Villa Olivia Ski Area
Bartlett, IL 60103-1632
Phone: (630) 289-1000
- Hours:
- Mon-Thu 1pm-10pm, Fri-Sat 9am-11pm, Sun 9am-10pm
Editorial Review for Villa Olivia Ski Area – by Citysearch Editors
The Scene
Villa Olivia Ski Area earns points for proximity. About a half-hour west of O'Hare Airport, it's one of only two downhill areas that realistically allow Chicagoans to work all day, ski or snowboard at night and still sleep in their own beds. (Four Lakes Ski Area in Lisle is the other.) But let's face it--if you've ever been a half-hour from O'Hare in any direction, you know there isn't much in the way of elevation. Undaunted, the clever marketing department proclaims that Villa Olivia operates on "Chicagoland's highest mountain."
The Slopes
Villa Olivia operates a quad chair (the only such device in the Chicago metro area), which transports skiers to the "summit" of the 180-foot knob. There are also several rope tows. Snowmaking machines usually cover the bare patches, but call ahead for conditions.
Vital Stats
Vertical Drop: 180 feet
Lifts: 6 (1 chair, 5 surface)
Skiable Acres: 40
Beginner Terrain: 40 percent
Intermediate Terrain: 30 percent
Advanced Terrain: 30 percent
Snowboarding: Full facilities
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Insider Tips
The ExtrasBar and cafeteria, equipment rental, sports shop, snowmaking equipment.
Know Before You GoFor $12.75-$15.75, you can slide and bounce your way downhill and take the tow rope back up for two hours.
When to GoWeekday shifts are from 1pm to 10pm. Friday through Sunday and holidays: early shift 9am to 4:45pm; afternoon shift noon to 11pm. Saturday evening shift: 5pm to 11pm. Sunday and holiday evening shifts: 5pm to 10pm.
User Reviews for Villa Olivia Ski Area
10/28/2002 Posted by helenberg
Living in Chicago, I thought the only place to learn how to Snow Board would be in Colorado. To my surprise I found VILLA OLIVIA only 40 minutes away! I went out there and signed up for a quick lesson (actually signed up for 5!) and got started within 30 minutes! Everyone was very helpful and friendly, I found my "Mountain" away from the Rockies and its in my backyard... I rate this a 9 for a midwestern ski resort with Delicious Food! Lets face it, either drive 4 hours for something that is less than decent or drive 40 minutes to a great resort in the middle of everything. (Elgin riverboat is 10 minutes away)
Pros: Inexpensive, Learning Friendly, Delicious Food
Cons: Midwest
10/28/2002 Posted by JakeM
Villa Olivia was an excellent experience for my wife and children and their friends. We practiced our skills on the smaller runs and then my wife and I worked our way up to the chairlift runs while my boys were in their classes. (by the way the ski school programs are great, very friendly people).. I highly recommend this place if you are an entry level skiier or in need of refreshing your skills.. - J Cohen
Pros: Friendly people, Great burgers..
Cons: close at 11:00PM
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