Top 10 Ski Resorts In Galena, Illinois - Updated 2024

Plarlene Juliane
Plarlene Juliane 
Contributing Writer
Updated
| 5 min read

Take your family on a memorable getaway in Galena to enjoy a winter vacation. Located in Jo Daviess County in the northwest part of Illinois, this magnificent city is home to historic buildings, award-winning restaurants, and the finest wineries. If you want to see something interesting, head to West Street Sculpture Park and PT Murphy Magic Theater. What’s more, this city has accommodations that offer easy access to skiing opportunities. If you are planning to ski in this city, make sure you book the right place that will keep you warm and comfy after a day of fun-filled activities. Read on for the top ski resorts in Galena, Illinois.

We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and access to ski slopes and equipment. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on May 28, 2024.

1. Chestnut Mountain Resort (from USD 132)

Chestnut Mountain Resort is one of the premier ski spots in the city. Situated close to the downtown area, this ski resort boasts a 20,000-square-foot (1,858.1 square meters) ski facility with a 475-foot (144.8 meters) vertical drop that spans 3,500 feet (1,066.8 meters) across 19 runs. Its longest run is 0.7 miles (1.1 kilometers). The exceptional ski area comprises four triple chairs, two quad chairs, one surface lift, and two conveyor lifts. If you’re a beginner, you may participate in the resort’s private lessons with the help of their 50 expert instructors. Season passes here start from 130 USD.

After skiing, you can make up for the calories you’ve burned by feasting on sandwiches and pizzas at the resort’s on-site restaurant. Resort amenities include free parking, free wi-fi, and an indoor pool.

Stayed at this property?

Chestnut Mountain Resort

Wifi Available

Address: 8700 West Chestnut Mountain Road PO Box 6328
29.57 km (18.4 mi) from National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium

Parking Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Sauna Garden Terrace Non-smoking rooms

Other accommodations near ski area

2. Best Western Galena Inn and Suites (from USD 120)

Situated just 8 miles (12.9 kilometers) from Chestnut Mountain Resort, this 3-star hotel features modern rooms, 2 swimming pools, a shared lounge, free parking, and free wi-fi.

Once you’re here, you can start your day by relishing a fresh American breakfast right before you engage in fun activities in Galena, such as mini-golfing, horse riding, and off-site cycling and skiing. You can also keep yourself busy throughout the day by working out at the hotel’s state-of-the-art fitness center.

Stayed at this property?

Best Western Galena Inn & Suites

Wifi Available

Address: 9923 US 20 West
22.24 km (13.9 mi) from National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium

Parking 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Tennis court Fitness centre Golf course (within 3 km) Non-smoking rooms Fishing Business centre

3. Charming house with gas grill (from USD 200)

The three bedrooms in this 1842 house boast elegance and a cozy atmosphere, so you should consider staying here if you want a remarkable vacation in Galena. This tastefully remodeled vacation rental for six includes convenient amenities, such as a gas grill, free wi-fi, central air conditioning, a TV, and laundry essentials. It also has a full kitchen that includes dishes, utensils, an ice maker, a stove, a microwave, and a refrigerator.

What’s more, this vacation house is just 6.7 miles (10.8 kilometers) from Chestnut Mountain Resort, one of the most-visited ski destinations in the city.

Stayed at this property?
Galena, Illinois, United States
20.75 km (12.9 mi) from National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
PRIVATE VACATION HOME 6 Guests 3 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the outdoor seating area was perfect place to catch up with the gas fire pit table and lights
Cleanliness:
it is clean spacious beautiful and unique
Host:
angela and mike are very responsive to any questions or concerns
rented the property for a wedding weekend - it was awesome and mike & angela are great hosts
Location:
nice place liked it a lot
Read more reviews

4. Galena RowHouse (from USD 288)

This property is a fantastic vacation rental where you can spend a weekend with your loved ones. With its expansive four bedrooms, two and a half baths, and well-stocked kitchen, this homey property will lift your stay to new heights. It is also an ideal place for those who want to ski because it is just less than 20 minutes from Chestnut Mountain Resort.

While you may enjoy an inspiring morning at the patio, which comes with scenic views, your nights will surely be restful, thanks to the comfy beds and quality linens. Other amenities here include a fireplace, air conditioning, heater, parking, and internet access.

Stayed at this property?

21.06 km (13.1 mi) from National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
110 reviews   Wifi Available
House 10 Guests 4 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 10
Minimum Nights: 2
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 14 days before check-in.

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
held shower on 4 th floor Very comfortable in all regards
when running Could use better window shades in the front bedroom facing the street
etcCould use another shower or curtain around tub and hand
There was more then enough room for 8 people
We only wish that there was more then 1 shower
Cleanliness:
wifi ample towels and hot water
Everything was very easy and the location was absolutely perfect
but I'm sure it was common in the 18th century )
Host:
Hosts were wonderful answering our few questions
The host was responsive and friendly
The owner was friendly and helpful
We appreciated the history of the home and what the city had to offer
she made everything very easy
Location:
Property very nice and within walking distance of activities shopping
The location was perfect and close to all shops and restaurants I would definitely recommend this house to anyone wanting to stay in Galena and be close to Main Street
The Galena Row House is the perfect place to stay
We had a great time in Galena and a very comfortable house to stay in
We absolutely loved this house and the location
Read more reviews

5. Irish Cottage Inn and Suites (from USD 165)

Hotel Irish Cottage Inn and Suites is just around (14.9 miles) 24 kilometers from Dubuque Regional Airport. This hotel boasts a variety of facilities that ensure guests’ comfort. These amenities include a swimming pool, a spa, a wellness center, an in-house dining option, and free parking. There are several rooms here that are suitable for a family or couples aiming for a romantic vacation. Rooms are fitted with a flat-screen TV and tea or coffee-making facilities.

