February 2014 - LOCAL SKIING & TUBING FUN
Funny, how a beginner skier like me, can gain a lot of confidence as the day progresses. After a couple hours of flying down the tubing hill, going backwards, forwards, and partnering with my daughters down the slope, we ventured down the bunny hill and got our ski legs back.
So, as I relaxed on the quad chair lift to the top of the intermediate ski hill, I couldn’t help but look down at the four-year-old taking on the most difficult slope of mole hills and jumps, and think arrogantly, “if she can do it, I can certainly do it.” My daughters had been eye-balling the difficult slope too, so I knew it was game-time and of course, send mom down first because if SHE can do it, anybody can! So I decided to point my toes inward and take it slow. The girls followed me and once we reached the bottom, we all felt like true professionals. So with smirks on our faces, we went to the top again and headed down with a bit more speed. I caught air! I screamed a big “yahoo”, hit the next hill and flew out of my skies and tumbled. Ha! I posed no threat to the preschooler who went before me.
The point of the story is whether you are a skilled snowboarder taking on the most difficult jumps or a toddler who is just beginning to ski; Villa Olivia is a great day trip adventure, without the added costs of hotels and extra gas. With tubing hills and various levels of ski hills, this is indeed a great family adventure for all ages and all levels. Take advantage of group and evening rates to save big money on this thrilling activity. - Kristen Kucharski
OVERVIEW
Downhill skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing with 100% snowmaking capability. Ski & Snowboard lessons for all levels, and rental equipment available. The hill includes seven runs, a chairlift, six rope tows, and a tubing hill.
Villa Olivia, Bartlett Park District
1401 W. Lake Street, Bartlett, IL 60103
630-289-1000
www.bartlettparks.org/villa-olivia
December 13th-March 2nd (weather dependent), Monday-Friday 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday/Sunday 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.; extended hours for holidays and days off.
Prices vary depending on day/evening, equipment rental, tubing/skiing/snowboarding
