Skis, Skates, Bikes, & Boards

A guide for ge ing out on gear, in the winter, and around the year.

Happier Trails to You

ONE OF THE GREAT ASSETS OF LIVING IN WISCONSIN IS OUR GREAT OUTDOORS, and more of us are taking advantage of them yearround. A variety of efforts and social trends – including the pandemic –have led more of us to hit the trails during the cold months, whether we’re on skis, snowshoes, fat bikes, or just our trusty winter boots.

It’s easy to see that this is a good thing overall: good for our physical and mental wellbeing, good for natural places that receive renewed interest and investment, and good for related businesses.

Yet there are inevitable drawbacks to getting more people onto Wisconsin’s trails, particularly in wintertime. New users means new people learning the ropes – which in this case are the sometimes unspoken (but very important) rules of trail etiquette.

Notably, walkers hoping to hike through the woods and enjoy the crisp winter air run the danger of spoiling the carefully groomed trails used by cross country skiers, as well as the single-track trails used by fat

bike riders or snowshoers.

“Most of the problems on the ski trails are the hikers,” says Steve Wood of Eau Claire, a longtime winter sports lover and past president of CORBA, the Chippewa Off Road Bike Association. “They go out and they don’t understand that they shouldn’t be hiking on the ski trails, especially the tracks for the classic skiing.”

For those of us who haven’t ever been bit by Birkie fever, here’s a quick primer on cross country ski trails. There are typically groomed for two kinds of skiing: classic style and skate style. Classic style skiing is done on a groomed track with the skis parallel to each other. (If you see two grooves in the snow that run parallel like train tracks, you’ve found a classic ski trail.) Skate style skiing, on the other hand, requires a V-shaped motion (much like inline skating) and a larger, flatter trail, typically groomed in a corduroy pattern.

Classic and skate style trails often run side by side, and as tempting as it is to tromp along or across them when you’re in the woods on foot, skiers have a sincere request: Don’t. “It

only takes one or two people doing that to mess up the entire trail,” Wood said.

Chris Gorzek, a longtime member and former president of the Eau Claire Ski Striders, echoes this sentiment. Boot holes can punch through the groomed ski deck, exposing dirt and causing the trail to melt more quickly, he said.

Especially if the weather rises above freezing, the footprints of a hiker or two can devastate make a groomed trail unusable until the next time a groomer comes through.

Wood stressed that the damage is usually done out of ignorance rather than maliciousness. He recalled a recent situation where he was traversing a snowshoe trail at Eau Claire’s Northwest Park when he encouraged a couple and their dog on foot. “When I run across people like that, I’m not going to yell at them or make them feel bad,” he said. “I’m going to explain the situation.”

While cross country ski trails in the Eau Claire area are groomed by either city or county workers (depending on whether they’re in the city limits or not), single-track trails – like those for fat bikers and snow-

shoers at Lowes Creek County Park or Northwest Park – are groomed by volunteers with a self-proppeled machine called a Snowdog. It can take hours to groom the networks of trails at these parks, so it’s disconcerting if someone wrecks them. That’s why CORBA is working to put up new signs along these single-track trails informing folks not to walk on groomed trails as well as to remind fat bikers to check their tire pressure (over-inflated tires can cause ruts, making trails less than fun to traverse).

Strictly speaking, city and county public parks are open to all users – meaning there’s no law against wrecking a groomed trail. Similarly, there’s no law against walking through a carefully-built sand castle on a county beach or swatting a Frisbee out of the air on a disc golf course at a city park. You could certainly do any of these things, but why would you? The Chippewa Valley is fortunate to have plenty of public spaces that we can share, but they should be shared wisely.

“IT ONLY TAKES ONE OR TWO PEOPLE DOING THAT TO MESS UP THE ENTIRE TRAIL .”

KNOWING HOW TO USE GROOMED WINTER TRAILS IS KEY TO PERSONAL & COMMUNITY SUCCESS

The Best Around

READERS WEIGH IN ON FAVORITES

BEST SKI DESTINATION

1st Place: Christie Mountain

2nd Place: Trollhagen Ski Area

3rd Place: Granite Peak

Living in Wisconsin means living with snow, and one way to enjoy that is to play in it. Home of the Blue Hills Beast, Christie Mountain (W13755 County Hwy. O, Bruce) has tubing, over 11 hills, a black diamond with jumps, a ski school, and a first-place finish in this year’s poll. Trollhagen Ski Area (2232 100th Ave., Dresser) has 25 runs, three chairs, six rope tows, and a second-place finish this year. Granite Peak (227200 Snowbird Ave., Wausau) sits on 200 acres of terrain criss-crossed by 60 trails, and also takes home the third place slot.

