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City of Madison Parks Facilities Cross-Country Skiing

Cross-Country Skiing

Winter Activity Updates

Icon of ice skate
2/18/2020: All trails open • See "Last Groomed" for the latest grooming date. • Due to a polling location, Elver shelter is CLOSED to winter activities today • NOTE: Portions of the Turville Point ski trail may be disrupted due to necessary restoration work.
Cross-Country Skiing
Most trails are free to use as conditions allow. A daily or annual ski permit is required for Elver Park, Odana Hills, and Yahara Hills and may be purchased ONLINE. A 2020 permit is valid through December 31, 2020 and is valid for Dane County Park trails also. 
 

2020 Fees

Odana Hills
Odana Hills by Sonya Hollenthoner
Daily $7
Annual $30
Senior (65+) & Disabled $15
Replacement $12





 



TRAIL STATUS DEFINITIONS
  • OPEN = trail is snow-covered, skiable with most recent grooming date listed. 
  • CLOSED = skiing is not advised or permitted
TRAIL CONDITIONS & GROOMING
  • Ski trails typically open after the first snowfall over 4" depending on the type of snow and trail conditions.
  • Fee-based trails (Elver, Odana Hills and Yahara Hills) are groomed more frequently, as conditions allow and for both skate and classic skiing.
  • Free ski trails are tracked or roll groomed 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 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

  • Cross-Country Ski Permit

    Required for all designated cross-country ski trails in the City of Madison, City of Monona, and Dane County Parks.

    Purchase Permit

Winter Activities

Cross-Country Skiing Updates

Facilities