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    Wisconsin, USA

    Granite Peak

    58 runs, 700ft vertical, 155 acres on Rib Mountain near Wausau. Wisconsin's steepest, largest ski area.

    Season 2025 - 2026
    Opens
    6 Dec 2025
    Closes
    13 Apr 2026
    Days open
    128
    Annual snow
    5ft
    The Overview
    MF
    Michael Fulton
    Melbourne-based skier and snowboarder with 50+ resorts across 5 continents. Specialises in Australian resorts and international resort comparisons.

    Granite Peak's summit reaches 1,943 feet, dropping 700 vertical feet to a base at 1,243 feet across 58 runs spread over 155 acres on Rib Mountain near Wausau, Wisconsin. Terrain splits 45 per cent advanced, 24 per cent each beginner and intermediate, and 7 per cent expert, a notably steep mix for a Midwest resort. Average annual snowfall is low at roughly 65 inches, so the resort depends heavily on snowmaking. Granite Peak operates its own Legendary Pass, shared with Lutsen Mountains and other affiliated areas.

    Ten lifts, including four quads, one six-pack and two triples, serve the 58-run network, giving Granite Peak the largest lift count of any Wisconsin ski area. The 700-foot vertical drop and steep terrain mix make it Wisconsin's largest and most advanced-leaning resort. The mountain sits within Rib Mountain State Park, one of the oldest ski areas in North America. Night skiing runs alongside daytime operations.

    The Wausau Kiwanis Club donated land on Rib Mountain to the state in 1924, with the state acquiring further acreage soon after. The ski area opened in 1937, among the first in North America, with the Civilian Conservation Corps building the first downhill runs and tow ropes during the 1930s. A shelter house opened in 1939, described at the time as among the finest structures of its kind in the Midwest, hosting the Wausau Ski Club's first official function. Night skiing arrived in 1955 with 28 spotlights, and snowmaking followed in 1958, decades before it became standard at most competitors.

    Granite Peak's Legendary Pass gives access alongside Lutsen Mountains in Minnesota and other affiliated areas under the same network. Adult full-day tickets range from 65 to 109 US dollars depending on date and time, with a discounted Wisconsin Wednesdays rate at 20 dollars and a Legendary Plus season pass at 699 dollars. The resort suits Wausau and central Wisconsin skiers seeking the state's largest and steepest terrain. Its operation on state park land under a private lease with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is a distinctive arrangement among Midwest resorts.

    699ft
    Vertical
    58
    Runs
    155 acres
    Skiable
    5ft
    Annual snow
    The Terrain

    58 runs across 155 acres skiable

    Granite Peak spreads 58 runs across 155 acres skiable of terrain. It leans advanced at 45%, with 14 beginner runs to find your feet and 30 advanced or expert runs when you want to push.

    Terrain split
    58
    runs
    58 runs across 4 grades
    Beginner14 runs · 24%
    Intermediate14 runs · 24%
    Advanced26 runs · 45%
    Expert4 runs · 7%
    Time it right

    When to visit Granite Peak

    The 2025-26 season at Granite Peak ran from 6 December 2025 to 13 April 2026, a roughly nineteen-week window supported substantially by snowmaking. The resort's low natural snowfall means season length depends heavily on temperatures suitable for artificial snow production. Season dates can shift based on early and late-season weather. This is a comparatively long season given Granite Peak's modest natural snowfall totals.

    Average annual snowfall of roughly 65 inches is low even by Midwest standards, meaning Granite Peak depends on snowmaking for nearly all of its season-long conditions. This makes temperature, far more than storm cycles, the key variable in operating reliability. Base depth is maintained largely through machine-made snow, a practice the resort has followed since adopting snowmaking in 1958. Specific current snowmaking coverage percentage is not confirmed in available resort information.

    Midwinter, from late December through February, typically offers the most reliable conditions once snowmaking has built a consistent base across the resort's advanced-leaning terrain. Night skiing sessions, a Granite Peak tradition dating to 1955, extend the useful hours of each day throughout the season. Weekend crowds are heavier than weekdays, given the resort's role as Wisconsin's largest ski area. Late-season visits into April can be inconsistent as temperatures warm.

    Granite Peak's calendar centres on serving skiers seeking the state's steepest terrain rather than festival programming. The resort's Legendary Pass connection to Lutsen Mountains and other affiliated areas ties its calendar loosely to a broader regional network. Specific event programming beyond standard operations is not confirmed in available resort information. As Wisconsin's largest and most advanced-leaning resort, the calendar leans toward serving committed skiers over beginner-focused programming.

    Season 2025 - 2026
    6 Dec 2025
    Opens
    13 Apr 2026
    Closes
    128
    Days open
    5 ft
    Annual snow
    Getting there

    Getting to Granite Peak, and where to stay

    Granite Peak sits on Rib Mountain, within Rib Mountain State Park, in the Town of Rib Mountain, Marathon County, Wisconsin, just south of Wausau. Base elevation is 1,243 feet, with the summit reaching 1,943 feet across a 700-foot vertical drop over 155 acres. This is central Wisconsin, with Rib Mountain itself a well-known local landmark and one of the oldest ski areas in North America. The surrounding state park adds hiking and other recreation beyond the ski area.

    Wausau is the nearest city of size, providing the bulk of lodging, dining and services beyond the resort itself. The Wausau Kiwanis Club's 1924 land donation to the state set the stage for the ski area's development on what was already public park land. The broader central Wisconsin region carries a mix of small-city and rural character. Green Bay and the Fox Valley lie a reasonable drive to the east.

