Best of the Chippewa Valley

Reader Polls

The Best of the Chippewa Valley 2022

The Best of the Chippewa Valley 2023

The Best of the Chippewa Valley 2024

The Best of the Chippewa Valley 2025

The Best of the Chippewa Valley 2026

Best Downhill Ski Destination

Colorado, the state known for its mountains, has 32 ski resorts. Guess how many Wisconsin has? 33! One of those is close to the Chippewa Valley, reasonably priced, and offers some fantastic slopes: Christie Mountain in Bruce wins it this year. Second place, Trollhaugen Ski Area, is a little farther out – in Dresser – but it boasts a full range of runs for all skill levels, plus a snow tubing park. While this year’s third-place winner is a much longer drive, Lutsen Mountains Resort in northern Minnesota, it offers an experience similar to those fancy Colorado locations. —Eric Rasmussen