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Winter in Wisconsin

© Peggy Hoehne

Everyone knows Winter and Wisconsin go together. Sports fans recall the Green Bay Packers playing the famous "Ice Bowl" game against the Dallas Cowboys, perhaps the most famous National Football League game ever played. Ice fishing and cross-country skiing are common activities in most parts of the state. Snowmobiling appeals to people here in the long cold winters.

When people live in a land where four to five months of the year are winter, they learn to adapt. They become hardy and strong, defying the cold and finding enjoyment in it. Winter sports are very popular in Wisconsin. Not just basketball, which after all, is an indoor sport and can be played anytime, anywhere.

Here in the northern United States ice hockey, cross country skiing, and downhill skiing are all eagerly enjoyed. There are thousands of miles cross-country ski trails and snowmobile trails throughout the state.

Snowmobiles were invented in Wisconsin, unless they were invented in New Hampshire or Canada first. If the snowmobile wasn't invented in Wisconsin, it could have been and Wisconsinites quickly claimed it as their own. Snowmobile trails cross and link to each other throughout the state. Snowmobile clubs organize special events, groom trails, and take scheduled trips. You can receive the FREE Wisconsin Winter Guidebook for your snowmobiling vacation by calling 1-800-432-8747.

Cross-country skiing is a great way to observe and enjoy the beautiful snow-covered countryside. Many of the cross-country trails are located on public land, primarily in the County, State and National Forests. There are ski trails for everyone, from the casual enthusiast to the internationally known American Birkebeiner. The Berkie, as it is affectionately know, is one of only 14 races recognized by the Worldloppet organization. (Worldloppet is an international sports federation of cross-country skiing marathons. The federation was founded in 1978 in Uppsala, Sweden, with the aim of promoting the sport of cross-country skiing around the world.) The Worldloppet recognizes only one race for each country.

Though not particularly mountainous, Wisconsin does have some good size hills. Downhill skiing has become popular in the many areas where there are skiing facilities. Ski resorts are becoming a favorite winter vacation site. A number of ski facilities are cropping near the bigger cities, but some of the best skiing is still up in the Northwoods.

Even in years like the last couple, when there is very little snow, Wisconsin's ski sites continue. That is because 26 of the state's 31 downhill ski sites have snowmaking capabilities. Snowboarding has been increasing in popularity and is available at most of the downhill ski sites.

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