From mid-December through March, Wisconsin’s snowfall beckons outdoor sports enthusiasts to hit the trails, hop on the lift and rev up the engines.
Snowmobiling
Wisconsin defines snowmobiling. In fact, we invented the sport. Carl Eliason of Sayner built the first machine-powered sled in 1924 and today more than 22,000 miles of interconnected snowmobiling trails crisscross Wisconsin, including 350 miles of former railroad beds that convert to snowmobile "highways" in the winter. County, state and national trails link every corner of the state and are dutifully maintained by local snowmobiling clubs. Northern Wisconsin's snowmobile-friendly towns make the state a rider's paradise.
GREAT OUTDOORS > WINTER SPORTS > SNOWMOBILING
Cross-Country Skiing
With more than 250 trails statewide, Wisconsin is a national leader in the sport of cross-country skiing. For longer treks, skiers can head to the dense Northwoods to such picturesque places as the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. For a quick jaunt, try an urban or suburban park. Several state parks and forests offer candlelit skiing on special dates for an enchanting nighttime experience. If you like cross-country ski racing, you’ll find plenty of action on virtually any weekend of the season, including the American Birkebeiner, North America’s largest and most prestigious cross-country ski race.
WINTER SPORTS > SKI - CROSS-COUNTRY
Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding
With 30 facilities and 40 inches of average snowfall each winter, Wisconsin ranks third in the nation for downhill skiing and snowboarding. By late November, Wisconsin’s nighttime temperatures have fallen below freezing and facilities begin to make snow using some of the most advanced snow-making equipment in the world. Many downhill areas are making snow and opening runs as early as mid-November and facilities will continue to add to their base throughout the season, regardless of the natural snowfall. So whether you’re looking for a day of family cruising on winding runs or an evening of kicking tricks off jumps and half pipes under the lights, Wisconsin’s slopes are open for business.
GREAT OUTDOORS > WINTER SPORTS > SKI - DOWNHILL
Snow Tubing and Sledding
Any day can be a snow day on Wisconsin’s slopes. Cascade Mountain, Sunburst Ski Area, Telemark Resort and Christmas Mountain Village are just four of the sixteen locations found throughout the state that offer special runs and snowtube lifts, helping to make this classic winter activity an all-around favorite.
GREAT OUTDOORS > WINTER SPORTS > SLEDDING/TUBING
Dog Sledding
Who needs the Yukon or Alaska to experience dog sledding? Wisconsin offers a variety of mushing adventures, including day trips and overnight excursions, and previous dog-sledding experience isn’t necessary. Bayfield’s Trek & Trail holds group trips to the Apostle Islands and the western portion of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. Dog-sled racers are the primary winter clientele at the Log Cabin near Elton, where mushers can practice on specially marked, groomed trails spanning hundreds of miles.
GREAT OUTDOORS > WINTER SPORTS > DOGSLEDDING
Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing lets you veer off the beaten path. Since snowshoes allow amblers to walk on the snow instead of sinking into it, travelers can wander just about anywhere. Far from snowmobiles and cross-country skiers, snowshoers can follow the tracks and go where the wild things are. Amateur photographers can get closer to nature. Parents can enjoy a relatively quiet family experience. For the less adventurous, many state parks and forest areas have designated snowshoe trails, and many nature centers offer classes where beginners can weave their own snowshoes and learn how to identify wildlife tracks and signs.
GREAT OUTDOORS > WINTER SPORTS > SNOWSHOEING
Candlelit Skiing Events
Cross-country skiing at night in Wisconsin is a chance to kick and glide across shimmering snow under a starlit sky. Cross-country ski trails are candle- or torch-lit, and many parks provide bonfires, warming fires, cooking grills, food and beverages. For more information and to confirm events, call 608/266-2181 or visit www.wiparks.net. A Wisconsin State Parks Vehicle Admission Sticker may be required.