Ski Snowstar is situated within Coal Creek valley, five miles west of the Andalusia Quad Cities. It has 28 acres of skiable surface, and offers terrain designed for different skill levels. Moreover, it is a family-oriented ski-training area, accompanied by a day lodge with a bar, cafeteria and ski-rentals. It is serviced by two quad and double chairlifts, which provides fast rides to the top, so as to maximize skiing time. It also has a ski school, which is PSIA-certified, and offers a pre-ski program for parents who wish to have their toddlers learn the sport early. Like most Midwestern states, the skiing season runs from early December to mid-March.

Pats Peak is pretty small as far as ski resorts go, with only 22 trails to its name – and most of them for beginners to boot. Still, the fact that it offers night skiing on most of the mountain is something to look forward to, as is the fact that Pats Peak has some really steep and long pitches attached to its name. Pats Peak also has a challenging terrain park, but mostly Pat's Peak is about learning how to ski and perfecting what you've learned. More experienced skiers would probably want to stick to the Hurricane trail to slake their adrenaline thirst.

Although it isn't as big as some other ski resorts with its 135 acres worth of skiable area, no one can say that skiing in Magic Mountain is boring. It has about 35 runs to its name, and half of those are regarded as some of the most difficult in the area. Thrill seekers will be happy to know that it has an array of trees, steeps and cliffs that make even the most experienced skiers hesitate. Indeed, a very challenging terrain – all the while still having some trails suited to the less experienced.

For those tired of skiing, Illinois offers a nigh-on exclusive snow park for snowboarders, which boasts of equipment catered towards the less refined yet still very enjoyable snow sport. The snowboard park has two rope tows, kickers, table tops, a half pipe, and gaps to challenge snowboarders everywhere. It also has very reasonable rates, and considerably cheaper than skiers. They also offer different rates for weekdays, weekends and holidays, along with season passes. Aside from their awesome prices, they also make sure that their clients are attended to, ready with a full line of rental equipment to suit anyone regardless of skill level, as well as a a competent staff of experienced instructors to provide the direction their guests may need.

Otherwise known as simply Breck, Breckenridge Ski Resort is one of the top resorts operating under the Vail Resorts brand. And much like other Vail Resorts, Breckenridge Ski Resort offers a range of activities for its guests. With 2,358 acres of skiable area, Breck is easily one of the favored skiing destinations in all of Colorado.