BEST LOCAL BIKE SHOP

1st Place: SHIFT Cyclery & Coffee Bar

2nd Place: Riverside Bike & Skate

3rd Place: Spring Street Sports

Whether it’s time for new wheels or you need a tune-up, making friends with a local bike shop is important. A great place to grab both coffee and a tune-up, SHIFT Cyclery & Coffee Bar (615 Graham Ave., Eau Claire) is conveniently located downtown in a unique, modern building. Riverside Bike & Skate (937 Water St., Eau Claire), earned second place and has been one of the area’s favorite all-around bike and gear shops, selling a wide variety of gear and bikes, including ebikes. Spring Street Sports (12 W. Spring St., Chippewa Falls) is often considered a best-kept secret among bike enthusiasts in the area, offering fittings, repair, new models, and more.

More Powder To You

POWDER KEG RACES RETURN FEB. 18

ARE YOU A FAN OF RECREATION

A LA SNOW? CORBA is hosting its annual Powder Keg event on Feb. 18. No matter your preferred activity, CORBA has got you covered on the snowy trails at Lowes Creek County Park.

Snowshoers will be able to hoof it on 5K or 10K courses. The fat bike race will cover an approximately 5K course, and you csan choose to complete one to four laps. Tires must be 3.5” or larger.

Feel the need to ski? The cross country ski course allows for either skate or classic skiing and your choice of one or two laps.

Why not do it all? Register for the Double or Triple Snowball and complete any combination of two or

all three race types – skiing, snowshoeing, and fat biking. If you complete the Double or Triple Snowball, you will receive a special award at the end of the race. The male and female who completes the Triple Snowball that totals the highest distance and lowest combined times will be dubbed as the King and Queen of Powder Keg 2023.

To register for the Double or Triple Snowball, you will need to separately register for each event that you want to participate in and use the discount code “MultiEvent” for the other one or two events and $20 will be deducted from those registrations.

To learn more or register, go to corbatrails.org/powderkeg.

SHIFT CYCLERY & COFFEE BAR LAUNCHES URBAN FAT BIKE GROUP RIDES

LOCALS KNOW SHIFT CYCLERY AND COFFEE BAR AS THE HIDDEN GEM, a dual shop that bridges bikes and coffee brews, but the business also wants folks to know their new winter riding event is open to anyone.

SHIFT’s Urban Fat Bike Group Rides are scheduled out through March and will be every other Wednesday at 6pm (Jan. 4, Jan. 18, Feb. 1, Feb. 15, March 15, and March 29), starting and ending at the shop (615 Graham Ave.). While fat bikes are a plus given our area’s wintry weather through spring, SHIFT Bike Manager Chris Locke said they aren’t a requirement for people to participate.

“I’m putting it out there as a fat biking group, but it’s really for anybody,” Locke explained. “It’s basically a social group ride, short and sweet, with a social gathering afterward at SHIFT for hot

chocolate or beers.”

For folks who aren’t familiar, fat bikes are created to accommodate much larger tires than a normal road or mountain bike, ranging anywhere from 3.8” to more than 5” wide. Though popular year-round as well, the larger tires create traction and stability specifically helpful to enjoy a safe ride in winter conditions, and help from “breaking through” the surface of groomed snowy single track trails.

The cycling community in the Chippewa Valley is a pretty tightknit one, Locke said, with people who enjoy different aspects of the ride – steady long-distance rides versus wild trails or short, leisurely rides – but those involved in the Urban Fat Bike Group are all just lookin’ for a good ride and good time.

For people who aren’t avid bikers, the SHIFT event is a way to learn about the community, visit new

trails and routes, and try out new gear. “A big part of this is (for new people), we can outfit them, show them routes and see new things around town,” Locke explained. “I

Fat Bike Group Rolls Into Action Get The Gear You Need

want everybody to feel like they can come out to these.”

Keep up with SHIFT’s Urban Fat Bike Group and the shop through their Facebook (@eaushift).

