by Jennifer Eblin

Created on: November 14, 2007

Lawrenceburg, Indiana. Galena, Illinois. Cadillac, Michigan.

What do those three towns have in common? They are amount the best places for skiing in the Great Lakes region.

Lawrenceburg, Indiana is home to the Perfect North Slopes. They offer skiing, snow tubing, and reasonable prices. An 8 hour lift ticket is available for only $43, or look for their "closing" pass, which costs only $35 and gives unlimited skiing the last 4 hours of the day. Perfect North Slopes also has amazing discounts for groups of 15 or more, which includes a free beginner's ski lesson.

Galena, Illinois is the location of the Chestnut Mountain Resort. The lodge at Chestnut Mountain is fully equipped, with a Jacuzzi, indoor swimming pool, and free internet. And once the skiing starts to get old, there's enough other activities at Chestnut Mountain to keep everyone occupied. Sleigh rides, snowshoeing, alpine mountain rides, snowboarding, and chair lift rides are just the tip of the iceberg. Chestnut Mountain has reasonably priced lift tickets as well, at $43 during weekends and $33 on weekdays. They also offer rental equipment, and lessons for those that need them.

Caberfae Peaks is the best place to find great skiing in the Michigan area. Not only do they offer great package deals, but they usually have their first snowfall in the first week of November. When visiting Caberfae Peaks, weekdays are the best time to arrive. This is when the resort offers the best discounts, and there are less people. Less people means shorter lines, and a smaller wait time, as well as a less crowded mountain. This year (as in previous years), they're offering a Midweek Ski Package. Running from Sunday night to Thursday night, it includes 1 night at the lodge and 2 days of skiing, all for only $59 per person.

Not everyone wants to stay at the lodge, which is why they also offer individual lift tickets. During the week, an all day lift ticket is priced at $34 and on weekends its $42. 4 hour lift tickets are available for $29-37, and night skiing runs $24 all week long. Ski lessons and rental equipment is also available.

Who says you have to head west, or north, to find the best skiing? Every year more and more skiers are discovering that some of the best ski resorts in the world are located closer to home, and right in the heart of the Great Lakes region.

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