Bayfield’s Winter Recreation
Bayfield County Snowmobile Trails
Report by Gary Dalzell: March 26, 2013
Area Report:
In spite of a great weekend of very good conditions on the groomed trails and lots of snow on the forest roads, the season is winding down. We put on just under 400 miles over the weekend with our cottage guests.
The Valhalla groomer was working TR31N towards Bayfield Sunday afternoon. The other trails in the area really don’t need to be touched up as the traffic volume was very low through the weekend.
Daytime temps in the low 40′s and 20′s at night going into the weekend with no snow. The snow should remain well into April. The trails close April 1 but the forest roads in the Chequamegon National Forest are open as long as there is 4″ of snow.
Links
- Trail Conditions: Very Good
- Snow Cover: 24-30″
Area Report:
In spite of a great weekend of very good conditions on the groomed trails and lots of snow on the forest roads, the season is winding down. We put on just under 400 miles over the weekend with our cottage guests.
The Valhalla groomer was working TR31N towards Bayfield Sunday afternoon. The other trails in the area really don’t need to be touched up as the traffic volume was very low through the weekend.
Daytime temps in the low 40′s and 20′s at night going into the weekend with no snow. The snow should remain well into April. The trails close April 1 but the forest roads in the Chequamegon National Forest are open as long as there is 4″ of snow.
Links
Mt. Ashwabay Ski & Recreation Area
Located three miles south of Bayfield, Mt. Ashwabay offers both cross-country and alpine skiing in a magnificent setting, featuring stunning views of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore and the Chequamegon National Forest. Cross-country trails cover 35 km of wilderness trails with ratings from beginner to expert. All trails are groomed and tracked as needed. The beginner's trail is the picturesque Sugar Bush Trail. Intermediate terrain can be enjoyed on Anchor, Seagull and Raven trails. Advanced skiers can venture out on the longer 15 km loop, which combines Sugar Bush, Deer Path and Raven trails, returning to the Mt. Ashwabay chalet. Food, lounge, instruction and equipment rental are available at the chalet. The Ashwabay trails require users to purchase a daily or seasonal pass. These passes may be obtained at the Mt. Ashwabay Chalet. Trail user fees and donations made to the Ashwabay Education Foundation, earmarked for cross country ski trail maintenance, will go a long way in keeping this entire network groomed for your enjoyment.
Call (715) 779-3227 for more details.
Report by Pete Kulenkamp: April 2, 2013
Hours of Operation:
Wed: 12:00-9:00 Fri: 4:00-9:00 Sat: 9:30-4:30 Sun: 9:30-4:30
Alpine:
Closed for the season. See you in December!
XC:
On April 1st, groomers touched up Seagull and Anchor. No, this isn't an April Fools Joke. If we were on Twitter, this would be #neversummer.
Our intention is to continue grooming the these core trails as long as the weather cooperates, and folks are still skiing.
Get out there and enjoy the last of the season!
Park:
Closed for the season. See you in December.
Links
Call (715) 779-3227 for more details.
Report by Pete Kulenkamp: April 2, 2013
Hours of Operation:
Wed: 12:00-9:00 Fri: 4:00-9:00 Sat: 9:30-4:30 Sun: 9:30-4:30
- New Snowfall (Last 24 hours): 0"
- Snowfall to date: 124"
Alpine:
Closed for the season. See you in December!
XC:
On April 1st, groomers touched up Seagull and Anchor. No, this isn't an April Fools Joke. If we were on Twitter, this would be #neversummer.
Our intention is to continue grooming the these core trails as long as the weather cooperates, and folks are still skiing.
Get out there and enjoy the last of the season!
Park:
Closed for the season. See you in December.
Links
Pikes Creek & Jerry Jay Jolly Trails
You are about to experience the close-knit relationship between the Mt. Ashwabay Education Foundation and Bayfield County's Departments of Tourism-Recreation and Forestry. The Star Route parking lot is the jumping off point for access to 15 more kilometers of groomed cross-county ski trails. These trails traverse the land Jerry Jay Jolly donated, and trail easements on the 160 acre parcel the family maintains to the south of Pike's Creek.
