Things You'll Need:
- Snacks
- Proper cold weather active wear
- Cross country skis
- Boots
- Poles
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Step 1
Travel to the Birkebeiner Trail in February to catch the American Birkebeiner, one of the largest ski races on the continent. This ski area is located just outside of Cable and Hayward and operates without charging fees. You'll also find a 1 mile section near County Road 00 that is lit for night skiing.
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Step 2
Stay in the northern Wisconsin region and check out the Anvil National Recreation Trail near Eagle River. Located near the Nicolet National Forest, you'll find 12 miles of groomed snow perfect for cross country skiing. If you'd like to fulfill your need for speed, try ski-skating this trail as well.
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Step 3
Ski the Lakewood Cross Country Ski Trail, also located in the northern part of the state. You'll find nearly 13 miles of linear trail that is maintained by the Lakewood XC Ski Club. There is a small fee for usage of this trail, but you'll be able to enjoy both classic Nordic skiing and ski-skating here.
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Step 4
Take a trip to the center of Wisconsin and visit the Nine Mile Forest near Wasau. With a night-lit trail for evening skiing and over 20 miles of groomed terrain to enjoy, you'll have a full day on the trail here. There is a small snack bar and day lodge, but no equipment rentals, so be sure to bring your gear with you.
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Step 5
Find yourself near Greenbush in southern Wisconsin and experience the Northern Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest. You'll find 2 areas for skiing here with over 17 miles of groomed terrain to ski through. Try to find lodging in Plymouth or Sheboygen and definitely pack a lunch for this trip. Though the trails are great, there are few other amenities to this trail.
