DAY TRIP: The hills are alive at Chestnut Resort in Galena

It’s time to go out and enjoy winter, even if the weather isn’t exactly cooperating.

Chestnut Mountain Resort offers an opportunity to show off your skiing and snowboarding skills – or learn them, if you’re new to the slopes. The slopes are designed for all levels, so whether Rookie’s Ridge is calling or the advanced Warpath strikes your fancy, going downhill has never been so good.

Nineteen runs take skiers down 457 feet and lifts make it easy to get back to the top to try again.

Snowboarders will want to try out the Farside, a terrain park with its variety of features and 25 rails.

If you need winter gear, Chestnut has you covered. The ski center has hats, clothing and equipment as well as ski and snowboard rentals, lessons and tickets.

Bringing kids? The resort offers programs for them, too, for a fee. Powder Pups is just right for skiers age 4 to 6. It features group activities and ski games that teach stops and turns. Ages 7 to 12 can improve their skiing skills in the Powder Rangers program. Don’t worry, budding snowboarders, Chestnut won’t forget you. The Burton Learn to Ride program will show ages 7 and older how to use a snowboard.

Registration is required for these training sessions. Call 815-777-4652 for the Burton Learn to Ride program and 815-777-4650 for the skiing programs.

For the little snowflakes who might be tagging along, the resort offers a place for them, too. Powder Playcare for toddlers features a nap area and romper room. The kids should have name-labeled outdoor clothing, as well as an extra set of clothes, and they must be potty trained. The cost is $10 per hour; call 815-777-4650 for information.

Some special events are going on at Chestnut Mountain. The Season Pass Selfie Scavenger Hunt is set for 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 1. Registration is from 5 to 5:30. Also planned is skiing with Andy Parry and the Tell A Friend Tour crew starting at 10 a.m. in the park. A pizza party and raffle will be at 3 p.m.

If guests want to make a weekend out of this, the resort has a lodge with accommodations and dining facilities.

Visit the resort

Don’t let the gray days get in the way of a winter exploration on the “mountain.” See you on the slopes.

IF YOU GO ...

What: Chestnut Mountain Resort

Where: 8700 W. Chestnut Mountain Road, Galena

When: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to midnight Friday and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday

Cost: Standard non-holiday lift ticket pricing – weekends, adults $52 and children younger than 12 and seniors older than 55, $40; Monday through Thursday, everyone $25; Friday, $40 for adults and $32 for the others; and nights, after 4 p.m., $35 for adults and $25 for the others

Information: chestnutmtn.com or 800-397-1320