A RUNDOWN ON THE LOCAL SPOTS TO SHOP FOR SKIS, SKATES, BIKES, OR BOARDS

BPM SKIS • 146th Street, Chippewa Falls • bpmskis.com • Bear Paw Manufacturing

(BPM) is a family-owned and operated custom ski manufacturer. Established in 2019, the company goal is to create a custom-designed ski for an individual, using locally sourced wood, and the best composites and components available. They also offer ski lessons as well as free demo days to try out their skis.

DUNHAM SPORTS • 1501 Broadway

St. N., Menomonie • dunhamssports.com • Menomonie’s sports emporium, which sells an array of equipment including some bikes, snowboards, ice skates, snowshoes, snow tubes, and more.

ERIK’S BIKE BOARD SKI •

4130 Commonwealth Ave., Eau Claire • eriksbikeshop.com • With 30 shops throughout the Midwest, Erik’s Bike, Board sells all of your essentials from snowboard boots to car racks. Since 1977, the entrepreneurial spirit of Erik’s has grown, and so has the selection. So whether you need new accessories for your bike, a new snowboard, or maybe just advice on your next adventure, Erik’s has you covered.

OUTTHERE • 502 N. Main St., Rice Lake• outthereshop.com • A gear supplier for Nordic skiing and ski racing. They also have a small inn for racing teams to stay while they train.

PASSION BOARD SHOP • 218 N. Dewey St., Eau Claire • facebook.com/ passionboardshopllc • Eau Claire’s downtown destination for all things skateboarding. Pick up apparel, accessories, parts, safety gear, and check out their board selection.

PLAY IT AGAIN SPORTS • 3561 Gateway Drive, Eau Claire • playitagainsports. com • The biggest retailer of second-hand rec equipment in the area, including bikes, skates, skateboards, sports, fitness, skiis, snowboards, running equipment, and more.

RIVERSIDE BIKE & SKATE

• 937 Water St., Eau Claire • riverside bikenskate.com • Riverside Bike & Skate is a well-known community partner throughout the Chippewa Valley, with connections to the Chippewa Off-Road Bike Association, the UWEau Claire Hockey Team, and more. They offer sales of ever-popular winter and spring products

and accessories, and Riverside stands out with repair services of all sorts.

SCHEELS • 4710 Golf Road (Oakwood Mall), Eau Claire • scheels.com • Easily the biggest and most comprehensive outdoor outfitter in the Chippewa Valley, Scheels has everything you need for your winter recreation joy like snowshoes, cross-country skiis, fat tire bikes, skates, snowboards, and more.

SHIFT CYCLERY &

COFFEE BAR

• 615 Graham Avenue, Eau Claire • eaushift. com/ • Shop for some new biking gear, get your bike repaired or tuned up, and enjoy craft coffee drinks at this swanky downtown spot.

SIMPLE SPORTS • 400 Main St E, Menomonie • facebook.com/SimpleSportsUS

• Serving Menomonie for the last 24 years, Simple Sports holds focus on the seasons outside of the cold and icy. With plenty of options on bikes from new to used, rentals and sales are popular to the Menomonie community. You can additionally find plenty of accessories for bikes, as well as hockey equipment, and even disc golf gear. From

tune ups to rentals, Simple Sports remains a specialty to the area.

SPRING STREET SPORTS

• 12 W. Spring St., Chippewa Falls • springstreetsports.com • Spring Street Sports is a do-it-all recreation shop, specialized in sales, rentals, service, and information about snowsports (snowboards, cross-country skiis, and snowshoes) and bicycles. Aside from the services, SSS has great information on the trails of Chippewa and Eau Claire countires. The rental rates, as listed on their site, are very affordable for any adventure that may await.

STACHE BIKE & ADVENTURE

• 414 N. Farwell St., Eau Claire • stachebikeandadventure.com • “If You Can Break It, We Can Fix It” reads the heading upon landing on Stache’s website. Serving the community since 2019, Stache provides repair services on boards, bikes, shoes, wheels, and even sunglasses! With a series of testimonials and great reviews, it’s been proven that Staches will have you back on the trails and slopes in no time.

Wintermission Says Embrace the Ice

CITY, VISIT EAU CLAIRE PROMOTE WINTERTIME REC – INCLUDING PLOWED, 4-MILE TRAIL

IF

to see what’s happening in snowy Eau Claire. Inspired by the nonprofit organization 8 80 Cities based in Toronto, Canada, this initiative promotes and encourages outdoor physical activity and winter positivity while cutting back social isolation that comes with the winter blues.

