Cross-Country Skiing

Think about rolling uplands smoothed by glaciers, covered by 360,000 acres of timber, with bluffs cut by the Wisconsin River. Add a deep blanket of snow and you have some of the best cross-country skiing in the state. Beginner or advanced skier, you can find a trail to suit your skill level in the Wausau Area. Map boards are posted at each site, showing the trails and their difficulty. Complete maps are also available from the Wausau/Central Wisconsin Convention & Visitors Bureau or at the Nine Mile shelter.

The only course requiring a pass is Nine Mile, although donation boxes have been posted at each trail to cover grooming and other maintenance costs. Trails are groomed by the Marathon County Forestry Department in cooperation with the Wausau Nordic Skiers, Inc.

NINE-MILE FOREST

Difficulty: Beginner to Expert Length: 20 miles (33 km); loops from .5 mile to 9.6 miles Grooming: Frequently groomed 8' wide skating lane and machine set double tracks on all trails. Location: Take County Hwy. "N" 3.5 miles west from US Hwy "51" (just south of Wausau). Turn south on Red Bud Road. 1.25 miles to trailhead area on west side of road. This heavily wooded trail, the best in the Wausau Area, offers a unique blend of forest types and scenic views. The well-groomed trail system has been widened to accommodate skaters and diagonal skiers. Trails have been designed to provide a challenge to skiers of all abilities. There is a trailhead building with indoor facilities and plenty of room for parking. The heated trailhead building provides a changing area, restrooms, a spacious lounging area, hou and cold drinks and ski equipment rentals. Rental services are available only during building hours. (see schedule) Trail fees (for trail grooming and maintenance) are required at Nine-Mile Forest. Season trail passes are available at the trailhead building, Marathon County Forestry Department, and at Wausau Area retail ski shops. Daily trail passes are available only at the trailhead building. Building hours at Nine-Mile during the ski season are: Mon.: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Tue.-Fri.: 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sat.: 8 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun.: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (Night skiing by lighted trails); Open all holidays. For fee schedule at Nine-Mile Forest call the Marathon County Forestry Department at 261-1580 or Nine-Mile Chalet at 715-693-3001.

BIG EAU PLEINE PARK TRAIL

Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate Length: Main loop is 7.0 miles (11 km) Grooming: Regularly machine set double tracks. Location: Take State Hwy. "153" 7.5 miles west of US Hwy "51" (Mosinee Exit). Turn south on Big Eau Pleine Park Road and follow 3.5 miles to park entrance. Continue in park 1 mile to parking area on left. One of the most remote trails in Marathon County, this trail travels through the beautiful wooded land of Big Eau Pleine County Park, a peninsula which juts into the Eau Pleine Reservoir. The trail generally follows the shoreline, and the terrain is rolling and wooded - a lovely area away from the crowd. A donation is requested to help cover the cost of grooming.

SYLVAN HILL/AMERICAN LEGION

Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate Length: 3.0 miles (4.8 km) Grooming: Frequently groomed 8' wide skating lane on American Legion Golf Course, regularly machine set double tracks on all trail loops. Location: On Wausau's northeast side. Take North Sixth Street (Cty. Hwy. "W") to Golf Club Road or Horseshoe Spring Road and turn right (east). Parking lots are available at either the Sylvan Chalet or the American Legion Clubhouse. A local favorite because of its in-town location, the trail adjoins the Sylvan Hill downhill ski area and chalet. The trail includes open stretches on the American Legion Golf Course and hilly, wooded sections in Sylvan Hill Park. Food and beverages are available at the American Legion Clubhouse and at the Sylvan Hill Ski Chalet. A donation is requested to help cover the cost of grooming.

GREENWOOD HILLS TRAIL

Difficulty: Intermediate to expert Length: 3.2 miles (5 km) Grooming: Frequently groomed 8' wide skating lane and machine set single track. Location: Take Townline Road (County Hwy. "N") 1.5 miles east of Grand Avenue (Bus. Hwy. "51") in Wausau. Turn south on Poplar Lane to end of road. Greenwood Hills is a new addition to the trail system. This trail is located on hilly terrain just east of the Wausau City limits on Greenwood Hills Golf Course. This golf course skiing provides challenging climbs and exhilarating downhills. The trail includes wooded sections. All skiers are asked to remain on the trail at all times. A donation is requested to help cover the cost of grooming.

RINGLE TRAIL

Difficulty: Beginner Length: Main loop is 3.4 miles (5.5 km) Grooming: Regularly machine set double tracks. Location: Take State Hwy. 29 east of Wausau. Turn north on County Hwy. "Q". Turn east on Poplar Lane and follow 1.2 miles to parking area on south side of road. Great for beginners and for those who want to enjoy classical skiing across gently rolling terrain. This trail takes skiers through scenic hardwood forests and is considered by many to be a hidden gem. A donation is requested to help cover the cost of grooming.