How to Survive Winter??? (Chicago, Ashland: real estate, to rent, theater)

[Pcjamn1]

Hello- this is my first post, but reading through this forum has been very helpful so far. I am considering a move with my family due to a job opportunity by my husband (we have 4 children ages 3-11) to the Chicago suburbs. We would likely be looking to live in the North Shore, because that is where my husband would be working. We are from Greenwich, CT, so very used to high real estate prices. Being from New England, we ski a lot in the winter (in Vermont) and that gets us through the cold winters. What do people do in the Chicago area to survive (the cabin fever of) the cold winters?? What are the popular outdoor/winter activities?

on the fence . . . .

[cubssoxfan]

Skiing is available but probably will require a farther drive and not provide the vertical heights you enjoy in New England. So. Wisconsin, NW Il and NE Iowa have some hills. Northern part of WI and lower MI and MI Upper Peninsula have some nicer vertical height hills that approach being called a mountain. Problem is, it can be a 5-7 hour drive to reach the bigger slopes. WI also has more consistent and deeper snow pack for cross country skiing and snow-mobiling. Often, you only need to go a couple hour north to have good snow. Plenty opportunities for ice skating and sledding in the local communities. And are CT. winters mild? I thought y'all got plenty of snow and cold also.

Winter is also a good time to enjoy the indoor activities you might currently enjoy in NYC. Museums, theater, concerts etc.

I am a cyclist/runner and although we had slightly above normal snow fall last winter, I was able to run outdoors for all but maybe 2 weeks total.

[long101]

Im not to familiar with the skiing in Vermont, but the places to ski in IL and WI are kind of a joke. None the less for young kids it may not matter since I would imagine they are still 'learning'. There are quite a few holiday events in Chicago in the winter which you can visit, go shopping, many free ice rinks, ect... There are really only a handful of days that you cant go outside because of the cold, just need to be prepared and not care what you look like.

On a side note Im getting sick of these winter posts, makes me want to bail out of work and enjoy the weather

[Irishtom29]

Originally Posted by Pcjamn1

What are the popular outdoor/winter activities?

.

Work is a popular outdoor activity.

[Brisklaw]

Kids play basketball or hockey in school or park district leagues. The lakefront is frozen in the winter, don't expect to take "walks" close to it much. If you want to ski, you'll probably have to do it over President's Day weekend and pay $5,000 or more to take the family to Colorado. I guess people work out in health clubs in the winter, that's about it.

[steph937]

is there any good places for cross country skiing?

[cubssoxfan]

Originally Posted by Brisklaw

Kids play basketball or hockey in school or park district leagues. The lakefront is frozen in the winter, don't expect to take "walks" close to it much. If you want to ski, you'll probably have to do it over President's Day weekend and pay $5,000 or more to take the family to Colorado. I guess people work out in health clubs in the winter, that's about it.

And many do weekends into WI for $500 or LESS.

is there any good places for cross country skiing?

The forest preserves and some of the State parks in IL & WI.

[zz4guy]

Snowmobiling! Lots of great family fun! Depending on the snow depth you might not have to drive far. Otherwise northern WI almost always has snow. And they have a huge trail system.

[cubssoxfan]

Originally Posted by zz4guy

Snowmobiling! Lots of great family fun! Depending on the snow depth you might not have to drive far. Otherwise northern WI almost always has snow. And they have a huge trail system.

Any suggestion in finding outfitters to rent from? We just got back from Copper Falls/Ashland & Door County and said "Wouldn't it be fun to try snow mobiling as a family outing?" Now I don't want to go that far up, but am open to driving 2-4 hours.

[Lookout Kid]

The upper peninsula of Michigan has the best skiing I've seen in the midwest, but it's still pretty much a joke compared to what you would find in Vermont or Colorado. The serious skiiers I know around here head out west a few times each winter.