Chestnut Mountain Resort Ski Report
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Winter is waking up at Chestnut Mountain Resort this December 5th with brisk overnight temps dropping to 21°F and a solid early-season snowpack of 4 inches — a whopping 400% above average for this time of year. Chestnut Mountain Resort in Illinois offers 19 trails ranging from beginner to expert, with the best trails being Sundance and Smokey.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
The slopes are already offering surprisingly good coverage for December, and with 1.18 inches of snow forecast over the next 72 hours, conditions are only expected to improve. While today brings just a light dusting (0.08"), the steady buildup through the weekend could make for a picturesque alpine escape by Sunday.
Chestnut Mountain has been stealing headlines this week, with SnowBrains and Roadtrippers spotlighting it as one of the must-visit Midwest destinations. The resort’s mountain coaster and riverside views overlooking the Mississippi continue to attract winter thrill-seekers, and with fresh snow on the horizon, now’s the time to plan your run. Whether you're carving the slopes or enjoying après-ski in charming Galena, Illinois, Chestnut is delivering the authentic winter experience — no passport required.
Hourly Snowfall Totals
Recent & Projected
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 28. wind chill values as low as -5. south wind around 10 mph.
How much new snowfall is forecasted for Chestnut Mountain Resort this week?
Chestnut Mountain Resort is expected to receive up to 1.18" of new snowfall in the next 5 days.
What are ski area conditions in Illinois like right now?
In the latest ski conditions across the nation, recent snowfall and upcoming forecasts suggest varying impacts on ski resorts, with a focus on the Pacific Northwest and the Rocky Mountains. Over the past 24 hours, Nohrsc Sawmill Ridge in Washington State recorded 2 inches of new snow with a substantial base of 170 inches, although the weather is somewhat unsettled ... Read more
Grand River Staircase Bellevue
Bellevue State Park
Tapley Woods
Galena Recreation Park
Duck Creek County Park
Hanover Bluff Nature Preserve