More than 700 miles of groomed cross-country skiing trails make Wisconsin a national leader in Nordic skiing. With a bounty of picturesque snow-covered forests and peaceful countryside to explore, the state offers visitors a chance to stride or skate on everything from challenging Olympic-level tracks to flat, peaceful woodland trails. Here are a couple destinations worth adding to your trail map.
Unless you happen to reside in the Green Bay area, you might not have not traveled along the Lakewood Trail in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest (715/362-1300; www.fs.fed.us/r9/cnnf). Scenic beauty, challenging climbs and exhilarating downhills are sprinkled along 22km of this well-kept secret.
With trails ranging from advanced to beginner and grooming that accommodates all types of skiing — including classical, skating and backcountry — the Levis Mound Trail Center (715/743-5140; www.worba.org/nasti/skiing.html) in Neillsville boasts a variety of cross country skiing opportunities. Nordic skiers will have their choice of approximately 15 miles of groomed trail and another ten of ungroomed backcountry routes through the hills of Central Wisconsin.
Nicely wooded forest trails with open vistas line Mercer’s Mecca Trails (715/476-2389; www.mercercc.com). Groomed routes on gentle terrain catering to beginners and intermediate skiers and a rustic warming cabin in the middle of the trailhead create the perfect outdoor backdrop.
One of the Midwest’s best trail systems, Minocqua's Winter Park (715/356-3309; www.skimwp.org) is home to 75km of groomed trails for all ability levels. The day lodge offers a cozy respite to gather with other skiers and relax before heading back out for more.
Interested in visiting New England, Germany, Norway, Denmark and Finland all in the same day? Gliding along Old World Wisconsin’s Blue Trail (262/594-6300; www.wisconsinhistory.org/oww/) will take you past reconstructed homes, shops and barns of pioneer settlers from each of these regions. Top off your day with a bowl of chili and a cold one at the Clausing Barn Restaurant.
As the spiritual home of the Birkie, the Telemark Ski Trails (715/798-3999; www.telemarkresort.com) offer a collection of easy to very challenging routes with connections to the Birkie and North End trail. Lined with Nordic photos and previous Birkie winners and participants, the Telemark Lodge is worth checking out after a day on the trails.
If you’d prefer to take the trails by night, the state offers a bounty of candlelight skiing opportunities. Check out the WI Department of Natural Resources web site for more information. (www.dnr.state.wi.us)
GREAT OUTDOORS> WINTER SPORTS > SKI - CROSS COUNTRY