As one of three cities adopting the groundbreaking social promotional campaign, Eau Claire and Wintermission want people to know that winter doesn’t have to be all about staying indoors. Since its local launch in 2019, the program has helped promote wintertime events and manage a four-mile Winter Recreation Path that follows down the Chippewa River through downtown

Eau Claire and circles back up to Phoenix Park. The city gives this trail high snow-removal priority, allowing residents to keep hitting the trail even as the temperature drops and snow piles up.

Looking for a place to go, or an

event to get you breaking in those winter boots? The Wintermission page on the Visit Eau Claire website details local events and places to go for something fun to do. Don’t have good gear to keep you warm for it? Wintermission is also teaming up

with the Altoona Public Library, L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library in Eau Claire, Pinehurst Park, and the Chippewa Valley Museum for “Gear Share in Eau Claire,” offering Wisconsin residents and visitors free winter gear.

Visit Eau Claire’s Public Relations Manager Luke Alex comments, “While Visit Eau Claire doesn’t necessarily organize events, we work with our Wintemission partners to assist and promote these events.”

Even more recently, Wintermission is working on a mobile pass titled “Eau Snow.” Sign up for the free mobile pass and check in at select winter locations to get a hold of prizes distributed by Visit Eau Claire and Wintermission.

Learn more online at www. visiteauclaire.com/winter/ about-wintermission.

WINTERTIME SOMETIMES LEAVES YOU COLD, BE SURE TO CHECK IN WITH WINTERMISSION

Woodwind Park Shares Chalet Construction Updates

NEW CHALET RENOVATIONS WILL OPEN NEW DOORS FOR THE OLD PARK

YOU’VE MAY HAVE BEEN MISSING ALL OF THE FUN THINGS TO DO AT WOODWIND PARK (E7115

1058th Ave, Wheeler) since they’ve been closed for their Chalet construction, but have no fear – the end is near.

The demolition and renovation of the park’s chalet started in the spring of 2022, and it’s only the third time the building has seen an update since it was built in 1951. The renovation will include the addition of a deck, complete modernization of the inside, and a full catering kitchen.

“Having the kitchen and the capacity to serve food which we anticipate at some point will be a moderately open restaurant is exciting,” said park co-owner Meagan Frank. “We’re kind of just seeing how that all comes together but the kitchen is gonna allow us an opportunity to do that on-site and by ourselves.”

Frank says that they hope to have the new building – and the whole park – opened back up in the late fall of this year. She’s hopeful that the new building

will open up more opportunities for people to enjoy absolutely everything the park has to offer, indoor and outdoor.

“Once we have the building up we’ll be able to offer a lot of climate-controlled things like corporate parties, retreats, you name it,” Frank said. “Just so we aren’t completely dependent on Wisconsin’s very fickle weather all the time.”

Though WoodWind will remain closed to the public until construction is complete, their classic cross-country skiing, shoeshoeing, hiking, and snow tubing trails will all still be there at the finish line.

To learn more about WoodWind and follow along in the progress, you can go to woodwindpark.com and follow them on Facebook and Instagram (@ woodwind_park).

Kick the Blues with Kickin Kids

YOUTH CROSS COUNTRY SKI PROGRAM CONTINUES TO BLOSSOM

AS DAYS GROW COLD AND SNOW AND CABIN FEVER SPREADS,

parents in our wintry climate have been known to encourage – or even demand – that their kids play outside.

The 185 Chippewa Valley youngsters who are part of the Kickin Kids program don’t need to be told this twice.

On Monday evenings in January and February, the kids – ranging in age from 4 to 17 – swarm Tower Ridge County Recreation Area east of Eau Claire, learning to propel themselves along the groomed trails on cross country skis.

The club was created in 1994 by the Eau Claire Ski Striders, a longstanding cross country ski club, to promote the sport among kids. The effort started small, with only six kids and five coaches, recalls Chris Gorzek.

Over the years, Kickin Kids are grown steadily – and in recent years, rapidly – picking up speed at the sport gains devotees in the Chippewa Valley.

“Basically it’s fitness, family, and fun,” said Gorzek, who directs the program. “We really want the kids to get outside in the winter, get on some skis, (and) have a lot of fun.”

