1. Cascade Mountain – The Best Overall Shred Spot
📍 Location: Portage, WI 🏂 Best For: Beginner to intermediate riders, families, and night shredders
Why Ride Here? Cascade Mountain has something for everyone, making it Wisconsin’s best all-around snowboard destination. With 47 trails, 460 feet of vertical, and a well-maintained terrain park, it’s a great place for progression—whether you’re just starting out or sending tricks in the park. The night riding scene is solid, the runs stay in great shape thanks to consistent grooming, and the Terrain Park is one of the best in the state.
🔥 Shred Wisco Pro Tip: Kids under 12 ride free, so it’s an awesome place to bring the next generation of shredders.
2. Granite Peak – The Midwest’s Big Mountain Feel
📍 Location: Wausau, WI 🏂 Best For: All levels, especially those looking for variety
Why Ride Here? Granite Peak is the closest thing to a true mountain experience in Wisconsin. It offers 700 feet of vertical, 75+ runs, and high-speed lifts, making it a prime destination for riders looking to carve up some serious terrain. The terrain parks are top-tier, and the scenic views from Rib Mountain State Park make for an epic ride down.
🔥 Shred Wisco Pro Tip: Get to The Sundance Trail early for smooth, fast carving before the crowds roll in.
3. Tyrol Basin – The Park Rat’s Playground
📍 Location: Mount Horeb, WI 🏂 Best For: Freestyle riders & terrain park junkies
Why Ride Here? Tyrol Basin is a freestyle haven with some of the best terrain parks in the state. The park crew keeps things fresh by constantly changing up their layouts, and their night riding sessions and rail jams are legendary in the Midwest shred scene. If you love lapping the park and working on tricks, Tyrol is where you want to be.
🔥Shred Wisco Pro Tip: Take advantage of the cheap night riding passes and work on your tricks under the lights.
4. Devil’s Head Resort – The Balanced Shred Spot
📍 Location: Merrimac, WI 🏂 Best For: Riders looking for a mix of terrain—groomers, glades, and parks
Why Ride Here? Devil’s Head is a solid all-around mountain with 500 feet of vertical and 30 runs, giving riders plenty of variety. The terrain park is well-built, and if you’re looking for a break from the park scene, the groomers and tree runs offer a fun alternative.
🔥Shred Wisco Pro Tip: Get there early after fresh snowfall for some of the best natural conditions in southern Wisconsin.
5. Whitecap Mountains Resort – The Hidden Gem
📍 Location: Upson, WI (Near the UP Border) 🏂 Best For: Riders looking for a backcountry feel
Why Ride Here? Whitecap Mountains Resort is one of the snowiest places in Wisconsin, making it a must-visit after a storm. With three interconnected mountains, glades, and ungroomed powder zones, it’s one of the few places in the state where you can find a true backcountry vibe. It’s also way less crowded than the more well-known resorts, meaning more untouched powder for you.
🔥Shred Wisco Pro Tip: When it dumps, skip the groomers and head straight for the tree runs on Thunderhead Mountain for fresh pow lines.
Final Thoughts: Wisconsin’s Shred Scene is Legit
Wisconsin may not have towering peaks, but it more than makes up for it with quality runs, creative terrain parks, and a tight-knit community of riders. Whether you’re just getting started or chasing powder and park lines, there’s a spot here for you.