    US Highway 51 and Interstate 39 provide the main access route from Wausau and the broader central Wisconsin highway network. The drive from Wausau takes only a few minutes given the resort's position just south of the city. Milwaukee and Madison lie roughly two to three hours south by road. Winter driving conditions in central Wisconsin can include snow and ice, though major routes are generally well-maintained.

    Central Wisconsin Airport, serving the Wausau area, is the nearest airport with limited commercial service. Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport and Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport both offer substantially more flight options but sit two to three hours away by road. Most visitors reach Granite Peak by car directly from the Wausau area or drive up from Milwaukee or Madison. No rail service reaches the resort directly.

    Where to stay

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    Hotels and lodges near Granite Peak, powered by Stay22.

    Latest News

    From the SnowStash desk

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    FIS Weighs Holding World Championships in Almost Every Winter, Starting 2032

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    2 Sept 2026
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    26 Aug 2026

    Granite Peak Lift Tickets

    Granite Peak lift tickets & passes

    The 2025 - 2026 season at Granite Peak closed on Apr 13, 2026. Check back for next season's opening date and ticket pricing.

    Day passes start from US$20, with peak rates up to US$109.

    11 pass options
    Buy passes ↗

    Single-day passes

    Adult 18–64

    Adult Full Day (Value)

    US$65up to US$89 peak

    Value-priced full day skiing at Granite Peak, Wisconsin's largest ski area. Features 58 trails across 200+ acres with 7 lifts and 4 terrain parks in the heart of northern Wisconsin.

    Buy pass
    Adult 18–64

    Adult Full Day (Prime)

    US$89up to US$109 peak

    Prime-day full access to Granite Peak's 58 trails and terrain parks. Wisconsin's legendary ski area with high-speed chairlifts and RFID gate system for convenient lift access.

    Buy pass
    Youth 13–17

    Youth Full Day

    US$75up to US$95 peak

    Youth daily ticket for Granite Peak in Wausau, Wisconsin. Access to Wisconsin's largest ski area with excellent terrain variety from beginner to advanced skiing and snowboarding.

    Buy pass
    Child 6–12

    Child Full Day

    US$65up to US$85 peak

    Children's lift ticket at Granite Peak. Wisconsin skiing with kids ski free program when purchasing adult/child 3-day combo tickets. Perfect for family ski vacations in northern Wisconsin.

    Buy pass
    Child 0–5

    Child (5 & Under)

    Free

    Free skiing for children 5 and under at Granite Peak. Wisconsin's legendary ski area welcomes families with convenient access from Milwaukee, Madison, and Minneapolis.

    Buy pass
    Senior 65–79

    Senior Full Day

    US$75up to US$95 peak

    Senior lift ticket for Granite Peak Ski Area. Discounted access to Wisconsin's largest ski area with 58 trails and legendary Midwest skiing experience in Wausau.

    Buy pass
    Senior 80–99

    Senior (80+)

    Free

    Complimentary skiing for seniors 80 and older at Granite Peak. Visit guest services desk for setup at Wisconsin's legendary ski area in the heart of northern Wisconsin.

    Buy pass

    Half-day passes

    Adult 18–64

    Wisconsin Wednesdays

    US$20

    Special Wednesday night skiing from 5pm-9pm at Granite Peak for just $20. Includes $20 rental specials and Wisconsin beer on tap - celebrating local Wisconsin pride.

    Buy pass

    Multi-day passes

    Adult 18–64

    Legendary Flex 4-Pack

    US$299

    Four flexible lift tickets for Granite Peak with multi-day savings. Use on any operating days throughout the season at Wisconsin's largest ski area with family-owned hospitality.

    Buy pass

    Season passes

    Adult 18–64

    Legendary Plus Pass

    US$699

    Unlimited access to Granite Peak, Lutsen Mountains, and Snowriver Mountain Resort. Family-owned Midwest ski resorts offering authentic charm and premium mountain experiences.

    Buy pass
    Adult 18–64

    Legendary Base Pass

    US$499

    Unlimited access to three Midwest resorts while avoiding 12 busiest days. Smart choice for value-conscious skiers at Granite Peak, Lutsen, and Snowriver Mountain Resort.

    Buy pass

    Lift tickets FAQ

    How much does a Granite Peak day pass cost?+
    Granite Peak day passes range from US$20 to US$109 depending on the date and advance booking.
    Can I buy Granite Peak lift tickets online?+
    Yes, you can purchase tickets directly from the resort website or at the resort ticket office.
    Are there discounts for multi-day passes?+
    Yes, multi-day packages typically offer significant savings compared to individual day passes. The per-day cost decreases with longer stays.
    What is included with a Granite Peak lift ticket?+
    Full access to all lifts and trails at Granite Peak, including mountain safety and patrol services.
    What is the difference between Granite Peak lift tickets and ski passes?+
    "Lift tickets" and "ski passes" refer to the same thing at Granite Peak - your access to the mountain's lifts and trails for your chosen duration.
    When should I buy Granite Peak lift tickets for the best price?+
    Purchase tickets at least 7 days in advance for the best rates, and consider weekday visits for further savings over weekend rates.
    Does Granite Peak offer group discounts on lift tickets?+
    Group discounts are typically available for parties of 10 or more. Contact Granite Peak directly for group booking information and rates.
    How can I check current conditions before buying tickets?+
    Before purchasing, check the live snow report and mountain webcams to see current weather, snow conditions, and lift operations at Granite Peak.

    More Granite Peak intelligence: snow report, webcams, resort overview.