Chestnut Mountain Resort Ski Report
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 19, 2025
A light dusting of snow greeted Chestnut Mountain Resort this morning, as overnight temperatures hovered around 29°F. Chestnut Mountain Resort in Illinois offers 19 trails ranging from beginner to expert, with the best trails being Sundance and Smokey.
Snowfall Totals & Snow Forecast
Hourly Snowfall
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Wind
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Humidity
Summary
With a modest 1-inch snowpack—roughly 28% of the seasonal average—conditions remain limited but inviting for early-season thrill seekers. Only one inch of snow is expected in the next five days, so snowmaking operations are crucial for maintaining rideable terrain. Currently, beginner-friendly slopes are open with machine-groomed trails offering a smooth, fast surface perfect for warm-up runs and carving turns.
Despite the light snowpack, Chestnut Mountain is buzzing with energy and excitement. Recent headlines are putting the spotlight on the resort, naming it among the Midwest’s top destinations for skiing, snowboarding, and even mountain coaster adventures. The resort's unique riverside views and family-friendly offerings continue to draw winter sports lovers from across Illinois and beyond. As the season builds, keep an eye on the forecast and trail updates—Chestnut's charm lies not just in its slopes, but in its community and the promise of more snow to come.
Weather Forecast
Seasonal Comparison
Year over year snow water equivalent
Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) shows how much water the snow holds. This is ideal for year-to-year tracking of real snowfall and water resources. Measurements from Elizabeth.
Regional Snowpack Depth
Snow levels measured from Elizabeth
Snowpack depth measures how much snow has accumulated in the area. This is a key indicator of powder quality, trail coverage, and how epic your runs are going to be this season at Chestnut Mountain Resort.
Historical Air Temperature
Temperature fluctuations at Chestnut Mountain Resort
Recent air temperature fluctuations at Chestnut Mountain Resort impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.
About the Area
The Chestnut Mountain Resort is located in Illinois and is part of the Mississippi River Valley. The resort is situated in the hilly terrain of the Driftless Area, a region known for its rugged limestone bluffs and deep valleys.
The ski resort is situated along the Mississippi River and offers views of the river valley and surrounding bluffs. The main mountain range at Chestnut Mountain Resort is the Galena Ridge, which is known for its challenging slopes and scenic vistas.
Other notable mountain aspects at Chestnut Mountain Resort include the Cedar Bluff and Eagle's Nest runs, which offer steep terrain and stunning views of the surrounding area. The resort also features a variety of beginner and intermediate runs, making it suitable for skiers of all levels.
Overall, the mountain ranges and aspects of Chestnut Mountain Resort provide a unique and picturesque setting for skiing and snowboarding in Illinois.
As an interesting historical fact, the resort was started by a group of Swiss investors in the 1950s. For beginners, it is recommended to try the Easy Street and Bunny trails. The best apres ski bar is The Summit, located at the top of the mountain, offering stunning views and live music on weekends. Overall, Chestnut Mountain Resort is a great option for skiing in the Midwest.
Night Skiing | Yes |
Lift Count | 9 Lifts |
Hourly Lift Capacity | 10000 per hour |
Base Elevation | 172 Meters |
Terrain Park | Yes |
Acreage | 146 Acres |
Established | 1959 |
Run Count | 19 Trails |
Chestnut Mountain Resort FAQ
How much snow did Chestnut Mountain Resort receive over the past day?
The ski area received 0" of new snowfall since yesterday.
What's the weather like at Chestnut Mountain Resort today?
Weather today, increasing clouds, with a high near 23. wind chill values as low as -10. northwest wind 5 to 15 mph becoming south in the afternoon. winds could gust as high as 30 mph.
How much new snowfall is forecasted for Chestnut Mountain Resort this week?
Chestnut Mountain Resort is expected to receive up to 1.48" of new snowfall in the next 5 days.
What are ski area conditions in Illinois like right now?
As winter enthusiasts gear up for another day on the slopes, the latest snowfall observations and forecasts are in. In Washington, Nohrsc Sawmill Ridge has received 2 inches of new snow over the past 24 hours. The nearest major ski resort, Crystal Mountain, with its impressive alpine terrain, will be welcoming skiers with fresh powder and a base of 170 ... Read more
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