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Galena, IL
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Two skiers wearing helmets and masks take a selfie on a snowy slope with a ski lift in the background.

Midwest Skiing At Its Best

 

The Perfect Ski Day at Aldrich Guest House and Chestnut Mountain in Galena, Illinois

Morning:

 

  • Fuel up for adventure: Start your day with a delicious breakfast with us at Aldrich Guest House. Our award-winning, home-cooked breakfasts are the perfect way to get energized for a day on the slopes. While breakfast changes based on season, you can see some of our favorite breakfast recipes to see what we might be cooking up for you to enjoy.     Waffles with poached eggs on a white plate with greens    
  • Hit the slopes: Chestnut Mountain Resort is just a short drive from the Aldrich Guest House, making it easy to get your ski day started early. With 26 trails, a 7 acre terrain park called The Far Side, and a variety of beginner, intermediate, and advanced runs, there's something for everyone at Chestnut Mountain. Our personal favorite run is Crazy Horse at the far south end of the resort.       Map of a ski resort featuring slopes of varying difficulty levels, chairlifts, and adjacent facilities.    
  • Take a lesson or brush up your skills: If you're new to skiing or snowboarding, or just looking to improve your form, Chestnut Mountain offers a variety of ski and snowboard lessons for all ages and skill levels. Private lessons are a great option for personalized instruction, while group lessons are a fun and affordable way to learn the basics.   Two skiers pose for a selfie on a snowy slope surrounded by trees.  

Afternoon:

  • Warm up with a hot lunch: After a morning of skiing, head to one of Chestnut Mountain's slope side restaurants for a hot lunch. The Summit offers stunning views of the Mississippi River and delicious pub fare, while there is a more casual cafeteria style restaurant in the lower level.

        A plate of loaded nachos topped with ground beef, diced tomatoes, green peppers, onions, and a dollop of sour cream.  

  • Explore Galena's historic Main Street: When you're ready to call it a day from the slopes, it's time to explore the charming town of Galena. Main Street is lined with independently-owned shops, art galleries, and restaurants, perfect for browsing and finding souvenirs. Galena Book and Paper, The Galena Apothecary, and River Bend Gallery are some of our top recommendations!

    A row of historic shops on Galena, Illinois' Main Street covered in snow  

Evening:

    • Relax at Aldrich Guest House: After a fun-filled day, return to the Aldrich Guest House and unwind with drinks and hors d'oeuvres in the evening. Enjoy a glass of wine or hot cocoa, read a book, or play a game with your fellow guests.   A brick house with green shutters covered in snow during winter.  
    • Savor a delicious dinner: Top off your perfect ski day with a delicious dinner at one of Galena's many restaurants. Fritz and Frites Bistro is our personal favorite but Little Tokyo, Cannova's, and Campeche are a few of the others that get top marks as well!

White plate with steak covered with herb butter, adorned with piles of thinly shredded pieces of potato fries, garnished with parsley and accompanied by a glass of red wine.

This is just one way to spend the perfect ski day at Aldrich Guest House in Galena. With so much to see and do, you're sure to have an unforgettable winter getaway.

Bonus Tips:

  • Purchase your lift tickets online in advance to save time at the mountain.
  • Dress in layers so you can adjust to the changing temperatures.
  • Be sure to wear sunscreen, even on cloudy days.
  • Don't forget to pack your camera!

We hope this helps you plan your perfect ski day in Galena and we look forward to being your home base!