Granite Peak
Resort Overview
Granite Peak stands as Wisconsin's tallest and most comprehensive skiing destination, delivering 700 feet of exhilarating vertical drop across 155 acres of meticulously groomed terrain on historic Rib Mountain. Since opening in 1937, this legendary resort has evolved into the Midwest's premier winter sports facility, offering 58 distinctly crafted runs that cater to every ability level. The terrain distribution reveals the resort's commitment to diverse skiing experiences: 24% dedicated to beginner terrain with gentle, confidence-building slopes, 24% intermediate runs featuring engaging progression opportunities, 45% advanced trails delivering challenging descents, and 7% expert-only terrain for those seeking genuine technical challenges. What truly distinguishes Granite Peak from other regional resorts is its extraordinary night skiing programme, which illuminates an impressive 75% of all trails, transforming the mountain into a glittering winter playground long after sunset. Four purpose-built terrain parks provide endless progression opportunities for freestyle skiers and snowboarders, while the resort's location within Rib Mountain State Park creates a spectacular natural amphitheatre with panoramic views extending across the Wisconsin River Valley. The comprehensive snowmaking infrastructure blanketing 100% of terrain represents a substantial investment in reliability, ensuring consistent conditions from opening day through spring skiing regardless of natural snowfall patterns. This combination of vertical drop, terrain variety, night skiing capability, and snowmaking prowess solidifies Granite Peak's position as the undisputed leader in Wisconsin skiing.
Trails & Terrain
Trails
Total Runs
58
Total Area
155 ac
62.7 ha
Granite Peak Lift System
The lift infrastructure at Granite Peak represents decades of strategic investment in skier comfort and mountain efficiency, featuring 10 modern installations engineered to maximise uphill capacity while minimising wait times across the resort's expansive 155-acre terrain. The flagship Comet six-passenger chairlift exemplifies the resort's commitment to cutting-edge technology, whisking riders smoothly to the summit with comfortable seating and wind-protective bubbles. Complementing this high-speed express are four additional quad chairlifts strategically positioned to serve distinct terrain zones, two triple chairs providing access to intermediate and advanced runs, and three surface lifts dedicated to beginner areas and terrain park features. The combined uphill capacity exceeds 10,000 skiers per hour, an impressive figure that translates to minimal queue times even during peak holiday periods and powder days following major snowstorms. With 700 feet of vertical drop, the lift system efficiently transports riders from the 1,240-foot base elevation to the commanding 1,940-foot summit, where sweeping vistas reveal the breadth of central Wisconsin's landscape. The resort's modern RFID gate technology eliminates the hassle of fumbling for tickets, allowing seamless lift access with a simple scan while providing valuable data that helps operations teams optimise lift scheduling and terrain grooming. The strategic lift network design minimises walking between runs and connects varied terrain pods, enabling skiers to effortlessly flow from cruising groomers to bump runs to glades without unnecessary traversing. During night skiing operations, the lifts continue their efficient service under the glow of extensive lighting, maintaining the same quick uphill transport that defines the daytime experience.
Lifts
Total Lifts
10
Lift Types
4
Location & Getting There
Granite Peak occupies a commanding position in Wausau, central Wisconsin, nestled within the protected boundaries of Rib Mountain State Park approximately 200 miles northwest of Milwaukee, 150 miles north of Madison, and 250 miles southeast of Minneapolis. This strategic central Wisconsin location places the resort within a manageable day-trip distance for millions of Midwest residents, while the immediate proximity to downtown Wausau—just minutes from the base area—provides convenient access to an impressive array of accommodation options, dining establishments, and entertainment venues. The resort's setting atop Rib Mountain, one of the oldest geological formations in North America with quartzite bedrock dating back billions of years, creates a genuinely unique skiing environment for the Midwest. From the 1,940-foot summit, panoramic views extend across the Wisconsin River Valley, revealing the patchwork of forests, farmland, and distant ridges that characterise central Wisconsin's rolling landscape. Wausau itself offers authentic Wisconsin hospitality, with locally-owned restaurants serving regional specialities including Friday fish fries, supper clubs featuring prime rib and old fashioneds, and craft breweries showcasing the state's thriving beer culture. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly chains to charming bed-and-breakfasts, with many properties offering special ski packages including lift tickets and equipment rentals. Beyond skiing, the Wausau area provides opportunities for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, ice fishing, and exploring the region's logging heritage at local museums and historic sites. Granite Peak's membership in the Legendary Pass network alongside Lutsen Mountains in Minnesota and Snowriver Mountain Resort creates exceptional value for Midwest skiers, offering unlimited access to multiple quality resorts for less than the cost of a few day tickets at destination mountains. This regional pass alliance recognises that Midwest skiers deserve affordable access to varied terrain without the expense and travel time required for Rocky Mountain or Alpine destinations.
Granite Peak
, wisconsin