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.
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
To stay updated on the ski trail conditions, subscribe to email updates in My Account.
TRAIL TIPS & RESPONSIBILITIES:
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
- 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
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Cherokee Marsh South Conservation - Skiing
Location: 5002 School Road
ClosedCross-Country Skiing Details
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Turville Point Conservation - Skiing
Location: 1156 Olin Turville Ct.
ClosedCross-Country Skiing Details
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Cross-Country Ski Permit
Required for all designated cross-country ski trails in the City of Madison, City of Monona, and Dane County Parks. More information >>
Purchase Permit
Winter Activities
Cross-Country Skiing Updates
Subscribe to Email List
Subscribe to the Parks Cross-Country Skiing Updates email list:
Facilities
Baseball
Basketball
B-cycle Station
Beach
Boat Launch
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Botanical Garden
Canoe & Kayak Launch Sites
Canoe & Kayak Rental
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Cricket
Cross-Country Skiing
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