Skiing & Snowshoeing in North Central Wisconsin
Downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing are all great ways to experience North Central Wisconsin in the winter. Wisconsin has 25,000 miles of some of the best trails (also great for snowmobiling).
Winter adventure is around every corner, whether you’re an adrenaline-seeker, or looking for more peaceful activities. Plan your trip today and come see for yourself the best views in North Central Wisconsin.
Here are more resources for you to successfully ski and snowshoe in North Central Wisconsin:
- Season: Skiing & snowshoeing season starts, well, when the snow starts! It’s safe to bet that from December 1st – March 31st you can enjoy these winter activities. Note: This is subject to change depending on trail closures and weather conditions.
- Rentals: Looking for where to rent skis or snowshoes? There are so many options to do this around north central WI. See below for each county’s information about rentals based on where you are visiting in the state.
- Trail maps: See below for each county’s specific cross-country ski or snowshoeing trail maps based on where you are visiting in the state.
- Down-hill ski hills: See below for more information on which hills to ski on. As well as information on open/close times, rental prices, and more.
- Snow report: Check this interactive snow report before you hit the hills or trails. For cross-country skiers: Some trails also allow ATVs at certain temperatures.
While planning your trip to or around Wisconsin, see more information below by county on the best places to ski or snowshoe.
Where to go Skiing & Snowshoeing in Wisconsin:
Skiing & Snowshoeing in Forest County
Skiing & Snowshoeing in Langlade County
Langlade County has one downhill skiing hill, 6 groomed cross-country ski trails, and three signed snowshoe trails.
Downhill Skiing:
Kettlebowl Ski Hill, Langlade County's hidden gem, relies on naturally made snow and volunteers to run the hill. The hill is open from noon to 4 pm on Saturdays and Sundays when adequate snowfall is received. Rental equipment (skis and snowboards) is available when open. With the five tow ropes and a bunny/beginner hill, the hill is excellent for beginner and intermediate skiers and snowboarders. Snowboards are welcome. The hill even has a terrain park features in place! It is truly fun for the whole family!
Cross-country Skiing:
Langlade County snowfall beckons cross country ski enthusiasts to enjoy the beauty of the great Wisconsin’s Northwoods by hitting the 6 groomed cross-country ski trails spread throughout the County of Trails. Gartzke Flowage, Jack Lake, Moccasin Lake, Kettlebowl and the Springbrook Trail in Antigo is groomed for both classical and freestyle cross-country skiing, while Maranatha Cross Country Ski trail located in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest is groom only for classical skiing. If you prefer to ski off the beaten path, there is countless miles of back-country skiing on county, state, and federal land in Langlade County.
Snowshoeing:
There are two groomed snowshoe trails in Langlade County at Gartzke Flowage and Moccasin Lake. Back-country snowshoeing in Langlade County is truly an experience. Enjoy the 130,000 acres of Langlade County forest lands, 50 miles of Langlade County Ice Age Trail, Antigo Single Track Mountain Bike Trail, Game Lake Nature Trail or Jack Lake Mountain Bike Trail in Veterans Memorial Park, or 1.2-mile snowshoe loop from Spychalla's Lodge at Jack Lake Cross Country Ski Trail to trudge through new snow. Fees are not required although donations are appreciated.
Skiing & Snowshoeing in Lincoln County
Experience the silent beauty of the Northwoods. Lincoln County's cross-country ski trails offer quiet and tranquility as well as breathtaking scenery. Skis can be rented at Coaster Cycle Works in downtown Tomahawk. You’ll find miles of beautiful options. At the end of the trail, warm up and relax at one of our delicious restaurants.
Skiing & Snowshoeing in Marinette County
Unleash your wild side this winter in Marinette County! Embark on an exhilarating adventure through our enchanting, forested trails, perfect for winter hiking, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing. Feel the crunch of fresh powder beneath your feet as you explore nature's picturesque wonderland. Don't miss the opportunity to witness a frozen waterfall - it's Mother Nature showcasing her finest winter masterpiece! So, gear up, outdoor enthusiasts – Marinette County awaits your fearless exploration!
Skiing & Snowshoeing in Oconto County
After a 25-year hiatus, a ski hill in northern Oconto County has reopened. Paul Bunyan Ski Hill is now open for Wisconsin’s winter. The Lakewood ski and tubing hill, great for all ages and abilities, is open from December to March. Owners TJ and Wendy Kerscher spent the summer of 2021 renovating the chalet and prepping the ski hill to reopen for the winter of 2021-22. Now in its second season, Paul Bunyan Ski Hill calls itself the “Biggest Little Hill in the Midwest.” Paul Bunyan Ski Hill offers economically priced lift tickets for a day or night on the slopes.
Grab your poles: Oneida County is a cross-country skiing and snowshoeing paradise. While expert skiers train here, you don’t need to wear Lycra to enjoy our trails!
You’ll find an excellent variety of cross-country skiing trails, including trails groomed for both traditional and skate-style skiing. You can find trails that will give you a taste of winter but will be easy to complete, as well as systems that can take a weekend or more to explore. And no trail is far from a warm Oneida County lodge or restaurant.
Oneida County also offers numerous snowshoeing opportunities. Explore the region’s designated snowshoe trails, head off on your own into the forest or just take a spin outside the cabin—but make sure to get pictures!
Skiing & Snowshoeing in Portage County
The Stevens Point Area offers a collection of winter outdoor recreation. Snowshoeing is one of the most popular and accessible activities in the area. The Stevens Point Area is home to Mead Wildlife Area- one of the largest wildlife areas in the state offering 80 miles of snowshoe trails in the winter months. Often, they host guided snowshoe expeditions for beginners.
Cross-country skiing is another popular winter sport in the Stevens Point Area. There are both groomed and backcountry skiing areas that all vary in difficulty from beginner to expert.
For both winter sports, the Stevens Point Area has a variety of locations to rent outdoor equipment from. The Portage County Parks Department offers rentals onsite at Standing Rocks County Park.
Skiing & Snowshoeing in Shawano County
Shawano County has over 400 miles of groomed and marked trails winding through majestic forests and scenic meadows.
Snowshoeing:
Groomed trails are available at:
- Maple Hills Recreation Area–2.5 mile trail
- Shawano Lake Golf Course, W5714 Lake Dr., Shawano
Natural trails are available at:
- Navarino Nature Center, W5646 Lindsten Rd., Shiocton–Snowshoe Rentals available
- Hayman Falls County Park, CTH M west of Shawano through Pella one mile, then south 1/2 mile.
- Shawano Lake County Park, W5785 Lake Dr., Shawano
- Shawano Lake Golf Course, W5714 Lake Dr., Shawano
- Wilson Lake County Park, 2 miles west of Wittenberg on Nightingale Rd.
Shawano County Snowmobile Trails Association or call 715-524-4349 up to date openings/closings before you ride.
Skiing & Snowshoeing in Wood County
Nepco Lake County park has a 4.5 mile cross country ski trail maintained by the River Cities Nordic Ski Club along with the 5.5 mile multi-use snow shoe trail. Powers Bluff has a 3 mile multi use trail groomed in winter for cross country skiing, biking, and snow shoeing. Downhill skiing and snowboarding (with your own equipment) is also available. Try speeding down on a snow tube (tube is provided). Pricing starts at $12.