Snow Sports

When winter weather spans a good number of months, you find ways to enjoy it. That holds especially true in our state where Wisconsin ski resorts and snow sports are more popular than ever. The state has 700 well-groomed cross-country ski trails and more than 250 snowshoe trails.

Let’s start with the cross-country category. Along with conventional daytime routes, there are lighted trails that help extend your options and candlelight ski events. These events have become so popular, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has real-time updates so you know when events are filling up.

The American Birkebeiner cross-country ski race, which starts in Cable and meanders to a finish line in Hayward, is the largest race of its kind in North America. It ranks among the top three in the world. Racers can choose the classic ski race with skiers staying in tracks. Or, they can choose the skate course that has skiers creating an “x” when pushing off like speed skaters do.

State parks with pristine cross-country ski trails include Lapham Peak near Milwaukee, Mirror Lake near Wisconsin Dells, Willow River near Hudson, the Brule River State Forest in Brule, Copper Falls State Park near Ashland, and Kettle Moraine State Forest near Greenbush. A popular Nordic ski center is Minocqua Winter Park with 80+ km of groomed trails. In Green Bay, the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary has groomed flat trails ideal for beginners.

For downhill skiers, try the 1950s-era Trollhaugen Outdoor Recreation Area in Dresser in the northern part of the state. Similarly, you can try the ancient Penokee Range at Whitecap Mountains in Upson with views of Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands. In central Wisconsin, Granite Peak at Rib Mountain State Park in Wausau has 75 runs spread out over the face of this 700-foot mountain. This is the tallest mountain in Wisconsin, and is made of a single chunk of quartzite that dates back two billion years. In southern Wisconsin, Cascade Mountain and Wilmot Mountain have both plowed millions into improvements over the last few years.

Snowshoeing is another terrific snow sports option. It’s a great workout, doesn’t require a tone of technical equipment and can be enjoyed in county and state parks. And they're often right on the properties of Wisconsin B&Bs.

To really get the heart pumping, try fat biking on frozen lakes and snowy trails. You might say Wisconsin serves up the perfect storm for this sport – a warm and welcoming bike culture, great trails, and a love of the outdoors that doesn’t drop off when the temperatures do.

For the romantic in all of us, ask your innkeeper about horse-drawn sleigh rides.

Never tried ice fishing for your snow sports activities? Wisconsin B&B owners can hook you up with gear and guides and maybe even a toasty warm ice fishing shanty.

One final tidbit: The first snowmobile sled was invented in Wisconsin by Sayner resident Carl Eliason. Today, the state has 25,000 miles of snowmobile trails and Eagle River is “The Snowmobile Capital of the World.”

Honeybee Inn Bed and Breakfast

Horicon, Wisconsin

Check out the Horicon Marsh events calender for fun things to do.  Winter weather doesn't mean outdoor activities have to come to a halt in Horicon, WI. In fact, the transformation of the Wisconsin landscape opens up opportunity for getting out the trails and getting a serious cardio workout cross-country skiing. With the Horicon Marsh National Wildlife Area at our door step, there are many trails available. The Wild Goose Trail, is a 38 mile trail going along the west side of the Marsh and is perfect for snowshoeing and cross country skiing. Check out the Candle Light Marsh event. Happens in...

Check out the Horicon Marsh events calender for fun things to do.  Winter weather doesn't mean outdoor activities have to come to a halt in Horicon, WI. In fact, the transformation of the Wisconsin landscape opens up opportunity for getting out the trails and getting a serious cardio workout cross-country skiing. With the Horicon Marsh National Wildlife Area at our door step, there are many trails available. The Wild Goose Trail, is a 38 mile trail going along the west side of the Marsh and is perfect for snowshoeing and cross country skiing. Check out the Candle Light Marsh event. Happens in January.  Hike by candlelight, enjoy hot cocoa by bon-fire and listen to stories. Check it out www.horiconmarsh.org

 

Apple Tree Lane Bed and Breakfast

Waupaca, Wisconsin

With a resort community like Waupaca, there is plenty of winter sports for you to enjoy in and around our area!  One of my personal favorites to CC Ski, snowshoe, or fat tire bike is Hartman Creek State Park. Just north of Waupaca, in Iola, you will find 4+ miles of lighted trails at the Iola Winter Sports Complex (also features ski jumping and the Feb. Badger State Games) and nearby Nordic Mountain, They have fantastic tubing hills and downhill skiing too!

