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City of Madison Parks Facilities Cross-Country Skiing

Cross-Country Skiing

Cross-Country Skiing
Over 22 miles of signed and groomed trails await cross-country skiers at 7 Madison Parks locations. Equipment rentals, concessions, and restrooms are available at three locations.
Elver Park (daily)
Odana Hills (weekends & holidays)
Yahara Hills (weekends & holidays)

PERMITS
The 2018 cross-country ski permit is valid through December 31, 2018 and is required at Elver Park, Odana Hills and Yahara Hills golf courses and groomed Dane County Park trails. This permit is valid from date of issue through December 31 of the permit year.

TRAIL CONDITIONS & GROOMING
  • The ski trails are typically open after the first snowfall over 4" depending on the type of snow and trail conditions at the time.
  • Fee-based trails will have a higher level of grooming (3-4 times a week, as conditions allow) and are groomed for both skate and classic skiing.
  • Free ski trails are groomed weekly, as weather conditions allow for classic cross-country skiing. 
  • We may not be able to groom or we may need to close a trail to preserve the trail condition. This website is updated as soon as information from the field is available.
  • Permit fees are non-refundable
TRAIL STATUS DEFINITIONS:
  • GROOMED = trail is open and recently groomed (date listed on individual page). Trail is rolled for both skate and classic skiing and when possible tracks are set for classic skiing
  • OPEN = trail is snow covered, skiable but not recently groomed
  • CLOSED = skiing not permitted, please remain off trails

To stay updated on the ski trail conditions, subscribe to email updates in My Account.  


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

Winter Activities

Cross-Country Skiing Updates

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