Better skiing than you expect! The slopes here are steep. Sure it they only have 475 feet of drop but it drops fast! There is some real challenge here! There is only one beginner trail top to bottom. So this is not a good place for newbie’s. Also upside down resorts are never good for newbie’s as they get stuck... more

I really enjoyed skiing at Chestnut Mountain. I don't think a true expert skier would find themselves all that entertained there. There are not a lot of blacks, and like most midwestern ski resorts, the runs are short. But, overall, I found it an enjoyable place to ski and think it is really good for beginners and intermediates. It got... more

While you are very limited for skiing in Illinois, we have had decent luck and a lot of fun in Galena. This resort, as the other reviews state is very dated. Serves you well for the access to the slopes though. I want to point out that if you want to do a quick trip for a weekend stay, you... more

Having read 'iffy' reviews before arriving, we knew there could be some quirks involved in this visit. It's true, the lodge itself is dated, but ski enthusiasts rarely spend time indoors anyway. Our biggest frustration was how quickly the Alpine Slide would close down with any hint of rain in the forecast. The ticket vendor willingly sold tickets to anyone,... more

The panoramic view over the MIssissippi River is beautiful. A friend who spent time being a ski bum and has skied all over the U.S. says that Chestnut Mt's view is only second to the views from Heavenly Valley in Calif/Nevada. I haven't skiied quite as extensively as he has, but from my experience (and I used to ski Heavenly... more

Among the better ski resorts close to Chicago. Technically, not a mountain - it's a bluff overlooking the Mississippi. Make sure you can stop, or you'll wind up in the River! Nice lodge/restaurant/bar. more