Gorzek noted that the program isn’t high-pressure. Instead, the emphasis is on fun and skill-building. If kids only participate for a year or two, that’s fine, Gorzek said: It means they’ve learned a little about skiing and will be able to pick it up again later in life for recreation and fitness.

Other kids, of course, take to the sport more seriously, and join Chippewa Valley Nordic, a competitive team for middle and high school students. Others get interested in downhill skiing, and some become lifelong cross-country enthusiasts and join adults like Gorzek in competing in the legendary American Birkebeiner between Cable and Hayward.

Whatever direction their skis take them, Kickin Kids can help them gain momentum.

“The biggest thing is just to see

them get out there,” Gorzek said. “They’re so fun to work with because they learn so quickly. … You really see a lot of gain and accomplishment in a really short period of time, and the smiles on their faces and the

Great Time to Skate

rosy cheeks are the prize.”

The Kickin Kids program has already started for the season, but to learn about it and get on the list for next year, visit ecyouthski.org or email kickinkids@gmail.com.

WHEN AND WHERE YOU’LL FIND OPEN SKATE TIMES IN THE VALLEY

words by devon verbsky

WITH THE COLD WINTER IN FULL SWING, there are plenty of ways to keep the family out of the house and active. When it comes to us Midwesterners, there’s something about frozen water that we love, and there’s no better fun than to grab a pair of skates and get out on it.

Aside from the obvious lakes and ponds, there are a few locations in the area that hold availability for open skating. Hobbs Municipal Ice Arena has a large calendar list of

drop-in times (including 6:30-8:30pm most Wednesdays and Sundays) where you’re able to come in and skate with the family. Skate rental is an added option upon admission, and the rates are very reasonable even if you do not hold a EC RecPass. Find details by visiting www. eauclairewi.gov and searching for “Hobbs.”

In Chippewa Falls at Chippewa Area Ice Arena, open skate is every Sunday from 6-8pm. Admission is

free, skate rental is only $3, and concessions are open. Find more details online at chippewahockey. org.

Lastly, at Don Fanetti Ice Arena in Menomonie, open skate is available to the public every Sunday from 6:30-8:30pm. There are options for daily, individual, and season passes on their website, and skate rental is also available. Learn more at menomonieyouthsports.com/ openskate.

Outdoor More + More

PINEHURST PARK CELEBRATES CONTINUED REC-RELATED IMPROVEMENTS

THE CHIPPEWA VALLEY’S LOCAL BIKE AND SNOW PARK DESTINATION IS CLAD WITH specially created and groomed spaces for winter activities galore, including its hockey and general skating rink, lighted cross country ski trails, the hiking, ski, and snowboard terrain park area, and more. Last year was a big one for Pinehurst, with hopes for 2023 to mark the fruition of more projects.

Construction and renovations at Pinehurst in Eau Claire have been ongoing for about a decade. OutdoorMore Inc.’s mission as a nonprofit to work with the City of Eau Claire’s Parks and Recreation Department to reinvent the area, striving to offer a variety of outdoor rec activities in one spot.

OutdoorMore Board Secretary Andy Wians said they are still working towards the ongoing lift installation project, slated for completion in 2023, which will be Eau Claire’s only skiing and tubing lift.

Still, in 2022, Pinehurst Park saw a new wave of young snowboarders participate in snowboard lessons at

its hill, the creation of new mountain bike trails, and a milestone moment when it unveiled the Chippewa Valley’s first paved pump-track, which can be used by bikers and boarders alike.

“As I reflect on the last year, I can’t help but feel excited for the future ahead. We continue to see more and more people using the park each year, and more people stepping up to lend a hand where they can,” Wians said. “Pinehurst is a community park, and the community aspect really shines bright as we see people of all ages taking ownership of the projects they feel passionate about.”

Plus, Pinehurst Park is one of several places in the area that offers free gear rentals for seasoned recreation lovers and newbies alike. Gear Share at Pinehurst Park is available when the warming house is open and staffed – currently from 4-7pm – and folks can checkout sleds and snowshoes for free.

Visit pinehurstpark.org for more information and keep up with them on Facebook (@ThePinehurstProject).

WHERE TO GET OUT THERE!

WINTER TRAILS

AREAS FOR CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING, SNOWSHOEING, FAT TIRE BIKING, Please stay on trails designated for your chosen activity. Not all trails can be treated the same. Walking on groomed winter trails can destroy them.

