Grand Geneva is a popular winter resort in Wisconsin where you can have fun in the snow, enjoy a relaxing spa service, and slide down a waterslide – all in the same day.
A Florida Gal Travels to Snowy Wisconsin
Did I really pick a resort in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin during the middle of winter? Not exactly. I was invited to this 3 night getaway by my family and could not pass up the chance to stay in a huge three bedroom villa at the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, recently voted the “#1 Midwest Resort by the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards.” While I expected to simply chill out (more like warm up) on a couch overlooking the snowy grounds while sipping hot chocolate, this getaway turned out to be a surprising winter adventure.
Grand Geneva Resort is a Year Round Destination
Wisconsin is not a typical vacation spot for a warm weather lover like me. But the Grand Geneva Resort had been on my travel bucket list. I had long contemplated visiting the Lake Geneva area just NOT in the frigid winter. A summer visit meant that I could enjoy lake activities on Grand Geneva’s private 20-acre lake. However, visiting in winter would still allow me to take advantage of the resort’s fancy spa.
Lake Geneva is a snowy playground where you can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and other snow sports. It’s 1,300 beautiful acres where guests like me stay active and enjoy delicious food as well. When you’re done “sliding” down a mountain (or golfing, biking, and hiking in the summer), you can get a massage in the spa or “slide” down a water slide at an indoor waterpark. And don’t forget to enjoy the massive fitness center. The resort is a cross between a winter Olympics competition and a setting from a Hallmark Christmas movie.
Located Just North of Chicago at the Illinois-Wisconsin Border
Conveniently located in the Lake Geneva countryside, Grand Geneva Resort sits within driving distance of Chicago and Milwaukee. If you live outside of the area, you can fly into either Milwaukee General Mitchell International or Chicago O-Hare airport. Then, it’s only a 1 hour drive (or slightly longer based on weather and traffic), to the resort. (Midway airport is also and option but the drive is at least an hour longer. )
Grand Geneva Resort is More Than Just a Snowy Playground
To my surprise and delight I found the Grand Geneva to be the ultimate winter getaway not just because of the snow-covered ski hills but also because of the generous amenities, unique activities, top-rated spa, and exceptional dining options.
Here are some of the highlights that we enjoyed:
- Private 20-acre lake with extraordinary views
- Picturesque, wooded hiking paths
- Free onsite shuttle service
- WELL Spa + Salon (fees for services)
- 10,000 square foot fitness center (classes, steam room, sauna, whirlpool and lockers)
- Many dining options including in-room dining
- Concierge service
The complimentary onsite shuttle service, a fun and festive resort trolley that is enclosed and fully heated, added extra excitement to being transported around the Grand Geneva property.
Note: The generous amenities that are included with your stay at the resort come with a daily $35 resort fee for guests staying at the Main Lodge and a $70 resort fee for guests staying at The Villas.
Winter in Wisconsin is Not So Bad: You Had Me at Snowshoeing
I had no intention of careening down a mountain on two narrow skis. However, when I arrived, there was something magical in the fresh air that was calling my name. I had to find a way to be outside. And so I took advantage of the resorts’ five miles of cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails. Once I got started snowshoeing, I was unstoppable. Exploring the manageable trails made for an unforgettable experience with amazing views and the most clean, crisp air that I have ever breathed.
The Fun Doesn’t Stop: Moose Mountain Falls Waterpark
Once we had enough with the outdoor activities, it was time to head inside to the indoor waterpark. When you stay at Grand Geneva, you can purchase the vacation package that includes waterpark passes to the Moose Mountain Falls Waterpark at Timber Ridge Lodge. It’s 50,000 square feet of fun (both indoor and outdoor in warmer months). The lazy river, hot tubs, and a comfortable lounge chair were all I needed for a great day indoors.
Accommodations at Grand Geneva: Now For Some Comfortable Rest
I learned that the rooms at Grand Geneva Resort & Spa were completely redesigned to feature modern touches that blended with the outdoor scenic views. There are now 358 luxurious guest rooms and King, Junior, Executive, Premier and Grand suites, and very spacious villas.
We stayed in the Three Bedroom Queen Villa because we were eight guests. It was on multi-levels and offered extra amenities including a kitchen, gas fireplace, and an outdoor sitting area that led to a fire pit.
The views from our villa were outstanding. I loved looking out to see the snow across the landscape. (And am glad it’s not something I have to see in Florida.) One point of note is that when you stay in a villa you’re a walk to the Main Lodge. It’s like a more like a secluded location. We had to visit the lodge for dining, entertainment, and other events. A very minor inconvenience.
Lots to Eat at Grand Geneva: Igloo Dining? Yes, Please!
You can enjoy a variety of foods (including the famous Wisconsin cheese curds) at multiple onsite restaurants at the resort. There are even food spots on The Mountain Top. But, before I tell you more about the impressive traditional dining options, I must tell you about the most unique dining experience. Igloo dining is exactly how it sounds: A private igloo where up to 6 guests can enjoy food and drinks under the starry Wisconsin sky. While the igloos are heated, we dressed in layers as recommended and the experience was nothing short of magical.