Hotel Irish Cottage Inn and Suites is perfect for ski enthusiasts, as Chestnut Mountain is just 9 miles (14.5 kilometers) away.

Stayed at this property?

Irish Cottage Inn & Suites

Wifi Available

Address: 9853 US Highway 20
22.44 km (14.0 mi) from National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium

Parking Restaurant Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre Golf course (within 3 km) Non-smoking rooms

6. Goldmoor Inn and Resort (from USD 432)

With innumerable conveniences and wonderful views, this property is a great choice if you are planning to go skiing on your next vacation. Goldmoor Inn and Resort offers a spa and wellness center, a hot tub, an in-house restaurant, a garden, and free private parking. As for accommodations, the rooms here are fitted with a dining area, a kitchenette, a flat-screen TV, and a private bathroom.

Chestnut Mountain is just 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) from here, so if you’re skiing, snag your ski pass from this resort. For an extra fee, you can make use of the ski storage on site.

Stayed at this property?

Goldmoor Inn & Resort

Wifi Available

Address: 9001 North Sand Hill Road
28.29 km (17.6 mi) from National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium

Parking Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar Golf course (within 3 km) Garden Terrace

7. Vibrant house with patio (from USD 377)

This modern and exquisite vacation rental is a great choice if you’re eyeing a memorable ski trip at Chestnut Mountain Resort. The said ski resort is approximately 6.3 miles (10.1 kilometers) from this property. There are also golf courses and a horseback riding center nearby.

The house can accommodate up to eight guests, and it has a fully furnished kitchen, a dining table for six, and a furnished patio. You can also make use of other amenities, such as air conditioning, laundry facilities, a fireplace, and a parking space.

Stayed at this property?

30.85 km (19.2 mi) from National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
17 reviews   Wifi Available
House 8 Guests 3 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 8
Minimum Nights: 2
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 30 days before check-in.

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
there was space for eight of us to be comfortable for family time and alone time
Cleanliness:
the house was beautiful clean comfortable and included everything we needed
very nice house it was super clean and had all the essentials needed for a stay
it was very clean and all the instructions were easy to understand
the location is beautiful and the home is very clean and bright
Host:
the owner was very gracious and welcoming- would definitely recommend this house
Location:
the house was wonderful and provided the perfect location for our family
Read more reviews

8. Aldrich Guest House (from USD 198)

Before or after you go skiing in Chestnut Mountain Resort, be sure to stay in Aldrich Guest House. Located 8 miles (12.9 kilometers) from the ski resort, this gorgeous property boasts well-appointed rooms that have a private bath and air conditioning. As for shared facilities, it comes with a lounge and free parking. Free wi-fi is also accessible here. During your stay, a complimentary breakfast is included in your rent. The breakfast choices are either American, vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free.

The location of this rental is fantastic, as it would only take you five minutes to walk to Main Street Galena. This means you can easily reach great dining and shopping options.

Stayed at this property?

Aldrich Guest House

Wifi Available

Address: 900 3rd Street
21.48 km (13.4 mi) from National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium

Parking Room service Golf course (within 3 km) Garden Terrace Non-smoking rooms Skiing Breakfast in the room

9. The Federal House (from USD 178)

Situated around 15 minutes from Chestnut Mountain Resort, The Federal House is a fabulous bed and breakfast accommodation in Galena. For added convenience, ski equipment rental is offered here.

The property comes with facilities for barbecuing, free private parking, an outdoor fireplace, a patio, and free wi-fi. Daily housekeeping and concierge services are also available. All rooms include a flat-screen TV, a microwave, a fridge, a seating area, and a private bathroom with a shower. For an additional charge, you can stay here with your pets.

Stayed at this property?

The Federal House

Wifi Available

Address: 603 South Bench Street
21.09 km (13.2 mi) from National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium

Parking Pets allowed Golf course (within 3 km) Garden Terrace Non-smoking rooms Fishing Skiing

10. Alice's Snyder House Bed and Breakfast (from USD 145)

Once you set foot inside this vacation rental, your heart will definitely be captivated by its pleasantly decorated interiors and intricate furnishings. When you book a room here, you can expect inclusions, such as a full breakfast and home-baked goodies. You will also have access to a front porch with a seating area, free wi-fi, and a dining room. Each unit is air-conditioned and comes with a satellite TV.

Skiing nearby is possible when you stay here, as Chestnut Mountain Resort is just 15 minutes from the property.

Stayed at this property?

Alice's Snyder House Bed and Breakfast

Wifi Available

Address: 1000 Third Street
21.5 km (13.4 mi) from National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium

Parking Garden Non-smoking rooms Skiing Free parking Internet services Karaoke Canoeing

Great winter activities await you in Galena

With several spots for skiing, snowboarding, or snow tubing, Galena is the perfect destination for winter lovers, especially those who love sports. For your accommodation needs, make sure to stay in one of these options in Galena, Illinois, for a convenient time.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Plarlene manages a personal blog at www.plarlenejulianev.tumblr.com. She has also committed to traveling to various Asian countries, specifically Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong, and...Read more

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