AREA 178 • Winter• Snowshoeing • Chippewa Falls • corba.org Diverse waterfront scenery with old oaks and exposed bedrock along the trails. The trails are multi-use so all are asked to be curteous to other types of travelers.

BEAVER CREEK RESERVE • Snowshoeing, Cross-Country Skiing • S1 Cty Hwy K, Fall Creek • beavercreekreserve.org A few minutes in your car and you can spend an entire afternoon in the quiet beauty of the woods. Beaver Creek Reserve has a number of wooded, groomed trails. Rental equipment is available.

BLUE HILLS • Snow

shoeing • Cross-Country Skiing • Between Rusk County and Rice Lake • facebook.com/ BlueHillsTrail If you don’t mind a short drive (about an hour and a half from Eau Claire), check out the Blue Hills winter sports area, named for the blue-tinted forested hillsides when seen through the mist. There are tons of super sweet trails to choose from, for either ski skating or traditional cross-country skiing. Make it into a day trip or spend an entire weekend there.

BRUNET ISLAND STATE PARK • Cross-Country Skiing (Classic) • Snowshoeing • 23125 255th St., Cornell • dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/brunetisland There are more than eight miles of hiking trail in this state park, and they are perfect for showshoers in the winter. In addition, there are 4.3 miles of trail groom for classic-style cross-country skiing only. Park admission sticker required.

CARSON PARK • Cross-Country Skiing • 101 Carson Park Dr, Eau Claire • eauclairewi.gov/ recreation/trails/ski-trails During the winter season Carson Park offers 1 mile of groomed country country skiing with minimal elevation changes, great for beginners.

CENTENNIAL PARK • Fat Tire Biking • 3125 Spooner Ave, Altoona Features singletrack under full tree canopy. Plenty of opportunity for jumps, drops, climbs and a few log pile crossings.

CHIPPEWA MORAINE STATE RECRE-

ATION AREA • Snowshoeing, Cross-Country Skiing • 13394 County Highway M, New Auburn • dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/chipmoraine While not groomed, they are open to snowshoeing, hiking, and cross-country skiing. Three self-guided trails beginning at the interpretive center will give you a look at kettle lakes, hummocks, and other glacial features. Admission stickers required.

CITY WELLS AREA • Cross-Country Skiing • Riverview Dr. , Eau Claire • Located on the east side of Riverview Dr.. About 3 miles of flat trails across from Riverview Park. A good course for beginners.

COON FORK SKI TRAIL • Cross-Country Skiing • County Highway CF, Augusta • eauclaire-info.com Located on Coon Fork Lake County Park, this trail is most suitable for beginner to imtermediate skiers, and offers level areas and rolling hills. It has a total length of 3.2 miles.

EVERGREEN SKI TRAIL • Cross-Country

Skiing • County Highway CF, Augusta • eauclaire-info.com Located on County forest land north of Augusta, this 2.2m trail is best suited for intermediate/advanced skiiers.

FAIRFAX PARK • Cross-Country Skiing • 4200 Fairfax St., Eau Claire • Fairfax Park is a 75-acre park located on the south side of Eau Claire, with accommodations including a baseball field, two Little League fields and walking trails. It can be accessed from either Golf Road or Fairfax Street.

GUETTINGER WOODS & WILDLIFE

AREA • Snowshoeing • Sandberg Road off Highway 37, Brunswick This little-known Eau Claire County Park has been called a “hidden gem.” You’ll find it about seven miles southwest of Eau Claire in the town of Brunswick. The 123 acres are open for snowshoeing, hiking, and wildlife watching, although there are no groomed trails.

HIAWATHA PARK • Fat Tire biking • A small park in Rice Lake with a single track bike trail.

HICKORY RIDGE TRAIL • Snowshoeing, Cross-Coutnry Skiing

• Fat Tire biking • 225th Ave,. New Auburn A 5K multiuse snowshoe and mountain-bike trail circles through absolute wilderness offering great views of scenery and wildlife. The Friends of Hickory Ridge also groom 27 kilometers (about 17 miles) of cross-country ski trails for both traditional and skating-style skiers. No dogs

HOFFMAN HILLS STATE RECREATION AREA • Cross-Country

Skiing • Off-Trail Snowshoeing • 730th Ave., Colfax • dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/name/hoffmanhills Don’t overlook the 707 acres of preserved and restored wooded hills, wetlands, and prairie, scribbled with cross-country ski trails for all levels. Glide through the snow while feasting your eyes on spectacular views of the surrounding countryside.

