Wilmotmountain.com.
Just barely across the state line in Wisconsin, this resort offers skiing, snowboarding and tubing. They make their own snow and have lessons, equipment rental, a couple dozen trails and four progression terrain parks.
Annie Alleman is a freelance reporter for the Beacon-News.