With a resort community like Waupaca, there is plenty of winter sports for you to enjoy in and around our area!  One of my personal favorites to CC Ski, snowshoe, or fat tire bike is Hartman Creek State Park. Just north of Waupaca, in Iola, you will find 4+ miles of lighted trails at the Iola Winter Sports Complex (also features ski jumping and the Feb. Badger State Games) and nearby Nordic Mountain, They have fantastic tubing hills and downhill skiing too!

Hidden Serenity Bed & Breakfast

West Bend, Wisconsin

Hidden Serenity is located adjacent to the Northern Kettle Moraine offering incredible cross country skiing, snow shoeing and down hill skiing

Sunburst is a fun, family-orientated ski, snowboard, and tubing area located north of Milwaukee. Sunburst offers 77 acres of Pure Winter Fun with skiing, snowboarding, and the Worlds Largest Tubing Park with over 40 runs. They offer 12 runs with the longest being 2,600 feet. They have rentals and offer lessons throughout December to March. They make a huge commitment to customer satisfaction. Our inn is located just 10 minutes away.

Hidden Serenity is located adjacent to the Northern Kettle Moraine offering incredible cross country skiing, snow shoeing and down hill skiing

Sunburst is a fun, family-orientated ski, snowboard, and tubing area located north of Milwaukee. Sunburst offers 77 acres of Pure Winter Fun with skiing, snowboarding, and the Worlds Largest Tubing Park with over 40 runs. They offer 12 runs with the longest being 2,600 feet. They have rentals and offer lessons throughout December to March. They make a huge commitment to customer satisfaction. Our inn is located just 10 minutes away.

Miller's Daughter Bed and Breakfast

Green Lake, Wisconsin

Green Lake offers plenty to do in winter! Snowmobiling, snowshoeing, ice skating, pond hockey, sledding, ice fishing, iceboating and the last weekend in February is Winterfest and Trout Derby.

Snowmobile trails provided and marked by the Berlin River riders and trails are located right down the street from us. 

http://www.greenlakecountysnowmobiletrails.com/berlinriverriders/

Ice skating is available in the wharf at Decon Mills park. It is lighted and does have a warming house along with ice skates for use.

Golf courses Tuscombia and Lawsonia along with the Heidel House offer snowshoeing trails.

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Green Lake offers plenty to do in winter! Snowmobiling, snowshoeing, ice skating, pond hockey, sledding, ice fishing, iceboating and the last weekend in February is Winterfest and Trout Derby.

Snowmobile trails provided and marked by the Berlin River riders and trails are located right down the street from us. 

http://www.greenlakecountysnowmobiletrails.com/berlinriverriders/

Ice skating is available in the wharf at Decon Mills park. It is lighted and does have a warming house along with ice skates for use.

Golf courses Tuscombia and Lawsonia along with the Heidel House offer snowshoeing trails.

https://www.visitgreenlake.com/things-to-do/winter-activities/

The Green Lake Ice Yacht Club hosts ice boating competitions and loves to share the thrill of the sport.

https://www.facebook.com/iceboating

Fargo Mansion Inn

Lake Mills, Wisconsin

Cross Country skiing, sledding, skating, ice boating, ice fising and more. From the Ice Rink in the town squre to a Winter Wonderfalnd at Aztlan State Park, and 1400 Acre Rock Lake, Winter is as exciting as a Summer day.

Cross Country skiing, sledding, skating, ice boating, ice fising and more. From the Ice Rink in the town squre to a Winter Wonderfalnd at Aztlan State Park, and 1400 Acre Rock Lake, Winter is as exciting as a Summer day.

Justin Trails Resort, LLC

Sparta, Wisconsin

Snow shoes are great for exercise and a great way to hike to any place.  Explore The Rock Outcropping with a great view of Leon Valley.  Red Feather snow shoes for rent. Working dogs love to romp with you on a snow shoe hike.

