If you were to ask a Wisconsinite, they would probably tell you that a trip to the Wisconsin Dells is generally regarded as a summertime activity. While it is true that a weekend in the Dells is the perfect “staycation” for a Wisconsin native during the summer, the Wisconsin Dells in the wintertime is extremely underrated and shouldn’t be overlooked! There is still a lot to do and see in the Dells during winter. It can be a lot of fun to experience it during the slower season. Obviously no one is rushing to the waterparks when the temperature is below freezing, but the Dells still has a lot to offer anyone who needs a mini get-away, even in winter! Of all the options, one of my favorite places to visit during the winter is Christmas Mountain Resort.
Depending on how far you are coming to spend a weekend in the Dells, you may want to be sure and leave time to experience other activities in the area. In all honesty though, it’s totally feasible to plan on spending the entire weekend at Christmas Mountain. They have so much to do! Since I was a child, my family has planned at least one trip to Christmas Mountain every year. I really think it’s a great place! So, I thought that I would share how I spend my ideal winter weekend at Christmas Mountain.
Friday:
I usually like to lay low on Friday evening after checking in and unpacking. The Christmas Mountain property is rather expansive and there are three main areas on the property that house six different types of cottages and cabins. My favorite options for lodging are the deluxe timbers and the townhomes just because they tend to be a little more spacious. I have, however, stayed in just about all of the different types of lodging options and have enjoyed my stay every time. (I mean, obviously – I keep going back for a reason.) All of the lodging options are really nice, I just prefer the roomier options.
After I find where I will be staying for the weekend, I unload the car and unpack everything that I brought. I am not the kind of person who is opposed to a little rest and relaxation, so usually spend the first night in front of the fireplace with a glass of wine while watching a movie before calling it an early night.
Saturday:
Saturday is the day I plan for all the activities, but still like to ease myself into the day. I usually start by relaxing and enjoying one of the Starbucks creations from the Mountain Cafe & Market located at Christmas Mountain.
After coffee time, if I’m going to go to the ski hill, this is the time that I normally do it. I like to get the outdoor/snow activities in during the day because after the sun goes down in winter in Wisconsin, you never know what the temperature might drop to. I don’t ski, so I usually just watch my family ski while I enjoy a hot meal or an adult beverage at Mulligan’s Sports Bar. There is a large window in the bar where you are able to watch skiers and snowboarders on some of their runs. Christmas Mountain also has a tubing hill that I have partaken in that is a lot of fun and doesn’t require any skiing skills to enjoy. Although, they do offer ski lessons at Christmas Mountain, and it would honestly probably be the perfect place to learn to ski.
The snow activities really can take up the entire day, so usually after we’re done skiing (or watching others ski, in my case) and tubing, we go back to the cabin for a big home-cooked meal. The cabins at Christmas Mountain offer fully equipped kitchens with stoves/ovens/microwaves and dishwashers, so we usually try fit at least one sit down dinner as a family into the weekend. After dinner, I usually like to take a trip to the hot tub / sauna for a relaxing cap on the evening.
Sunday:
Checkout is at 10:00 AM on Sunday, so usually my family and I spend the morning cleaning up our place and packing. After we’ve loaded everything back into the car, we like to go out for breakfast. Christmas Mountain offers a mini breakfast buffet in with all of the basic breakfast foods that you’d expect (Eggs, bacon, sausage, french toast, hash browns, biscuits and gravy). I’m going to be quite honest here and say that while the breakfast buffet at Christmas Mountain isn’t terrible, it’s not anything better than the standard continental breakfast at any major hotel, except for the breakfast at Christmas Mountain isn’t included with your stay. Unless you plan on sticking around to ski and snow tube some more, I would recommend finding a local restaurant in the Dells for a good breakfast.
If you’re anything like me a relaxing getaway in the middle of winter is a welcome adventure. Christmas Mountain offers just that! The next time that you are looking for a place to stay in the Wisconsin Dells Area, definitely consider Christmas Mountain. For more activities from the viewpoint of a local, be sure and check out the Wisconsin section of my blog!
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