Wisconsin Skiing: Where to take the new ones?

Unless you are extremely lucky, chances are you will find yourself hitting the slopes with a new skier/snowboarder; yet you don't want to bail on your friend just to go have a little fun? Well, believe it or not, there are still places to go and things to do so you make the best out of your day.

First off, consider the place you plan on visiting. Obviously Mount Bohemia is not going to be the best choice. Try to take your friend to a resort that has a good variety of runs, so you can push them to go a little further by the end of the day. For the new skier or rider I would recommend Cascade Mountain in Portage, Wisconsin. Not only is this resort very easy to get to right off the highway, but they have a beginner area with three dedicated lifts that run extra slow to help beginners get the concept of loading and unloading the lift. Cascade also has a long beginner run that is over a mile long, however, the run is only open during the day. For the skier or rider that can handle most greens and a few blues, then there are a multiple array of places you can visit. For the Southern Wisconsin region, I would recommend Devils Head Resort. By Cascade, Devils Head is only 8 miles off the highway. They feature the only on hill resort in Southern and Central Wisconsin. Devils Head is a great choice due to the multiple intermediate runs and mild black runs. The mild black runs help as a stepping stone to harder trails and also helps as a confidence booster. Be sure to stop in the bar and order a pizza. If Devils Head isn't your cup of tea, I suggest you keep driving past Central resorts and go straight North. Whitecap Mountains is probably the only place in Wisconsin that you truly NEED a trail map. Although there is only a 400 foot vertical rise, you will easily get tricked into thinking your at a much larger resort. Whitecap is an excellent choice due to its wide variety of runs. Granted, Whitecap has a great variety of challenging runs, but there are also a great arrangement of intermediate runs that will leave you and your buddy wanting more. Be sure to grab a trail map because you don't want to find your way halfway down The Dragon and find out its a double black.

So you find your self at a rather easy place and both get bored? Try to make the best out of what you have. For example, when I find myself at rather boring resorts, I change it up. We will take a run in the woods, take the run at high speeds (but stay in control!), or sometimes some friends and I will even switch gear. That may be a challenge, but is sure to make a day of fun if your getting skied out. Just remember, every resort has their own rules on top of the skiers responsibility code, so be sure you know these or you run the chance of getting your ticket clipped.

On the next trip with your beginner, be sure to check these places out and follow some of these tips and hopefully you won't find yourself bummed out that you may not be hitting the extreme runs, you'll still have a great day out on the slopes.

Be sure to add any additional tips!

I am a freelance writer and receive no compensation for endorsing any resorts. All statements in this article are solely thoughts of the author.