Other onsite dining options include:
- Ristoranté Brissago – Delicious Italian like the Buccatini Carbonara and Mushroom Risotto
- Geneva ChopHouse – Steaks prepared to perfection in an open-hearth grill
- Grand Café – Great food like the “Everything Spice Bagel Sandwich” or the Acai Bowl
- Links Bar & Grill – A must visit for breakfast, lunch or dinner – the best quesadillas
- Leinenkugel’s Mountain Top – Delicious Wisconsin cheese curds and Brisket Grilled Cheese sandwich
- Timbers Grill – Get chili, burgers, pizza, and so much more
- The Waffle Stop – Ski right up there to get a quick waffle cone with Banana Nutella!
- Grand Central – Located in the lobby, get coffee, smoothies, freshly baked pastries, and more
After Hitting the Slopes, Get Spoiled at the WELL Spa & Salon
The WELL Spa + Salon, located onsite, offers spa treatments and salon services with a variety of special packages. From a highly recommended soothing massage or facial to a new hairstyle or a manicure/pedicure, the Grand Geneva team goes out of their way to make you feel special. You don’t want to miss out on the 50 minute “Relax Me” massage. It’s based on Swedish methods and uses a gentle pressure approach to provide the ultimate relaxation.
Lots of Unique Vacation Packages and Events
The team at Grand Geneva Resort offers unique vacation packages. And you can take advantage of the surrounding Lake Geneva area features some creative and fun events. I was bummed that we missed out on the Lake Geneva Winter Fest because I would have loved to have seen the snow sculptures created as part of America’s Snow Sculpting Invitational, where teams transform massive snow blocks into dazzling works of art.
It would have also been fun to be a spectator for the Hotdog Open Terrain Park Competition. Looking at photos on social media, it’s so much more than a skier clad in a hot dog costume sloshing down the snowy mountain but instead an exciting ski competition.
Key Takeaways About Grand Geneva Resort
- Conveniently located between Milwaukee and Chicago
- Set on 1,300 acres offering year round activities
- Award winning AAA four-diamond resort
- Free trolley service escorts guests around property
- 358 comfortable guestrooms, suites, and villas
- Outstanding dining options, on and off the mountain top
- The Mountain Top offers skiing, snowshoeing, and more
- Golf on two championship courses
- Get pampered at the luxurious WELL Spa & Salon
- For added fun, visit the Moose Mountain Falls Waterpark
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does the resort offer snow sports lessons?
Yes, 90-minute skiing and snowboarding lessons are available for all ages and ability levels. There are private, semi-private, and group lessons from Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA) and American Association of Snowboard Instructors (AASI) certified instructors.
- Is there sledding at Grand Geneva Resort?
Yes, but the sledding area is primarily geared toward children. Rest assured that it’s a long enough slope to provide the ultimate fun adventure, but small enough for young ones to maneuver the walk up and down the hill.
- What vacation packages are offered at the resort?
You’ll find many vacation packages including Stay and Ski Free Package, Love is Grand Package, Spa Getaway Package, Grand Waterpark Package, Grand Celebration Package, Stay and Golf Free Package, and more.
- Can I have my wedding at Grand Geneva Resort?
Yes, the resort features countryside wedding venues, unique indoor and outdoor areas, to accommodate up to 400 guests. Select the Evergreen, Grand, Linwood, Maple Lawn ballrooms or the Chalet Wedding Venue, Pavilion Wedding Venue, or Forum Wedding Venue.
- Can I plan a business event at the resort?
Yes, there is meeting space for rent at Grand Geneva. Whether a small meeting or a large convention, you can find just the right event space. The Forum Convention Center onsite at the resort is the largest event space in the Lake Geneva area.
- What are some of the summer activities at the resort?
When you visit Lake Geneva in summer, enjoy activities on and around the lake including golf, swimming, pickleball, tennis, volleyball, hiking, biking, and scooter rentals.
- Outside of the resort, what can we do in warm weather?
The Lake Geneva area offers additional outdoor adventures like fishing, ziplining, mountain biking, boating, horseback riding, and more. For a slower pace, visit the petting zoo, shop at antique and other unique stores, or visit historic landmarks, museums, and apple orchards.
Final Thoughts About Grand Geneva Resort
Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall is the ideal time to plan a trip to Grand Geneva Resort to appreciate Wisconsin’s beautiful hilly landscape, the gorgeous lake, and take part in fun activities and events. From the variety of delicious foods to our incredible secluded villa, everything and everyone that works on the Grand Geneva team continued to impress us. Looking forward to returning in the summer to experience warm weather fun at the resort.
Author Bio: Originally from Long Island, New York, Donna Wright now calls Deland, Florida her home. An avid traveler, she has journeyed by air, land, and sea, to many cities in the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean to exciting destinations like California, Arizona, Las Vegas, San Diego, Myrtle Beach, Lake Tahoe, Reno, and more.
This content is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered travel or consumer advice. Hotel amenities, prices, policies, and availability may change. Readers should verify all details independently and use their own judgment when planning travel.