How to Go Skiing in Pines Family Recreation Area, Indiana

The Pines Family Recreation Area is located in Valparaiso, Indiana, less than 50 minutes from Chicago. In fact, on a clear day the Chicago skyline can be seen standing atop the snowy slopes of Pines Peak. Amenities include four lifts, eight trails, a competition-style half-pipe and a terrain park with a new high-speed rope tow. The ski resort is the perfect place to learn how to ski and snowboard in a safe and controlled environment.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer with Internet access
• Valid credit card

Book Accommodations Near Pines Family Recreation Area

1. Book accommodations at the Porter County Convention, Recreation & Visitor Commission Web site (see Resources below) or by calling [phone].
2. Choose from a number of chain hotels and quaint, locally owned Indiana motels that offer fine accommodations at affordable prices.
3. Call the Pines Peak Ski Resort directly at [phone] to see if any of their lodging partners in the area are offering stay-and-ski packages.

Prepare for Your Trip to Pines Family Recreation Area

4. Visit the Pines Family Recreation Area Web site (see Resources below) prior to your trip to purchase lift tickets in advance or to arrange for skiing or snowboarding lessons.
5. Fly into Chicago O'Hare International Airport or Chicago Midway Airport. Both are less than 70 miles away from Valparaiso.
6. The resort can be reached by car via Interstates 94, 80, 90 and 65. From US Highway 30, the Pines Family Recreation Area is just south of Country Road 300 N on Meridian Road.

Enjoy Pines Family Recreation Area

7. Visit the Slide Shop where you'll find the latest in ski and snowboard equipment and apparel. The shop also offers a full line of cross-country skiing gear.
8. Book a lesson with a seasoned ski or snowboard professional during your trip. Learn the ropes or enhance your skills before hitting the slopes on your own.
9. Enjoy night skiing under the lights while zipping down Pines Peak's 150-foot vertical drop.
10. Take your family snowtubing, and feel the rush of gliding atop the snowy surface as you race downhill.
11. Ski down the longest run, a 1,200-foot trail that winds its way along the west side of the mountain.
12. Sport your newest moves in the Pines Peak terrain park, where rails, boxes and other obstacles await.

Tips & Warnings

• Book online to find exclusive ski-and-stay package deals.

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