Mount La Crosse is the city's downhill ski area, sitting on the bluffs at the southern edge of town. It's small by Western standards — the vertical drop is around 500 feet — but the runs face north and east, which keeps the snow in reasonable condition through most of the Wisconsin winter, and the views from the top over the Mississippi valley are spectacular on clear days.
The area has around a dozen trails covering beginner through expert terrain, plus a terrain park for freestyle riders. Night skiing is available on most runs during the season. For anyone spending winter time in La Crosse, an afternoon on the mountain makes a natural companion to the cross-country skiing and snowshoeing available in the bluff parks above town. Season typically runs from December through March, conditions permitting.