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Villa Olivia: 3 ways to Kick Midwest Winter Boredom

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We visited Villa Olivia for fun snow day free of charge.

My family moved from the Ural Mountains (jokingly called it a Russian Midwest) to the Midwest twenty years ago. The Ural is about the halfway point between Moscow and Siberia, so I was surrounded by snow six months out of the year. As my childhood took place in pre-Internet days, my parents and I cross country skied for fun on the weekends.

It took twenty years living in Chicago before I considered skiing again because it seemed like a perfect activity for the rich. Does it require expensive equipment, expensive gear, and long-distance travel to the Alpes (or someplace else as far)?  It sounded like an activity I couldn’t afford…

It never crossed my mind that snow Tubing is the simplest winter activity that is fun and requires no experience. Not only I found a new fun activity, I also learned how to get the most out of a snow tubing adventure! #snow #winter #snowtubing #Midwest

I am not the only person who thinks that – as many Midwesterners travel West to go skiing. However, recently the Midwest Ski Areas Association invited me to check out one of the ski resorts near Chicago. They are on the mission to educate us that there are plenty of great ski locations close to home. Midwest Ski Areas Association Log

The Midwest Ski Areas Association offers skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing in 100 ski areas in the Midwest – Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. To explore this topic my kids and I visited Villa Olivia ski resort in Bartlett, IL – only 30 minutes from where we live.

Thinking of a fun snow tubing adventure with kids near Chicago? Check out fun and clever ideas to get the most out of your day snow tubing, skiing or snowboarding

Three ways to Get Rid of winter boredom once and for all at the Villa Olivia

1. Snow Tubing in Illinois

This is an activity that requires no prior experience and is open for anyone 4-years-old or more. Get here early! Villa Olivia opens at 9 am and gets busy around 12 pm. During our visit, we got to the hill at 10 am and had plenty of time to ride the snow tubes before it got crowded. It almost seemed like everyone else planned to be here at noon. First came a birthday party of a dozen girls and their parents. Next came families with kids. They all came to the hill at the same time, picked up tubes and joined us on the magic carpet crawling to the top of the hill.Snow Tubing is the simplest winter activity that is fun and requires no experience. Learn how to get the most out of your snow tubing adventure!

First-time snow tubing? Invest into a few pieces if gear – a snow goggles, a face mask, and a pair of good gloves. While it might seem like a no-brainer, we didn’t think ahead.

Lucky us, the Ville Olivia ski shop sells everything you might need for a fun snow day. 10 minutes we were ready to head to the top of the hill equipped with face masks and goggles.Where can you go snow tubing, skiing or snowboarding near Chicago? Here are must-do things while skiing or snow tubing at the ski resort in Chicago suburbs

Don’t snow tube – Make it fun!

Snow tubing in Illinois is a fun activity on its own, but after sliding a dozen times, you might want to spice it up

  • Which slide is faster? Try each slide and figure out which slide will get you to the bottom of the hill faster
  • Double up! While the resort has one person per tube rule, hooking two tubes together for the ride down is permitted. (Check with the attendant first though)
  • Snow race! While you might already have a favorite slide, weight affects the trip. This is a rare occasion when my weight gives me a winning advantage. Get ready at the top, set, and SLIDE! More about My Secret to Skiing Faster Than My Son.Thinking of a fun snow tubing adventure with kids near Chicago? Check out fun and clever ideas to get the most out of your day snow tubing, skiing or snowboarding

2. Ski or Snowboard 

Villa Olivia has a variety of ski slopes to try 12 lighted downhill runs. There is also a four-person chair lift, and six tow rope lifts for all levels. Located in the Chicago suburbs, it is an easy resort to get to after work on the weekend without driving too far. The full rental facility has all gear to get your on the slopes quick. Their weeknight ski and snowboard specials are also something to keep in mind.Snow Tubing is the simplest winter activity that is fun and requires no experience. Learn how to get the most out of your snow tubing adventure!

3. Take a Class

I want to enroll my four-year-old into a ski class. What stops me is the distance, as you have to commit to driving to the ski resort 3-4 weekends on the row. Yet, as Villa Olivia is a local resort, it is a reasonable and inexpensive decision. They offer classes for little kids (4-6), older kids (6-11), and adults (12+). That means you still have the time to learn skiing this year.

The best about it, anytime you come for a class you can stay and ski after the lesson is over.    

3 Fun Facts about Villa Olivia

History of Villa Olivia

The Villa Olivia estate was built in the early 1900s in the town of Bartlett and named it after the original owner’s daughter. The golf course was the beginning, and a ski facility joined Villa Olivia offerings in 1975. Today Villa Olivia offers 12 lighted downhill runs, chair lift, and six tow rope lifts. It’s the ideal Chicago based facility for all skier levels. While there, we spotted a snowmaking machine and a snow-grooming vehicle.Where can you go snow tubing, skiing or snowboarding near Chicago? Here are must-do things while skiing or snow tubing at the ski resort in Chicago suburbs

Lack of Experience? No Gear? No Problem!

Villa Olivia is close to anyone living near Chicago and it can take you from zero to a skiing hero in no time with their classes for different age groups. And they have gear for anyone who is learning to ski and is not ready to invest in equipment.Thinking of a fun snow tubing adventure with kids near Chicago? Check out fun and clever ideas to get the most out of your day snow tubing, skiing or snowboarding

Hot Cocoa

No skiing resort is complete without a cafe, and the Ski cafe is here for you. Our recommendation is hot cocoa. It is Delightful! Anytime you get cold snow tubing or need a break from a day of fun skiing, stop by here.Snow Tubing is the simplest winter activity that is fun and requires no experience. Learn how to get the most out of your snow tubing adventure!

5 Things to know about Villa Olivia in Bartlett, IL

    1. Drive or Fly?  Drive! Villa Olivia is only a short drive away (30 – 60 min from most Chicago and suburbs)

    1. How Long to Stay Here. Villa Olivia snow tubing ticket is limited to two hours, which is more than enough. But, if you are here for skiing or snowboarding, spend a whole day with a lunch break

    1. Will you need a car to get around? This is a small resort, and everything is only a short walk away

    1. Family Activities: Villa Olivia offers snow tubing, skiing, and snowboarding. Consider taking a class for kids or the adults

  1. Local food not to miss. Ski cafe offers pizza, hot dogs, and burgers as well as a variety of snacks, however, tot cocoa is an absolute must try!

Check out Snow Places for the Latest Snow Conditions at Ski Resorts Throughout the Midwest. They also share tips for Beginners and help to discover ski resorts near Chicago or other Midwest areas. And learn more about the benefits of skiing and snowboarding in the Midwest.

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