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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. A PERMIT is required at three of the locations:  Elver Park, Odana Hills, and Yahara Hills, where seasonally, equipment rentals, concessions, and restrooms are available (see days and hours below). 
 

2019 FEES

Daily $7
Annual $30
Senior (65+) & Disabled $15
Replacement $12








 
  • 2018 permit valid through December 31, 2018 
  • 2019 permit available online beginning November 15 & valid for use in 2018
  • The permit is also valid for Dane County Park trails 

TRAIL STATUS DEFINITIONS
  • GROOMED = trail is open and recently groomed (date listed on the individual page). The 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 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 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 Activity Updates

Icon of ice skate
11:30am 1/20/19 UPDATE: Odana Hills Golf Course is OPEN and groomed for skate skiing! The clubhouse is open & staffed for concessions and ski rentals Sunday (1-4pm) and Monday (8:30am to 4pm) **The Elver snow loop is open and groomed. Sledding hill is OPEN. The shelter will be staffed and open for concessions, ski, sled, snowshoe and ice skate rentals: Sun 11am-8pm; Monday (11am-8pm). All other trails are open and ungroomed.

Winter Activities

Cross-Country Skiing Updates

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