Ski Snowstar, near Andalusia in western Illinois, grew from a seventy-acre land purchase in 1979 into a notable winter sports destination for the Quad Cities region. Opening for the 1981–82 season with six acres of skiable terrain, lifts, snowmaking, and a full-service lodge, it soon expanded its slopes and facilities. The resort now offers fourteen trails for beginner, intermediate, and advanced skiers, six lifts, terrain-park features, tubing, and extensive snowmaking that supports a seventy-five-day season. In 2019 it added zip-line tours for year-round recreation, and in 2021 new owners continued its role as a local winter destination.