My Skiing Experience at Granite Peak in Wisconsin: A Full Review.
Entry sign at the entrance of Granite Peak, covered in snow.
Granite Peak in Wisconsin is one of those places you hear a lot about if you’re into skiing in the Midwest. It’s known for having a good mix of runs, solid snow conditions, and a laid-back vibe that draws both beginners and seasoned skiers. It was my second place skiing after I started skiing years ago. I recently checked it out in 2025 to see if it lived up to its reputation.
This review covers everything from the mountain to the facilities, lift lines, and overall experience. Whether you’re planning a trip or just curious about what Granite Peak has to offer, here’s my honest take after spending a day on the slopes.
Granite Peak Ski Resort Stats: What You Need to Know.
Let’s start with the basics. Granite Peak is the largest ski resort in Wisconsin, offering:
200+ acres of skiable terrain
68 runs, ranging from easy greens to steep black diamonds
A 700-foot vertical drop, one of the highest in the Midwest
7 lifts, including high-speed options to keep things moving
Two terrain parks with jumps, rails, and other freestyle features
Granite Peak is also part of Rib Mountain State Park, which adds to the scenery, especially when you’re skiing through tree-lined trails.
What to Know About Granite Peak Ski Passes and Tickets.
Granite Peak offers several ticket options, including single-day lift tickets, multi-day passes, and season passes. I bought my ticket online thinking it would save time, but the process wasn’t as smooth as I expected.
Even with an online purchase, you still have to wait in line at the ticket window to pick up your pass. On Super Bowl Sunday, when crowds were lower than usual and it was very cold, I noticed that the line for in-person ticket purchases was actually shorter than the one for online order pickups.
Compared to resorts like Cascade, which have kiosks where you scan a QR code and print your ticket instantly, Granite Peak’s system felt outdated. It would be great to see them implement a faster, more convenient process in the future.
If you’re planning to visit, I still recommend buying your ticket online to secure your spot, but don’t expect it to save you time when you arrive.
Gear Shop and Dining Area: Convenience On and Off the Slopes.
Gear Shop
Granite Peak has a gear shop right at the base, which came in handy for me. I left one of my ski gloves at home (rookie move), but luckily, they had what I needed. The shop carries a good selection of essentials like gloves, goggles, and other ski gear. Prices are what you’d expect at a resort—a bit high, but convenient if you forget something.
Dining Area & Seating Issue
When I walked into the main lodge to grab a snack and wait for a friend, I noticed that every table was taken—but not by people. The lodge wasn’t very crowded, but almost all the tables had bags on them, as if people were saving spots for later.
I know this is common at some ski resorts, but at Cascade, they actively discourage it, and I can see why. I’ve probably done it myself in the past, but now I realize it makes it tough for others who just want to sit down and grab a bite.
At lunchtime, I sat at a "saved" table because they were all still saved, and I figured I’d deal with it if someone showed up. But really, if you’re skiing at Granite Peak (or anywhere else), the dining area is for eating and warming up—not for holding your gear all day.
Instead, get ready at your car and leave your stuff there, or place your bags along the wall in the lodge. I wish Granite Peak enforced this more because it would make the experience better for everyone.
Food & Atmosphere
The food is typical ski resort fare—burgers, fries, pizza. Nothing fancy, but it gets the job done after a few hours on the slopes. Prices are a bit high, but that’s expected at a resort.
The lodge itself has big windows, so you can watch people skiing while you warm up, and there’s also a gas fireplace, which adds a nice touch on colder days.
Hitting the Slopes: My Skiing Experience at Granite Peak.
Map of Granite Peak ski mountain with trails and lifts marked.
Granite Peak is a great place for intermediate and advanced skiers. There are steep runs, moguls, glades, and big jumps in the terrain parks. But if you’re a beginner, there are better places to learn in Wisconsin.
I’ve skied at Breck, Park City, and even Vail, so I know what long, high-elevation runs feel like. The runs at Granite Peak aren’t nearly as long, but they can still be challenging. The black runs here are legit blacks, unlike some other Wisconsin resorts where black trails feel more like difficult blues.
I mostly skied blues, since the blacks at Granite Peak are actually steep. My go-to run for the day was Miracle, which merges into Lower Dusky. I kept lapping that route using the Comet Express, since it’s one of the high-speed lifts and made for a smooth, repeatable run.
Later, I skied over to the left side of the mountain, where there are more green runs. I wanted to practice my form after a lesson, but to be honest, the greens at Granite Peak are just okay. Some of them wind through the trees, which makes for a scenic ride, but overall, there are better beginner-friendly resorts in Wisconsin.
Final Thoughts: Would I Return to Granite Peak?
Overall, Granite Peak is a solid Midwest ski destination, but it’s best suited for intermediate and advanced skiers. The steeper terrain, moguls, and tree runs offer a good challenge, and the high-speed lifts help keep things moving.
However, the resort could improve in a few areas:
A better ticketing system (especially for online purchases)
Enforcing the no-table-saving rule in the lodge
Making the beginner terrain more inviting
Would I go back? Yes—but mainly for the skiing itself, not necessarily the overall experience. If you’re looking for challenging runs without leaving Wisconsin, Granite Peak is worth the trip.
Granite Peak: Pros and Cons at a Glance.
✅ Pros
✔️ Great for intermediate & advanced skiers
✔️ High-speed lifts reduce wait times
✔️ Scenic tree-lined runs
✔️ Challenging blacks & fun terrain parks
❌ Cons
✖️ Ticketing system needs improvement
✖️ Dining area seating is often "saved"
✖️ Greens aren't great for beginners
Happy skiing! See you on the mountain. ⛷️🏔️
