WiNTERbook
CROSS COUNTRY SKi AND SNOWSHOE Nine Mile Recreation Area South of CTH N on Red Bud Road, Rib Mountain Operated by the Marathon Co. Parks Dept. The most popular and one of the top ranked cross-country skiing facilities in Wisconsin has a chalet with restrooms and warming area, 18.3 miles of trails, including about 3.9 miles lighted until 9 pm, and 6.7 miles of trails dedicated to snowshoeing. Trails range from beginner to difficult, double-tracked with a 8’ wide skating lane. The 2-mile Cookie Trail Loop is for youth skiers. Trail maps available online at co.marathon.wi.us under Parks Department. No dogs allowed on groomed trails • Trails open daily, even if chalet is closed, outdoor vault restroom available. Ski and snowshoe rentals available. For updates and trail conditions call 715-3558788. Open mid-Dec. thru mid-March, snow conditions permitting. Daily, annual pass, and after hours permit required. Permits can be purchased at the chalet by self-registration. Other info at 715261-1550, co.marathon.wi.us under Parks Department. Ski trail fees Weekdays $12 adult, $8 youth/student, $10 seniors. After 5 pm
$7 adults, $5 youth, $6 seniors. Twoday and season passes and group rates available. Under 12 free. 715-261-1550
Snowshoe fees Daily $6 adults $4 youth/ student, $5 seniors. Two-day and season passes and group rates available. Under 12 free. Chalet open Mon.-Fri. 9 am-9 pm (closes 6 pm Sundays after first weekend in February), Sat. 8 am–9 pm, Sun. 8 am–5 pm • Amenities include changing area, ski & snowshoe equipment rentals, trail pass sales, restrooms, spacious warming area with wood stove & fireplace. Check online for updates as hours may change during holiday weeks. Ski trails closed to the public during the Snekkevik Classic Ski Race Saturday, Jan. 9, 2022 and for Badger State Games Saturday, Jan. 29 Free adult cross-country ski lessons Tuesdays, Jan. 4, 11, 18 and 25. (Feb. 1 is one of them is canceled.) by Wausau Nordic Ski Club. Includes free trail pass and free equipment rental (first come, first served). No children. Pre-registration not needed but arrive early to be fitted for equipment, and check for alternate dates in case of bad
weather conditions. For questions email adultlessons@wausaunordic.org. Other details at wausaunordic.org.
Snow Striders ski lessons for children ages 4–9: Sundays 2–3 pm Sundays starting in January (snow permitting). Free for Nordic Ski Club members. No general rate for non-members, so they ask you to join the club ($30 family, $20 individual). Lessons include equipment rental, first come, first served. Night Gliders program for middle and high school ages also available, see website for details. Registration and membership at WausauNordic.org. Winter Trail Tails story kiosks Pages of books to read on the trail, in partnership with the Marathon County Public Library and the Wausau Nordic Ski Club. Learn what snowmen do at night and who stops into a cave of a snoring bear. Trail passes and or current season passes required. Trail includes kids’ loop, down ‘Main Street’ left, and looping back to the chalet during daytime hours.
Sylvan Hill Park
Wausau, off N. Sixth Street to Horseshoe Spring Road, right to Sylvan Street This in-city system has 3.7K of crosscountry trails through the park and around the nearby Tribute Golf Course. Periodically groomed throughout the season. For beginner to intermediate skiers. Also 1-mile snowshoe trail. Chalet shared with the tubing hill. Map and details at co.marathon.wi.us under Parks Department.
Rib Mountain State Park
Off of Hwy. 51, 4200 Park Rd, Rib Mountain 13 kilometers of snowshoe trails, from easy to difficult. Vehicle park sticker required. Ribmountain.org, 715-842-2522. Candlelight snowshoe hikes on Sat., Jan. 18 and Sat., Feb. 15, 6-8 pm. Flashlights and headlamps suggested. Hot chocolate, hot cider, and special goodies, as well as marshmallows to roast around the campfire are available. Start your hike at the Friends Gathering Space. Donations welcome. Limited parking.
Monk Gardens
North end of First Avenue on Wausau’s west side, 1800 N. First Ave Snowshoe and cross-country skiing allowed among the woods and fields. Gate is latched but always unlocked. MonkGardens.org Luminary walks set for Dec. 3, Jan. 8, March 5 and 19: Free for garden members, $5 general. Times vary, see Facebook page or website for more information. Limited snowshoes to rent ($2 cash only).
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Dells of the Eau Claire Park
Hwy. Y east of Wausau near Aniwa Snowshoe along the river’s edge, with scenic views of rock formations and the frozen rapids. Challenging terrain, ungroomed. No pass required. Connects to the Ice Age Trail. Call Marathon Co. Parks Dept. at 715-261-1550 for more information, or see co.marathon.wi.us.
Council Grounds State Park
Northwest of Merrill, off Hwy. 107 About 3 miles of classic groomed trails for cross-country skiers. Ground is tracked, flat, and wooded. Snowshoeing also allowed. Candlelight skiing/walks scheduled periodically. Leashed pets welcome. No fee for the activity but vehicle admission sticker or state park sticker required to enter. Log shelter available to rent. 715-536-8773. Park open year-round from 6 am to 11 pm.
Underdown Recreation Area
North of Merrill, Hwy. 51 north to Hwy. K, right on H, right on Copper Lake Road Over 20 miles of ski trails consisting of several loops for all skill levels, groomed weekly. Snowshoe trails also available. No warming house or equipment rental, pit toilets available • Winter fees: $8 daily cross country ski, $5 daily snowshoe/fat bike, or $25 season pass. Purchase through Lincoln Co. Forestry office, 715-539-1034. Children under 16 free. Maps available online at co.lincoln.wi.us
Treehaven
W2540 Pickerel Creek Road, Tomahawk Over 5 miles of groomed trails dedicated for cross country skiing, plus many more miles of snowshoe and hiking trails cover the 1,400 acres of forest at this retreat center operated by UW-Stevens Point. Because of the area’s size and remote location, check in at office first to notify Treehaven staff of travels. Pass required for all activities on the trails: $5 daily, $25 annual, available in the parking lot near the trailhead signs. No pets, bicycles or motorized vehicles. Trails open during daylight hours only. Maps and details at https://www.uwsp.edu (search for Treehaven), 715-453-4106
Green Circle Trail
Find five loops of groomed, designated cross country ski trails (classic style) at the Plover River segment (6.2 miles) and Iverson Park (2.4 miles). Snowshoeing, snow biking and winter hiking not allowed on those groomed trails, but allowed on the remaining paths of this Stevens Point area system. Open daily 6 am–11 pm continues on 14