To the south and west, the trails meander through over one thousand acres of Bayfield County Forest, Wisconsin's Nourse Sugarbush Natural Area, and the Mt. Ashwabay Recreational Area. The Ashwabay trails, those to the 2 km south of Star Route Road access require users to purchase a daily or seasonal pass. These passes may be obtained at the Mt. Ashwabay Chalet or there is a pay box as you enter the Sugar Bush from the Jerry Jolly. Trail user fees and donations made to the Ashwabay Education Foundation, earmarked for crosscountry ski trail maintenance, will go a long way in keeping this entire network groomed for your enjoyment. Please contact Bayfield County at (715) 373-6114 for more details.
Report by Scott Nesvold: April 14, 2013
Comments
I was silly enough to groom Sugarbush classic out to the tin shed, and Anchor skate trail, both packing and dragging. It should ski really well in the morning for those April skiers.
Links
To the south and west, the trails meander through over one thousand acres of Bayfield County Forest, Wisconsin's Nourse Sugarbush Natural Area, and the Mt. Ashwabay Recreational Area. The Ashwabay trails, those to the 2 km south of Star Route Road access require users to purchase a daily or seasonal pass. These passes may be obtained at the Mt. Ashwabay Chalet or there is a pay box as you enter the Sugar Bush from the Jerry Jolly. Trail user fees and donations made to the Ashwabay Education Foundation, earmarked for crosscountry ski trail maintenance, will go a long way in keeping this entire network groomed for your enjoyment. Please contact Bayfield County at (715) 373-6114 for more details.
Report by Scott Nesvold: April 14, 2013
- New Snow in inches: 6"
- Most Recent Grooming: 04/13/13
- Conditions: Excellent
- Base/Trails in inches: 16"
- Base/Woods in inches: 20"
- Open Trails: 6
- KM Open: 14
- Percent of Trails Open: 100%
- Km groomed for Classic: 10
- Km groomed for Skating: 4
Comments
I was silly enough to groom Sugarbush classic out to the tin shed, and Anchor skate trail, both packing and dragging. It should ski really well in the morning for those April skiers.
Links
Madeline Island – Ice Road Access
Last Updated: April 19, 2013
The Ice Road is Closed for the Season and the Ferry is currently running. Click here to check the ferry schedule!
The Ice Road is Closed for the Season and the Ferry is currently running. Click here to check the ferry schedule!
Links
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore – Ice Caves
Report by Apostle Islands National Lakeshore: April 4, 2013
Cave Conditions: Not Accessible by Ice
Visitors to the park's mainland unit can view portions of the mainland sea caves from the Lakeshore Trail. The trailhead is adjacent to the parking lot at the end of Meyers Road. A rugged two mile hike along the trail brings hikers to the top of the cliffs above the sea caves. The trail offers several views of the caves from the clifftops.
Meyers Beach is a Recreational Fee area. Please pay your fee before heading out on the ice or trail. Please use the west side of Meyers Road for overflow parking. Traffic cones will be placed in the parking lot to block off areas for emergency vehicles.
Snowmobiling and ATV use is not permitted within 1/4 mile of the mainland from Saxine Creek to Sand Point.
The most up-to-date information on ice conditions is always available on the Apostle Islands ice line: (715) 779-3398 x3.
Links
Cave Conditions: Not Accessible by Ice
Visitors to the park's mainland unit can view portions of the mainland sea caves from the Lakeshore Trail. The trailhead is adjacent to the parking lot at the end of Meyers Road. A rugged two mile hike along the trail brings hikers to the top of the cliffs above the sea caves. The trail offers several views of the caves from the clifftops.
Meyers Beach is a Recreational Fee area. Please pay your fee before heading out on the ice or trail. Please use the west side of Meyers Road for overflow parking. Traffic cones will be placed in the parking lot to block off areas for emergency vehicles.
Snowmobiling and ATV use is not permitted within 1/4 mile of the mainland from Saxine Creek to Sand Point.
The most up-to-date information on ice conditions is always available on the Apostle Islands ice line: (715) 779-3398 x3.
Links
Ashland County Snowmobile Trails
Report by Ashland Chamber of Commerce: April 2, 2013
Area Report:
The Ashland County Snowmobile Alliance reports the trails throughout Ashland County are now closed for the season. We thank you for choosing Ashland County This season and we look forward to seeing you on the trails again next winter!
Links
- Trail Conditions: Trails Closed
- Snow Cover: 0
Area Report:
The Ashland County Snowmobile Alliance reports the trails throughout Ashland County are now closed for the season. We thank you for choosing Ashland County This season and we look forward to seeing you on the trails again next winter!
