Candlelight skiing and hiking events are becoming increasingly popular at Wisconsin state parks, with dozens typically held across the state each winter.
But you don’t have to wait for a one-time event to go skiing at night. And you don’t have to tackle a gloomy trail with only a headlamp.
Several trail systems illuminate some trails at night. Check skinnyski.comCheck trail conditions before hitting the lighted trails around Wisconsin.
Lapham PeakDelafield
Not only does Lapham Peak boast lighting on its 4.5 miles of trails, but the Kettle Moraine State Forest in Delafield is also equipped with snowmaking equipment – a huge advantage when southeastern Wisconsin experiences a snow drought.
Lights are on in Lapham until 9pm Monday to Saturday. On Sundays, when the park closes at 5 p.m., the lights are not turned on.
The park has a total of 17 miles of cross-country ski trails. Skiers 16 and older require a state trail pass ($25 per year, $5 per day).
Nordic specialists offers off-chalet rentals near the Evergreen parking lot for both skate and classic skis.
Greenbush TrailsGreenbush
Early birds and night owls alike will love this 23.5-mile system in the Kettle Moraine State Forest-Northern Unit. The 1.2-mile Brown Trail is illuminated daily from 5:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. and from 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
The illuminated trail is the easiest in the system, but this is relative. The trails feature typical Kettle Moraine topography with plenty of hills for a good workout.
Skiers 16 years and older must have a state trail pass.
Find ski rentals at Attitude Sports in Fond du Lac, Sheboygan Bicycle Company in Sheboygan, and Mountain Outfitters in West Bend.
River ParkMadison
This park in the southwestern part of the state capital has 6.7 km of lighted trails for night skiing, as well as a man-made snow loop that guarantees skiing when it’s chilly enough. In the eastern part of the park there are another 2.7 km of unlit trails and a sledding hill with artificial snow.
Skis can be rented at the trailhead, including sit-on skis for people with disabilities.
Skiers 16 and older require a Dane County ski permit ($30 per year, $7 per day).
Nine Mile County ForestWausau
Why should downhill skiers in Wausau have fun after the sun goes down? This recreation area southwest of Wausau has 6.3 miles of lighted trails in a great 30.3-mile system that includes plenty of beginner-friendly areas.
The lights are on until 9 p.m. every day.
Daily ski passes are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and $8 for students and children 12 and older; children under 12 ski for free. Nightly tickets (after 5 p.m.) are $7 for adults, $6 for seniors and $5 for children and students.
Ski equipment rental is located in the chalet, which is open Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (after the first weekend in February, it closes at 6:00 p.m.), on Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and on Sunday from 8:00 to 17:00.
RELATED:Wausau’s Nine Mile County Forest is a cross-country skiing gem
Birki TrailHayward
The granddaddy of skiing in Wisconsin has two sections of lighted trails: 3 miles at the Hatchery Creek trailhead off Highway 77 near Hayward and 4 miles at the County OO trailhead east of Seeley.
The rest of the 100-kilometer system hosts the legendary American Birkebeiner ski race every February.
Trail passes are required from December to March. Day passes are $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 13 to 18 and $25 for a family; children up to 12 years senior ski for free. Annual passes are also available.
Iola Winter Sports ClubJola
Ski 7.5 miles of lighted trails on this 20-mile trail system in Waupaca County.
The cottage is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Trail passes are $10 for adults, $7 for children 13 to 18 and $6 for children 5 to 12. Season passes are $75 for individuals and $100 for families.
Ski equipment rental is available at the cottage.
More illuminated routes: Barron Nordic Trails, Barron (3 km); Balsam Branch Ski Trails, Americas (4 km); Brown County Reforestation Camp, Suamico (4.5 km); College Street Park Trail, Spooner (1.2 miles); Schlecht Lake Trails, Minocqua (2.5 km); Timberland West Trail, Cumberland (2.5 km); Tower Ridge Ski Slopes, Seymour (3.2 km).
