Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing

at Minocqua Winter Park in Wisconsin

12375 Scotchman Lake Road, Minocqua, WI 54548

Minocqua Winter Park (715-356-3309, www.skimwp.org) in Minocqua, WI has 75 km of immaculately groomed trails in the Northwoods of Wisconsin. There are 2 km of lighted trails for night skiing and telemarking slopes, too. The heated chalet has a cafe, day lodge, an indoor waxing area, and a complete ski shop. The Lakeland Ski Touring Foundation is a not-for-profit organization that runs Minocqua Winter Park in a local town park with certified instructors and an enthusiastic, dedicated staff.

Hours of trail operation: Mon-Wed, Fri and Sun 9-5; Thur 9-7; Sat 9-8. Daily trail fee is $7 for adults on Mon-Thur and $10 on Fri-Sun or holidays. Students with ID aged 12-21 trail fee is $5 and $7 on weekends and holidays. Kids ages 6-11 trail fee is $2 and $5 respectively. The entire family can get a trail fee for $16 during the week and $25 on weekends of holidays. Night skiing on Thur and Sat is $5 for adults, $3 for students, and $1 for kids. People aged 60 or above can get a trail fee on Tues or Thurs for $4.

The Minocqua Winter Park Ski Shop & Ski School offers a full line of products for sale, rental gear, service, and lessons. The shop can be reached at 715-356-1099 or via email at info@crosscountryski.biz

Rental xc ski equipment is $12 for a full day and $9 after 2 PM. Skating and demo gear is $19 for a full day and $14 after 2 PM. Kids rent gear for $8 and kids aged 5 or under rent for $5. Snowshoes are $12.

Nationally known instructors have more than 50 years of experience. Private lessons are $48 and the price decreases with additional people in a semi-private $34 per for 2, $25 per for 4, $20 for 4). Group lessons with 5-10 skiers are $18 per person. A Beginner Special offers the rental, trail pass and the lesson for $25 and a Skate Special offers a similar package with skate gear for $32 per person.

The Cafe serves hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, wraps, and freshly baked cookies and muffins. The staff produces an extensive list of regular programs and special events. Ladies Day is on Wednesdays with the trail pass and beverage for only $5.

A Minocqua trail that Bill Koch (US Olympic XC Ski Silver Medalist in 1972) called "at the top of the class in my book of favorite trails," the VO2 Max Trail is a roller coaster of hills with great views that is challenging for intermediate skiers.

When in Minocqua stay at Americinn at Minocqua. A list of other local accommodations dining, shopping, and other businesses in Minocqua at Minocqua Businesses.

Minocqua Winter Park directions: From Highway 51, take Hwy 70 West and go 6 miles to Squirrel Lake Road to Scotchman Lake Road. Follow the signs and flags to the chalet. CCSAA member.