Our family of 5 is considering a trip to Chicago this winter to visit family. Since we are from Oklahoma, the kids (ages 12, 15, & 16) not only have never skied, they have never really seen a "real" winter and lots of snow. Since none of us will be expert skiers (I grew up near the poconos and skied there), the difficulty of the skiing is not important. I would like a suggestion for a ski area within a reasonable driving distance from Chicago, but the most important factor is not distance, but I'd like the 'feel' of a real ski resort. In other words, I don't want something on the edge of town, but somewhere with some pretty scenery, tall trees (we don't have any) and maybe a quaint area for lodging nearby. If you have any suggestions, they would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Hallie

Thats kind of a tough call. Most areas close to Chicago are not that big and therefore don't give you the feeling of a real ski resort.
The closest spot, and the only choice in Illinois, is Chestnut Mountain (http://www.chestnutmtn.com/winter/), in Galena, about an hour or so away.
There are two places not much further away, in Wisconsin. Alpine Valley (http://www.alpinevalleyresort.com/Welcome.htm), in East Troy, is closest, probably a bit over 2 hoursaway, but is quite small. Cascade Mountain (http://www.cascademountain.com/), in Portage, is 3 hours away, and is larger than Alpine Valley.

If you are willing to drive a little more than 4 hours (well, probably 6 hours), you can get to some of the Michigan areas, like Ski Brule of Boyne Mountain.

Lutsen Mountain, on the shores of Lake Superior, is the closest thing that you are going to find to a real ski area in the Midwest (http://www.lutsen.com/winter/winter_frameset.html). That is where I would head, but it is probably 8 hours from Chicago.

I love Lutsen Mtns. in Lutsen, MN and agree it is the closest to real mtn. skiing in the Midwest. However, it is about 11-12 hours from Chicago. We go there often and I have never made it in 8 hours from Chicago. It is a fun place tho and you and the kids would enjoy it. It is right near the shores of Lake Superior.

You can ski in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, at the Grand Geneva resort. It's not much compared to a real ski resort, but they cater to beginners, and the area is scenic and charming to visit. Lake Geneva is about 1.5 hours north of Chicago at the intersection of Route 50 and Route 12.

Galena is a bit more than an hour from Chicago. Rockford is 90 minutes and Galena is about 80 miles further west.

Boyne Highlands or Boyne Mountain would fit the bill. There is a nice resort at the foot of Boyne Highlands which is ski-in, ski-out, has great food and an outdoor pool and hot tub.

I vote for Chestnut Mtn in Galena. The slopes end right down on the shore of the Mississippi River. You might check into renting a lodge or cabin in the area-I know people rent them in the warmer months for golf vacations at Eagle Ridge Golf Course. Check with Galena vistor's bureau.