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Cross-Country Skiing

Cross-Country Skiing

Cross-Country Skiing in Madison Parks

Madison Parks offers groomed cross-country ski trails. Three (3) require a permit and three (3) are free to use. The type and frequency of grooming depend on the location and conditions. 

Permit Required Parks

  • Door Creek, Elver and Odana Hills Golf Course.
  • A daily or annual ski permit is required for anyone aged 16 or older.
  • Groomed several times each week for classic (tracks) and skate skiing, as conditions allow.
  • Equipment rentals are available when staffed. 
  • Purchase Permit Online

Free to Use Parks

  • Cherokee Marsh - South, Owen, and Turville Point 
  • Groomed weekly and/or as conditions allow,   

Trail Status Definitions 

  • OPEN = trail is snow-covered, skiable with the most recent grooming date posted. 
  • CLOSED = skiing is not advised or permitted
  • See Madison Nordic Ski Club for trail conditions posted by volunteers and trail users.
 
Daily $8
Annual $30
Annual Senior (65+) & Disabled $15
Annual Military/Veteran  $15
Replacement $15

PURCHASE PERMIT
  • 2025 permit is valid from the time of purchase through December 31, 2025. 
  • 2026 permit is available starting November 1, 2025 and valid from the time of purchase through December 31, 2026. 
  • The permit is also valid for Dane County Parks trails. 

Staff Hours & Equipment Rentals

Ski rentals and concessions are available from the warming pavilion at Door Creek and Elver and inside the clubhouse at Odana Hills, when staffed. Staffed hours are subject to change and dependent on the weather and trail conditions. See the alert for any updates.  

Door Creek and Elver

Days of the Week Hours
Wednesday - Friday 4:00pm - 8:00pm
Saturday 12:00pm - 8:00pm
Sunday 12:00pm - 8:00pm

Odana Hills

Days of the Week Hours
Saturday and Sunday 10:00am - 4:00pm

Equipment Rentals

Includes skis, boots, poles and daily ski permit
Type Price per Hour
Adult $9
Youth - age 15 & younger $5
Sit Ski (Elver only) - Adult $9
Sit Ski (Elver only) - Youth - age 15 & younger $5
Each additional hour - adult or youth $5

Events & Group Outings 

Attend a winter event open to the community or reserve a winter recreation party for your group. All winter activities depend on the weather and conditions and are subject to change.


Pets & Bikes

Bikes and pets, including well-behaved dogs, are never allowed on any ice rink or lagoon.  See Dogs in Parks for locations where allowed. 


Hiking and Snowshoeing

Do not walk on a designated cross-country ski trail. Hiking or snowshoeing is allowed ANYWHERE except on cross-country ski trails and off-trail in a conservation park. See SNOWSHOEING for suggested locations. When in doubt, don't. 

Trail Conditions and Grooming

The type of trail grooming performed depends on a few things to make the most of both long and short-term skiing opportunities. The amount and type of snow and the ground condition at the time of the snow event play a part in the grooming equation.

Did you know Parks staff is responsible for priority snow removal areas? These priority areas are roads, more than 400 bus stops, bike trails, sidewalks, and parking lots. We always appreciate your patience and understanding as safety will always come before fun.  

  • Ski trails typically open after the first snowfall over 4" depending on the type of snow and trail conditions.
  • Fee-based trails are groomed more frequently, as conditions allow and for both skate and classic skiing.
  • Free-to-use ski trails are tracked or roll-groomed for classic cross-country skiing. 
  • We may not be able to groom or we may close a trail to preserve the trail condition. The website is updated as soon as information from the field is available.
  • Permit fees are non-refundable.
  • You may also visit Madison Nordic Ski Club for trail conditions posted by volunteers and trail users.

Trail Tips & Responsibilities

  • Follow directional arrows. Some trails are marked for one-way use
  • Trails are rated for difficulty at the trailhead
  • Skiers stay on groomed trails only
  • No dogs, horses, snowboards, motor vehicles, hiking or snowshoeing on groomed trails
  • Slower skiers, please stay to the right