Top 12 XC Ski/Snowshoeing Trails in Northwest Wisconsin

Winter sports enthusiasts, rejoice! We’ve compiled a list of our favorite xc ski and snowshoeing trails in Northwest Wisconsin. These scenic trails are sure to please any skier – from novice to expert.

“Northern Lights” Skate/Classic Trail

Bayfield County Mt. Ashwabay’s  “Northern Lights” Skate/Classic trail is newly completed in 2020. It is 12K long traveling through huge Old Growth timber in the Wisconsin DNR Nourse Sugarbush Natural Area and Bayfield County forest land.  Besides gently flowing through this wonderful forest it receives the most snow in our system thanks to beautiful Lake Superior lake effect snow. Learn More

American Birkebeiner Trail

Sawyer County The Birkie Trail is home to the world-famous American Birkebeiner, North America’s largest cross-country ski race. The trail system includes 66 miles from Hayward to Cable, WI. Learn More

Blue Hills Trails

Rusk County Nestled in the Blue Hills tract of the Rusk County Forest in the northwest part of the County, the trail system boasts of 22+ miles of looping trails.  These trails are wide and rolling, and groomed for classical and freestyle skiing through a variety of terrain and forested areas. A log cabin warming shelter sits at the trailhead. Learn More

Copper Falls State Park

Ashland County Trails come complete with spectacular river scenery including copper-colored water and numerous frozen rapids and waterfalls. The park has two loops designated as snowshoe/walking trails totaling 5.5 km. All of the park’s trails are generally well-groomed and maintained. Learn More

Hickory Ridge Ski Trails

Chippewa County Hickory Ridge Ski Trails in the Chippewa Country Forest is a well maintained year-round destination. Exceptional spot for snowshoeing well-groomed cross country ski trails and fat-tire biking. Learn More

Hunt Hill Audubon Sanctuary

Washburn County The Hunt Hill Audubon Sanctuary has 13 miles of trails and snowshoes available for use at the office (Adult and Youth). Seven habitats (bogs, lakes, stream, meadow “prairie,” old-growth forest, cut-over forest, and marsh), as well as glacial features – all within a short walking distance from the central camp – are just part of the reason Hunt Hill is so unique. Our trails offer something for everyone and are open to the public, dawn until dusk, free of charge! Donations are always appreciated to help us maintain the trails and grounds and can be put into the white donation boxes attached to the kiosks in camp. Learn More

Superior Municipal Forest Cross Country Ski Trails

Douglas County Nestled within Superior’s city limits is over 27 kilometers of cross country ski trails that are groomed daily once the trails officially open. There are five trails ranging from beginner to advanced that will take you through the picturesque third-largest municipal forest in the country! Learn More

Rockman’s Woods

Barron County The Barron Area Nordic Trail Association (BANTA) maintains a series of trails in a beautiful oak/maple forest, known locally as Rockman’s Woods. (Trail Map)  These woods have sections owned by Barron County, City of Barron and the Barron Area School District. There are 4 km of ski trails in the woods, and an additional 2 km in the privately-owned fields south of the woods. There is a lighting system on the trails in the woods that operates nightly from dusk to 10 pm. There is a separate 2-mile trail system for snowshoeing, winter hiking and fat biking that winds around the woods in a more intimate fashion than the wider ski trail. All of the operating expenses for the trail system are provided by volunteer contributions of time and money. Learn More

Osaugie Trail

Price County The Flambeau Hills Trail in the Flambeau River State Forest, in Price County located about 22 miles west of Phillips) is 16.9 miles/27km. The wide twin track system is hilly with no major climbs. It offers miles of trails with varying degrees of difficulty. Winding through a mixture of hardwoods and conifers, the trail crosses three bridges and provides occasional glimpses of the Flambeau River. Learn More

Balsam Branch Ski Trails

Polk County The Balsam Branch ski trails are provided as the result of a cooperative effort between the Polk Co Department of Parks, Lake Wapogasset Lutheran Bible Camp, Town of Garfield, D.D. Kennedy Environmental Area, and the Nordic Ski Club of Amery. Trails are open December 1st following Wisconsin deer gun season. Trails are groomed for classical and skate skiing. Learn More

The Uller Trails & Montreal Ski Trails

Iron County The Uller Trails offer 11 miles of backcountry skiing through remote rolling and hilly terrain.  Trailheads are located in Pence on Hwy 77, Hoyt Rd about 1 mile north of Hwy 77, in Iron Belt on North Rd. and at Weber Lake. Montreal Ski Trails have 8.6 km of trails through Montreal’s historic mining district. Trailheads are located at Rose Wreath on Hwy 77 and Spring Camp Rd on the west side of Montreal. Learn More

The Brandt Pines Ski Trail

Burnett County The Brandt Pines Ski Trail is a series of scenic trails that traverse through the woods along the St. Croix River. Learn More XC-skiing in Sawyer County.