IRVINE PARK TRAIL • Cross-Country Skiing

• Bridgewater Ave., Chippewa Falls • chippewafalls-wi.gov Woods trails above the zoo area double as ski trails. Loop back down and visit the zoo afterwards. Trails also go past Glen Loch Lake. Trails can also be accessed from small parking lot on Cty Rd S or on the parking lot above the zoo off Erma-Tinger Drive.

LAKE WISSOTA STATE PARK • Snowshoing, Cross-Country Skiing (Skate & Classic)

• 18127 County Highway O, Chippewa Falls • dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/name/lakewissota The 1,000-acre state park on the shore of Lake Wissota includes 10 miles of snowshoeing trails, 8 miles of cross-country skiing, and more.

LOWES CREEK COUNTY PARK • Snowshoeing, Cross-Country Skiing • Fat Tire Biking• S. Lowes Creek Rd., Eau Claire • co.eau-claire.

wi.us • Just minutes south of Eau Claire, experience 250 acres of cross-country ski, snowshoe, and pet walking bliss. The two-way trail system separates skiers from snowshoers, and has many loops and shortcuts giving you a wide selection of route variety. Trails twist up and down hills, through creek bottoms and white pine forests, and range from easy to difficult, so a trail map is a good idea for those new to the park.

MENOMIN PARK • Snowshoeing, Cross-Country Skiing • Winter Biking• S. Lowes Creek Rd., Eau Claire • co.eau-claire.wi.us • Groomed singletrack and doubletrack trails.

Conveniently close to Menomonie.

NORTHWEST COMMUNITY PARK TRAIL • Cross-Country Skiing • Winter Biking

• 650 Van Es Parkway, Eau Claire Several loop trail options double as mountain bike and ski trails. Some are narrow and steep. From the North Crossing (Hwy 312) head north on Jeffers and turn right away on E. Prairie Lane to Arrowhead Drive to Van Es Parkway. Drive to the end of the street to the small parking lot.

PINEHURST PARK WINTER RECRE-

ATION AREA • Snowshoeing • Cross-Country Skiing • 3523 Delbert Road, Eau Claire • eauclairewi.gov 5.5 Acres. Hockey rink (boarded), ice skating, nature trails, parking lot, recreational field, scenic views, shelter, BMX bike park/ pump track, downhill skiing, cross country skiing, sledding/tubing hill, and toilet facilities.

PIPESTONE QUARRY • Snowshoeing •

Cross-Country Skiing • 3523 Delbert Road, Eau Claire • eauclairewi.gov 5.5 Acres. Hockey rink (boarded), ice skating, nature trails, parking lot, recreational field, scenic views, shelter, BMX bike park/pump track, downhill skiing, cross country skiing, sledding/tubing hill, and toilet facilities.

RED CEDAR STATE TRAIL • Cross-Country Skiing (Classic & Skate)•Snoeshoeing • 921 Brickyard Road, Menomonie • dnr.wi.gov Small bluffs with a waterfall will be on one side and the Red Cedar River on the other side. Bald eagles frequently sighted. Going other direction from Dunnville takes you through the Dunnville State Wildlife Area across a trestle near the confluence of the Chippewa River and the Red Cedar River.

RIVER ROAD CROSS COUNTRY SKI

TRAIL • Cross Country Skiing • about 2.5 miles north of Cornell • co.chippewa.wi.us Enjoy two separate trails for intermediate and advanced skiers through rolling terrain and along the more-gentle grade of the River Road to the parking area.

SILVER SKI TRAILS • Cross Country

Skiing•Snowshoeing • Biking • Barron County Forest Hand built primitive style single track with double track access roads. Elevation, flowy sections with some adrenaline climbs.

TOWER RIDGE • Snowshoeing, Cross-Country Skiing • 955 S82 Ave., Eau Claire • co.eau-claire. wi.us Tower Ridge is a great place to enjoy the snow and workout. There are hilly and flat groomed trails for all levels. There are about 3 kilometers of lighted trails and a warming shelter that allows for night outings, a nice precursor to a warm fire.