Snow shoes are great for exercise and a great way to hike to any place.  Explore The Rock Outcropping with a great view of Leon Valley.  Red Feather snow shoes for rent. Working dogs love to romp with you on a snow shoe hike.

Cobblestone Bed and Breakfast

Birchwood, Wisconsin

Christie Mountain has downhill skiing. Birkie trail is a short drive. Blue hill cross country skiing. Tuscobia trail has snowmobilng. Many lakes have ice fishing.

Christie Mountain has downhill skiing. Birkie trail is a short drive. Blue hill cross country skiing. Tuscobia trail has snowmobilng. Many lakes have ice fishing.

Silver Star B&B Inn

Spring Green, Wisconsin

Our 70 private acres of prairie and woods are ideal for snowshoeing in winter.  Elevate your heart rate while admiring the pristine white snow that adorns the branches and ground surrounding you.  Listen to the silence...and breathe in the crisp cold air.  When you've had your fill of activity, relax in front of the two-sided stone fireplace with a cup of hot cocoa or a warming glass of wine.  Winter is what log cabins were built for!

Our 70 private acres of prairie and woods are ideal for snowshoeing in winter.  Elevate your heart rate while admiring the pristine white snow that adorns the branches and ground surrounding you.  Listen to the silence...and breathe in the crisp cold air.  When you've had your fill of activity, relax in front of the two-sided stone fireplace with a cup of hot cocoa or a warming glass of wine.  Winter is what log cabins were built for!

White Lace Inn / Door County

Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin

There are many County Parks, State Parks and Conservation properties in our area for Hiking, Birding, Snowshoeing, Cross County Skiiing and Nature Experiences of all kinds: http://map.co.door.wi.us/parks/Park-Locations.htm , https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/findapark.html , https://www.doorcountylandtrust.org/preserves-of-the-door-county-land-trust-map/ .

There are many County Parks, State Parks and Conservation properties in our area for Hiking, Birding, Snowshoeing, Cross County Skiiing and Nature Experiences of all kinds: http://map.co.door.wi.us/parks/Park-Locations.htm , https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/findapark.html , https://www.doorcountylandtrust.org/preserves-of-the-door-county-land-trust-map/ .

Stewart Inn

Wausau, Wisconsin

The top skiing resort in Wisconsin is just five miles from the Stewart Inn.  Granite Peak offers 75 runs, a 700-foot mountain, two high speed lifts, and skiing mid-November through early April.  We also offer groomed XC skiing trails (9 mile recreation and Sylvan Hills) and awesome tubing.

The top skiing resort in Wisconsin is just five miles from the Stewart Inn.  Granite Peak offers 75 runs, a 700-foot mountain, two high speed lifts, and skiing mid-November through early April.  We also offer groomed XC skiing trails (9 mile recreation and Sylvan Hills) and awesome tubing.

Old Rittenhouse Inn

Bayfield, Wisconsin

Bayfield and the surrounding peninsula offer a wide variety of winter activities including Alpine and Nordic Skiing, Fat Tire Bike Trails, Dog Sledding, Tubing, the Ice Road to Madeline Island, and occasionally, the famous frozen sea caves. Visit our blog for lots of great ideas and information: https://www.rittenhouseinn.com/wisconsin-travel-blog.html

Bayfield and the surrounding peninsula offer a wide variety of winter activities including Alpine and Nordic Skiing, Fat Tire Bike Trails, Dog Sledding, Tubing, the Ice Road to Madeline Island, and occasionally, the famous frozen sea caves. Visit our blog for lots of great ideas and information: https://www.rittenhouseinn.com/wisconsin-travel-blog.html

Sunniva Inn

Mount Horeb, Wisconsin

Sunniva Inn is less than five miles from Tryol Basin Ski, Snowboard and Tubing area. We are also close to several state and county parks including Brigham County ParkDonald County ParkBlue Mound State ParkNew Glarus Woods State ParkStewart Lake County Park and Governor Dodge State Park  where you can take a winter wonderland stroll, hike, or snowshoe trek. Enjoy a magical day of winter fun and return to Sunniva Inn to kick back and relax, perhaps with a hot cocoa or warm cup of tea.

