The Scene
Besides being located smack in the middle of Wisconsin, Granite Peak (formerly Rib Mountain) sits on a one-billion-year-old geographical formation. Towering 700 feet over the countryside, this rounded giant somehow withstood the massive glaciers that flattened the rest of the state.
The Slopes
With its lazy corners and slopes carved out of hardwood hills, Granite Peak is reminiscent of ski resorts in Vermont's Green Mountains. The terrain is mostly intermediate, with a couple of headwalls that offer some challenging steep. The area has plenty of wide, groomed cruising terrain, perfect for bombers all the way to the bottom. There's sufficient variety here to challenge all levels of skiers--especially now that the area has added 58 more runs (many of them tough) to the east and west of the original ski area. There's now a grand total of 72 runs, some with a pitch of 60 to 70 degrees.
Vital Stats
Vertical drop: 700 feet
Top elevation: 1,924 feet
Base elevation: 1,242 feet
Lifts: 7
Skiable acres: 130
Beginner terrain: 30 percent
Intermediate terrain: 40 percent
Advanced terrain: 30 percent
Snowboarding: Full facilities