Links
Mt Valhalla Winter Sports Area – Chequamegon-Nicolet Nat’l Forest
Ten miles west of Washburn, on County C, is the Valhalla Winter Sports Area nestled in the Chequamegon National Forest, offering two sets of cross-country ski trails developed and groomed by the U.S. Forest Service. The three Valkyrie loops run through red and jack pine forests, with magnificent views of the area on the Sun Bowl Loop. The Teton Ski Trail also features three loops in a mixed birch and maple forest with a roller coaster near the end of loop "B". County C runs between Valkyrie and Teton with parking area and rustic chalet on the Teton side of C. Please contact the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest office in Washburn at (715) 373-2667 ext 238 for more details.
Report: April 4, 2013
The reports on the current trail conditions throughout the Washburn Ranger District:
Bayfield County Snowmobile Report:
Starting Monday, April 1st, a Spring Closure will go into effect for ATV/UTV and snowmobile traffic on all Bayfield County trails. The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest’s spring closure is also in effect which prohibits ATVs, motorcycles, horses and bikes from being ridden on the Forest roads and trails. This will help deter damage to the trails which can be very costly and difficult to repair. The Tri-County Corridor and Road Routes will remain open for ATV use during this time. Depending on conditions, the trails are tentatively scheduled to reopen for ATV/UTV use on May 1st.
Just a reminder, the annual Forest user pass or payment of the daily use fee are required at most recreation sites across the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. The 2013 annual Forest user pass is available for purchase at local vendors, Forest Service offices, or online at http://www.fs.usda.gov/main/cnnf/passes-permits and click on the link on the right hand side of the screen that says “purchase your daily and annual Forest pass here.” The Forest user pass is $20/vehicle sticker and a second sticker for an additional $10.
Mount Valhalla Cross-Country Ski Trails:
Due to warm temperatures and snow conditions, grooming of the Valkyrie and Teuton Trails are done for the season. Break out your rock skis and ski until the snow is gone. The trails are closed to mountain bikes and horses from now until May 1, 2013. Please help reduce the potential damage to the trail tread and costly repairs by staying off the trails. Your cooperation is appreciated.
Drummond Cross Country Ski Trails:
The Drummond Ski Trail Association is also done grooming the trails for the season. These trails are also closed to mountain bikes and horses until May 1, 2013. This also includes the North Country National Scenic Trail.
Please note that the Valhalla and Drummond parking areas require a $5 daily fee or an annual parking pass. Daily passes can be purchased on site, and annual passes are available at district offices and area vendors. The 2012 forest passes are valid until March 31, 2013. Trail passes are also required for all non-resident snowmobiles and ATVs. These passes can be purchased for $35.00 at local chambers of commerce and sporting goods stores, and must be visible and permanently affixed on the forward half of the machine.
Links
Report: April 4, 2013
The reports on the current trail conditions throughout the Washburn Ranger District:
Bayfield County Snowmobile Report:
Starting Monday, April 1st, a Spring Closure will go into effect for ATV/UTV and snowmobile traffic on all Bayfield County trails. The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest’s spring closure is also in effect which prohibits ATVs, motorcycles, horses and bikes from being ridden on the Forest roads and trails. This will help deter damage to the trails which can be very costly and difficult to repair. The Tri-County Corridor and Road Routes will remain open for ATV use during this time. Depending on conditions, the trails are tentatively scheduled to reopen for ATV/UTV use on May 1st.
Just a reminder, the annual Forest user pass or payment of the daily use fee are required at most recreation sites across the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. The 2013 annual Forest user pass is available for purchase at local vendors, Forest Service offices, or online at http://www.fs.usda.gov/main/cnnf/passes-permits and click on the link on the right hand side of the screen that says “purchase your daily and annual Forest pass here.” The Forest user pass is $20/vehicle sticker and a second sticker for an additional $10.
Mount Valhalla Cross-Country Ski Trails:
Due to warm temperatures and snow conditions, grooming of the Valkyrie and Teuton Trails are done for the season. Break out your rock skis and ski until the snow is gone. The trails are closed to mountain bikes and horses from now until May 1, 2013. Please help reduce the potential damage to the trail tread and costly repairs by staying off the trails. Your cooperation is appreciated.
Drummond Cross Country Ski Trails:
The Drummond Ski Trail Association is also done grooming the trails for the season. These trails are also closed to mountain bikes and horses until May 1, 2013. This also includes the North Country National Scenic Trail.