Sunniva Inn is less than five miles from Tryol Basin Ski, Snowboard and Tubing area. We are also close to several state and county parks including Brigham County ParkDonald County ParkBlue Mound State ParkNew Glarus Woods State ParkStewart Lake County Park and Governor Dodge State Park  where you can take a winter wonderland stroll, hike, or snowshoe trek. Enjoy a magical day of winter fun and return to Sunniva Inn to kick back and relax, perhaps with a hot cocoa or warm cup of tea.

Brisbane House

Arena, Wisconsin

Brisbane House is great for snowshoeing, sledding (at our neighbor's), and breaking trail on cross-country skis through the prairie on top of the ridge. You can also travel to nearby ski/snowboard hills like Tyrol Basin (25 min.), Devil's Head (35 min.), or Cascade Mountain (50 min.). Groomed cross-country trails are at nearby state parks: Governor Dodge and Blue Mounds (both about 20 mins). Sleep in the summer kitchen bedroom, surrounded on three sides by windows, and wake up to a winter wonderland around you. Hot chocolate and tea in the kitchen for you to enjoy in front of the fire ins...

Brisbane House is great for snowshoeing, sledding (at our neighbor's), and breaking trail on cross-country skis through the prairie on top of the ridge. You can also travel to nearby ski/snowboard hills like Tyrol Basin (25 min.), Devil's Head (35 min.), or Cascade Mountain (50 min.). Groomed cross-country trails are at nearby state parks: Governor Dodge and Blue Mounds (both about 20 mins). Sleep in the summer kitchen bedroom, surrounded on three sides by windows, and wake up to a winter wonderland around you. Hot chocolate and tea in the kitchen for you to enjoy in front of the fire inside or firepit outside apres ski!

Eagle Centre House Bed and Breakfast

Eagle, Wisconsin

The Southern Kettle Moraine Forest and Lapham Peak has miles of snow shoe and cross country ski trails.   Snow mobile trails are also in the area.  There are lots of lakes nearby for ice fishing as well.  Eagle is about 20 minutes from Alpine Valley Ski Resort in East Troy.

The Southern Kettle Moraine Forest and Lapham Peak has miles of snow shoe and cross country ski trails.   Snow mobile trails are also in the area.  There are lots of lakes nearby for ice fishing as well.  Eagle is about 20 minutes from Alpine Valley Ski Resort in East Troy.

Ringling House Bed & Breakfast

Baraboo, Wisconsin

There are three ski hills, within a 10-30 minute radius of the Ringling House Bed & Breakfast.   Christmas Mountain, Devils Head Resort, and Cascade Mountain.

There are also tubing hills at Christmas Mountain and Cascade Mountain.

Groomed Cross-Country Ski trails at Mirror Lake State Park.

And many trails to snowshoe including Devils Lake State Park, Mirror Lake State Park, National Ice Age Trails, and many other State Natural Areas in Sauk County.

There are three ski hills, within a 10-30 minute radius of the Ringling House Bed & Breakfast.   Christmas Mountain, Devils Head Resort, and Cascade Mountain.

There are also tubing hills at Christmas Mountain and Cascade Mountain.

Groomed Cross-Country Ski trails at Mirror Lake State Park.

And many trails to snowshoe including Devils Lake State Park, Mirror Lake State Park, National Ice Age Trails, and many other State Natural Areas in Sauk County.

LakePlace Bed & Breakfast

Dresser, Wisconsin

Just 3.8 miles from Trollhaugen Ski Area and and 12 miles from Wild Mountain, LakePlace is a cozy place to spend your ski weekend. Polk County is home to over 360 miles of groomed snowmobile trails and the Balsam Branch and Stower Seven Lakes State Trail for cross country skiiing. Or stay put at the lake and make use of our snowshoes to explore the lake.

Just 3.8 miles from Trollhaugen Ski Area and and 12 miles from Wild Mountain, LakePlace is a cozy place to spend your ski weekend. Polk County is home to over 360 miles of groomed snowmobile trails and the Balsam Branch and Stower Seven Lakes State Trail for cross country skiiing. Or stay put at the lake and make use of our snowshoes to explore the lake.

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