SKATING RINKS

ALTOONA HOBBS SPORT CENTER 2300 Spooner Ave., Altoona • altoonahockey.com

BLOOMER SKATING RINK 1304 Grove St., Bloomer • www.ci.bloomer.wi.us/parks-and-recreation/pages/winter

BOYD PARK 1202 Fairway St., Eau Claire • eauclairewi.gov

CHIPPEWA AREA ICE ARENA 839 First Ave., Chippewa Falls • chippewahockey.org

DEMMLER PARK 524 Putman Dr., Eau Claire • ci.eau-claire.wi.us

DUNN COUNTY RECREATION PARK 620 17th St., Menomonie • menomonie-wi.gov

HOBBS ICE ARENA 915 Menomonie St., Eau Claire • (715) 839-5040

MITSCHER PARK 3507 Sharon Drive, Eau Claire

NEWELL PARK (SHAWTOWN PARK)

S122 S. Michigan St., Eau Claire

OAKWOOD HILLS 4433 Oakwood Hills Park-

way, Eau Claire • ci.eau-claire.wi.us

PINEHURST PARK 3523 Delbert Road, Eau Claire • eauclairewi.gov

PUTNAM HEIGHTS ELEMENTARY 633 W. MacArthur Ave., Eau Claire

RIVER HEIGHTS PARK 615 24th Ave., Menomonie • menomonie-wi.gov

ROOSEVELT ELEMENTARY 908 Folsom St., Eau Claire

SAM DAVEY ELEMENTARY 3000 Starr Ave., Eau Claire

REGIONAL SKI & SNOWBOARD DESTINATIONS

Afton Alps 6600 Peller Ave. S., Hastings • (651) 436-5245 • aftonalps.com With nearly 300 skiable acres, 50 trails, 18 lifts and four terrain parks, there is enough terrain to challenge experts to beginners, day or night. Two tricky terrain parks, tubing, tow ropes and chairlifts galore, all types of rentals, a ski shop, two chalets, two restaurant/bars, and instruction available.

Bruce Mound Winter Sports Area N 791 Bruce Mound Ave, Merrillan • (715) 743-2296 • clarkcountywi.com/brucemound Maintained by Clark County, this lighted winter rec area has premium snowboarding, tubing, and skiing conditions with a recently installed chairlift and onsite chalet.

Cascade Mountain W10441 Cascade Mountain Rd., Portage • (608) 742-5588 • cascademountain.com They have 41 runs, the longest being a full mile, and a vertical drop of 460 feet. Six terrain parks will keep anybody occupied, while they have tubing for less intense riders. Towropes and chairlifts, rentals, a ski shop, chalet/ restaurant/coffeehouse, and lessons available.

Christie Mountain W13755 County Hwy. O, Bruce • (715) 868-7800 • christiemountain. com Twenty-two lighted runs up to 4,000 feet long, with a 350-foot vertical drop with one double chairlift, one t-bar and three rope tows, tubing runs, towropes and chairlifts, rental gear, chalet, and instructions available.

Christmas Mountain S944 Christmas Mountain Road • christmasmountainvillage.com 16 downhill runs with a wide variety of trails. Alpine skiing, snowboarding, tubing with great views. Chairlift, handle tows to get back up the hill, Onsite lodge, resort, and dining.

Coffee Mill Ski & Snowboard Resort 99 Coulee Way, Wabasha • (651) 565-2777 • coffeemillski. com From the gentle slopes of Chippewa to the radical pitch of O’Chute, each run is obscured from the next by an abundant growth of birch, oaks, and pines. Snowmaking, snowboarding terrain park, modern grooming, towropes, chairlifts, rentals, chalet, on-site dining, and instruction.

Granite Peak 3605 N. Mountain Rd., Wausau • (715) 845-2846 • info@skigranitepeak.com • skigranitepeak.com A massive place with 74 runs up to 1.5 miles in length and an awesome vertical drop of around 700 feet. They also have tubing, tons of rentals, a ski shop, chalet, lodging, restaurants, snowmaking, and instruction.and a bar, and a 516 foot vertical drop.

Trollhaugen Ski Area 2232 100th Ave., Dresser • 800-826-7166, (715) 755-2955, or (651) 4335141 • trollhaugen.com 20+ downhill runs for skiing and snow tubing, with a chalet, ski ship, restaurant, terrain park, snowmaking, and on-site instruction available. The longest is 2,500 feet and a vertical drop of 286 feet.