There’s nothing quite like a winter getaway with your closest friends. Crisp mountain air, cabin lights glowing, and a mug filled with something warm to help fight off the chill after a long day on the slopes. Few winter traditions feel as grounding and joy-filled as a girls’ ski weekend. It’s the perfect blend of movement in the winter months, unrushed time with your people, and a shared adventure that reminds you how good it feels to play. You don’t need to fly to the Rockies to make it magical. The Great Lakes region has incredible, drivable ski destinations ideal for a 2–3 day trip.
This guide covers everything you need: the best ski resorts for a girls’ trip, a sample itinerary, packing lists, pro tips, and a realistic budget breakdown to help you plan the perfect winter escape.
Destination
For a low-stress trip, aim for resorts within a 2–4 hour drive. It keeps travel manageable, maximizes time together, and lets you settle into vacation mode before you even hit the lifts. Luckily, the Great Lakes region is packed with charming options at all price points that are perfect for a weekend escape.
Here are some of the top Great Lakes ski destinations for a girls’ trip:
Michigan
- Boyne Mountain / Boyne Highlands – Plenty of terrain for mixed skill levels and great après-ski.
- Crystal Mountain – A beautiful village atmosphere with spa access.
- Caberfae Peaks – Budget-friendly, laid-back, and perfect for groups.
- The Homestead – Scenic views over Lake Michigan and cozy, upscale lodging.
- Mount Bohemia – For the group that craves a wilder, more adventurous weekend.
Wisconsin
- Granite Peak (Wausau) – One of the Midwest’s largest mountains, full of charm and historic chalet vibes.
- Devil’s Head Resort – Close to the Wisconsin Dells, perfect for combining skiing with a fun night out.
Illinois
- Chestnut Mountain (Galena) – Gorgeous Mississippi River views and a charming town for après activities.
Indiana
- Perfect North Slopes – A great choice for groups coming from Indianapolis, Cincinnati, or Louisville.
Ohio
- Boston Mills / Brandywine – Accessible for Cleveland and Akron groups, with night skiing options.
Pennsylvania
- Seven Springs – A full mountain village with restaurants, nightlife, tubing, and great ski variety for groups.
Some things to consider when researching your resort:
- Après-ski options such as live music, fire pits, and cozy lodge bars
- Heated pools or hot tub access
- Walkable village or base area
- Spa amenities
- Group-friendly dining options
Lodging: Cabin or Slopeside?
Both options bring their strengths, it just depends on the type of weekend your group wants to have.
Cabins typically offer full kitchens, fireplaces, scenic views, and hot tubs. They’re perfect for larger groups who want to spread out, cook shared meals, enjoy seated dinners, and take a break from the busier mountain base.
Slopeside lodges are all about convenience. With ski-in/ski-out access at many resorts, you can step out the door, strap into your gear, and head straight down the hill. These accommodations are ideal for groups who want easy access to the lifts, the ability to take quick breaks throughout the day, and the chance to maximize time on the mountain.
Pro tip: Assign one person to handle bookings and payments so communication stays clear within the group.
Itinerary
Friday: Arrive and Settle In
- Stock the cabin with snacks, breakfast items, wine, cider, and a few sweet treats.
- Make an easy welcome dinner like a chili bar, pasta bake, or make your own pizza.
- Take a stroll around the resort or village to get familiar with where everything is.
- End the night with some games, a shared playlist, and a fireside catch-up.
Saturday: Ski Day and Après
- Start with coffee, a stretch routine, and a quick gear check.
- Plan runs around everyone’s comfort level, so the group stays together and no one feels overextended.
- Choose between lunch on-mountain or heading back to the lodge.
- Après-ski favorites:
- Wind down the night with hot toddies or mulled wine around the fire
- Hot tub time to help relax your muscles and recover from the day
- Fondue night or build-your-own taco bowls for dinner
Sunday: Slow Morning and an Optional Adventure
- Venture out for local brunch.
- Try snowshoeing, unwind at the spa, squeeze in a few more runs, or take a scenic winter drive.
- Snap group photos before packing up and doing a quick cabin cleanup.
Packing List
Ski Essentials
- Base layers
- Waterproof gloves
- Goggles
- Helmet
- Balaclava
- Ski socks
- Snowpants
- Ski jacket
- Hand warmers + boot warmers
- Lift ticket or RFID pass (will sometimes be available when checking in at the resort)
Cozy Cabin Wear
- Leggings
- Wool socks
- Oversized sweaters
- Slippers
- Matching flannels, sweaters, PJs, or sweatshirts (cute for group pics)
Food and Drinks
- Crockpot meals
- High-protein snacks and electrolytes
- Breakfast bakes
- Après-ski drinks kit (hot cocoa, cider, bourbon, wine)
Misc.
- First-aid kit
- Medicine
- Water bottle
- Chargers
- Tech gadgets (headphones, tablets, phone)
- Makeup
- Hair ties and headbands
- Hair care products
- Skincare (don’t forget the sunscreen!)
- Games or cards
- A digital camera or polaroid for photos
Pro Tips for a Smooth Weekend
- Create a group Venmo for groceries and gas.
- Discuss meal plans and times so no one ends up hangry.
- Book lift tickets in advance for better pricing.
- Use a shared packing list for groceries and supplies.
- Talk through skiing comfort levels ahead of time.
- Create a shared photo album so everyone can add pictures throughout the weekend.
Budget Breakdown
A ski trip doesn’t have to break the bank, but costs can vary widely depending on where you go and how early you book. Here’s a realistic snapshot of what to expect per person for a 3-day, 2-night weekend in the Great Lakes region.
1. Lodging ($150–$400 per person)
- Cabin rentals split among 4–8 people usually fall between $600–$1,800 total, depending on proximity to slopes and amenities.
- Slopeside lodging tends to be more expensive but cuts down on parking and travel time to and from the mountain.
2. Lift Tickets ($60–$160 per day)
- Budget-friendly resorts like Caberfae are on the lower end.
- Larger resorts (Boyne, Granite Peak, Seven Springs) land at the higher end.
- Multi-day passes typically offer savings.
3. Food + Drinks ($40–$100 per day)
- Shared meals lower costs significantly.
- Après drinks and brunch tend to be the big splurges.
4. Gear Rental ($30–$70 per day)
- Renting skis/boots/poles is often cheaper when booked online in advance.
- Helmets are an additional small fee but are 100% worth it.
5. Optional Add-Ons ($20–$150+)
- Spa visits
- Group lessons
- Snowshoe rental
- Tubing hill passes
Estimated Total Trip Cost per Person:
$350–$800 depending on resort choice, lodging style, and dining preferences.
A smart tip for groups: pick your “budget level” early to help align expectations and avoid surprises.
A girls’ ski weekend is one of the best ways to break through winter’s monotony and reconnect with the people who make life brighter. Whether you choose a cozy Michigan cabin or a lively ski village in Wisconsin or Pennsylvania, the Great Lakes region has everything you need for a truly unforgettable escape.
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