Please note that the Valhalla and Drummond parking areas require a $5 daily fee or an annual parking pass. Daily passes can be purchased on site, and annual passes are available at district offices and area vendors. The 2012 forest passes are valid until March 31, 2013. Trail passes are also required for all non-resident snowmobiles and ATVs. These passes can be purchased for $35.00 at local chambers of commerce and sporting goods stores, and must be visible and permanently affixed on the forward half of the machine.
Links
Bayfield Sled Dog Trails
Report by John Thiel: March 14, 2013
Base:
20"
Late Season
Conditions are still perfect here for dogsledding and likely will be through at least the end of March. Snow is deep, dense and packed and the forecast looks good through March 23 at least. Beyond that, it will take at least a week or more of temps above freezing and some rain to change things.
Butterfield Road/Star Route is the preferred starting point. The Gravel Pit where the race starts is okay, too, for a run under 10 miles. The Chequamagon National Forest is good running, but parking may be a bit of a problem due to big snow banks.
Hinkens Road and the north half of Echo Valley Road are still plowed and not usable due to log hauling.
Expect runnable conditions through March. Today, March 14, it is just like mid-February for conditions. We should have snow on the ground still in places into mid-April or later. The base is about 20" and there is 20-30" of snow on the ground.
Warnings:
Wear something bright like blaze orange to be seen! Don't run on plowed roads.
Links
Base:
20"
Late Season
Conditions are still perfect here for dogsledding and likely will be through at least the end of March. Snow is deep, dense and packed and the forecast looks good through March 23 at least. Beyond that, it will take at least a week or more of temps above freezing and some rain to change things.
Butterfield Road/Star Route is the preferred starting point. The Gravel Pit where the race starts is okay, too, for a run under 10 miles. The Chequamagon National Forest is good running, but parking may be a bit of a problem due to big snow banks.
Hinkens Road and the north half of Echo Valley Road are still plowed and not usable due to log hauling.
Expect runnable conditions through March. Today, March 14, it is just like mid-February for conditions. We should have snow on the ground still in places into mid-April or later. The base is about 20" and there is 20-30" of snow on the ground.
Warnings:
Wear something bright like blaze orange to be seen! Don't run on plowed roads.
Links
Snowshoe Trails
If skiing isn't quite your cup of tea, but you are still looking to explore the beautiful trails the Bayfield area has to offer at this time of year, snowshoeing is always a great adventure.
The Brownstone Trail: The trail runs along an old railroad bed which skirts the lakeshore just south of Bayfield. Trailhead access is at the kiosk on Third Street, kitty-corner from Maggie's Restaurant. You'll enjoy splendid views of Madeline Island, see people ice-fishing in the Chequamegon Bay and enjoy the sights and sounds of winter in Bayfield.
The Ravine Snowshoe Trail: The trail travels uphill along the steep, hemlock-studded rim of the big ravine. Take young children by the hand! Trailhead access is on 4th Street uphill to the Bayfield School. Turn left on Sweeny Avenue and park at the baseball field. The trail is behind the fence to the right. This trail is also enjoyed by cross country skiers please do not snowshoe on the two track. Also a part of this trail system is the Iron Bridge Nature Trail. This magical winding trail is for sure footed hikers and follows the ravine creek under the old Iron Bridge and uphill to a rocky grotto with small waterfall. Pick up the trail at the Iron Bridge located at 3rd Street and Rice Avenue.
Jerry Jay Jolly - Pikes Creek Trail Network: Just South of Bayfield off State Hwy 13. Take County Hwy J to Star Route Road 2 1/4 miles to the parking lot on the left. This trail hooks up with the Mt Ashwabay ski trails which require a fee so please watch where you are and please stay off of the groomed ski track.
Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center: the center allows guest to check out snow shoes and snowshoe on the trails behind the center.
Houghton Falls: 3.5 miles north of Washburn on
State Hwy 13. Turn on Houghton Falls Road and go 1/2 mile to Houghton Falls Nature Preserve parking lot on your right. There is currently no fee for hiking or parking and pets are allowed if leashed
and cleaned up after!
The North Country National Scenic Trail: Snowshoe the trail and experience winter views throughout the Rainbow Wilderness Area or portions of the National Forest near Lake Owen. This trail is not groomed, but is marked with blue blazes.
