Resorts Granite-Peak-Ski-Are
Area Profile
Rising high above the city, Rib Mountain, the highest point in the Badger State, plays host to the Midwest's newest and arguably largest ski area. Granite Peak, which resembles a small New England ski area, sprawls across 400 acres of the north-facing mountain sporting a big 700-foot vertical drop and74 trails serviced by seven lifts including a new high-speed quad.
At night you would swear you were in Vermont with the lights of the ski trails shimmering high above the town; ribbons of light cascading down to the edge of the city, which sits at the base of the mountain. One of the best night skiing venues in the heartland, it's a unique combination that you won't find elsewhere around the Great Lakes. Granite is actually the rebirth of the oldest ski area in the Midwest. Established in 1937 - a year before Caberfae got its start in Cadillac - it was one of the first ski areas in North America. Stowe (Vt.) and Sun Valley (Idaho) were also just getting started. It was a part of Rib Mountain State Park and originally operated by the state of Wisconsin. They quickly turned it over to a private operator, but the small area ski area never grew. It languished as a 1960/'70s relic operating with about 20 runs, a couple of tired old chairlifts, and little snowmaking equipment until late last decade. In stepped Charles Skinner, Jr., part owner of the family-owned, highly successful Lutsen Mountains in Minnesota's Arrowhead. He realized the potential of this sleeping giant and decided to awaken it. Skinner has more than tripled the size of the ski area in just a few years. It's a legitimate Midwest destination area with terrain to challenge every ability level and enough variety to keep you interested for a few days of skiing. Several of the runs stretch up to a mile in length.Lodging Profile
The city of Wausau offers all kinds of lodging options, restaurants, shopping, and cultural attractions.
Services Profile
Eatery, grill, tavern, coffee bar, ski and sports store, demos and tuning center, rental shop, and learning center. All the new buildings feature rough-cut lumber exteriors and rustic, knotty pine interiors in keeping with the original day lodge. It gives the small, functional village an old-time feel. The original chalet is a historic site.
Area Recreation Profile
Six tree ski glades, NASTAR racing on Saturdays and Sundays, cross country skiing nearby, snowmobiling, ice fishing, and snowshoeing.
Snowboarding Profile
Snowboarding is allowed on all trails including two terrain parks and a halfpipe.
Cross Country Profile
Cross country skiing is available nearby.
Summer Profile
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Mountain Stats
| Elevation | Lifts | Terrain |
|---|---|---|
|
Top: 1942 FT Bottom: 1242 FT Vertical Drop: 700 FT Skiable Terrain: 275 acres Number of Runs: 74 Snow Making: 265 acres |
Total Lifts: na Surface Lifts: 2 Capacity: 11500 |
Beginner Runs: 30% Intermediate Runs: 35% Advanced Runs: 35% Expert Runs: 0% Average Snowfall: 60 IN |
| Dates | More | |
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Projected Days Open: na Days Open Last Year: 136 Year Open: 1937 |
Regionwide comparison Wikiski OnTheSnow.com Resort Guide for Granite-Peak-Ski-Are | |
Contact Information
Granite-Peak-Ski-Are
Address:3605 North Mountain Wausau, WI, 54402-Phone: (715) 845-2846
Email: info@skigranitepeak.com
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