Bayfield's Winter Recreation

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Mount Ashwabay Ski and 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: January 25, 2012
Hours of Operation: Wed: 12-9p Fri 4-9p Sat: 9:30a-4:30p Sun: 10a-4:30p
New Snowfall(Last 24 hours):5"
Snowfall to date: 30"
Current Condtions:
Alpine: 80% Open: D4, Port Way, Little Joe, and Bunny Hill have an artificial base of with 12-18", and in excellent condition. Recent fresh snow makes other runs skiable, but coverage is thin.
XC: Open. All trails are in good condition. Anchor, Roller Coaster, Seagull, Telford, Lower and Upper Birch, and Sugar Bush have classic tracks and are in good condition. The track for the first 1/2 km of Anchor is in poor condition. Some tracks have been set on Deer Path in fair condition. Portions of trails on upper elevations and in the woods are in are better condition than portions of trail near trail head and in the the lowlands.
XC skiers are still welcome to use portions of the groomed alpine hill if they would like. If your team would like to schedule practice time, we are able to turn on the lights at night. Northland and CANSKI both have taken advantage of this. Call Pete or Levi at the chalet (715-779-3227)
Tubing: Open for walk up tubing Saturdays and Sundays from 12:30-4:00.
Park: Chair Tower Rail Temporarily set up below Candy Shack. We are still making snow on the park line, and Trevor will begin shaping some features today.
Cross Country Report - John Telford
New Snow in inches: 4 "
Most Recent Grooming: 1/24/12
Conditions: Good to Very Good
Base/Trails in inches: 1 "
Base/Woods in inches: 4 "
Open Trails: 4
Percent of Trails Open: 60 %
Km groomed for Classic: 6
Km groomed for Skating: 25
Comments: With somewhere like 4-7 inches of new snow last night. Today doc and helper rolled all the classic trails. I packed Jolly Long with the ginzu. Anchor, Seagull, Rollercoaster, and Telford I packed and tracked. The top part of Anchor and Seagull looked to come out real well with full depth tracks most places. The bottom part of Anchor the track was a bit ugly the first 1/2 km, but improved after that. Birch Hill and Jolly Connector I rolled as well. Generally I'd rate the Ashwabay skate good to very good condition. Jolly trails and classic only trails I would rate as fair to good.
Mt Ashwabay Ski and Recreation Area Website
Download a X-C trail map (pdf)
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Jerry Jay Jolly - Pikes Creek Trail Network

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 bax 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: January 24, 2012
New Snow in inches: 4 "
Most Recent Grooming: 1/24/12
Conditions: Good to Very Good
Base/Trails in inches: 1 "
Base/Woods in inches: 4 "
Open Trails: 4
Percent of Trails Open: 60 %
Km groomed for Classic: 6
Km groomed for Skating: 25
Comments: With somewhere like 4-7 inches of new snow last night. Today doc and helper rolled all the classic trails. I packed Jolly Long with the ginzu. Anchor, Seagull, Rollercoaster, and Telford I packed and tracked. The top part of Anchor and Seagull looked to come out real well with full depth tracks most places. The bottom part of Anchor the track was a bit ugly the first 1/2 km, but improved after that. Birch Hill and Jolly Connector I rolled as well. Generally I'd rate the Ashwabay skate good to very good condition. Jolly trails and classic only trails I would rate as fair to good.
Download a trail map (pdf)
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Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, Mt Valhalla Winter Sports Area, Drummond Cross Country and Snowmobiling Reports

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 by Karen Larsen: January 26, 2012
The reports on the current trail conditions throughout the Washburn Ranger District:
Ashland County Snowmobile Report: Trail Conditions: Fair Snow Cover: 4 to 6 inches Area Report: The Ashland County Snowmobile Alliance reports the trails in Ashland County are in fair condition throughout. The Snowmobile Alliance recommends using trail 13 and not trail 9 when coming to Ashland.
Bayfield County Snowmobile Report: Trail Conditions: Fair Snow Cover: 4-12 inches The overall conditions are poor to fair with some good spots throughout the county. The forecast calls for snow showers just about every day for the next few days. The trails in the Namakagon, Drummond, Barnes and Delta areas are being groomed and are in fair to good condition. The Valhalla area received 8-10 inches of snow on Monday and is being panned. Some of our other groomers are also starting to venture out today. The trail from Grand View to Mason has a plowed field where you'll have to ride about 300 yards on the edge of Hwy 63 until you hit Bibon Road, then ride on the north side of Bibon Road until you hit the trail again.
Mount Valhalla Cross-Country Ski Trails:
New Snow in inches: 7 "
Most Recent Grooming: 01/25/2012
Conditions: Good
Base/Trails in inches: 4 "
Base/Woods in inches: 8 "
Open Trails: 7
KM Open: 32
Percent of Trails Open: 100 %
Km groomed for Classic: 32
Km groomed for Skating: 17
Comments: All trails on both the Teuton and Valkyrie systems were packed and had track set Tuesday or Wednesday this week. We will be refreshing trails again on Thursday for the weekend. Best skiing is on the Teuton side - Valkyie still has some thin spots especially on Loop A and B in the heavy pines.
Drummond Cross Country Ski Trails:
Most Recent Grooming: 1/24/2012
Conditions: Poor
Base/Trails in inches: 2 "
Base/Woods in inches: 4 "
Open Trails: 6
Percent of Trails Open: 100 %
Km groomed for Classic: 0
Km groomed for Skating: 0
Comments: Doug went out to groom and comb out the scant new snow we received yesterday. No tracks were set. Unfortunately, the 2-3" of new snow did not amount to enough to increase the base and allow setting tracks. That nice over story, in the pines, balsams, and spruces, has prevented any snow from building up on those trails and are in poor shape.
Attention Valhalla visitors. The Valhalla Recreation Area parking lot is now open for use. The Chalet is open since there is enough snow for sliding. Traffic flow for vehicles, snowmobiles and pedestrians in this area have greatly changed due to an ongoing ARRA project. New area maps will be posted at the fee kiosk. Please drive slowly and follow traffic signage. A secondary parking area has been added on Forest Road 439 for users who want to access trails on the North side of County C. Some trail crossings in the Valhalla area on both the motorized and non-motorized trails have also been renovated to improve safety so please be alert for these changes and follow trail traffic signage.
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 2011 forest passes are valid until March 31, 2012. 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.
Download a Valhalla trail map (pdf)
Download a (2008) Bayfield County Snowmobile Map (10 MB pdf)
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Snowshoe Trails

If skiing isn't quite your cup of tea, but you are still looking to explore the beautiful trails Bayfield has to offer at this time of year, snowshoeing is always a great adventure. The Brownstone 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 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 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 showshoe 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.
You can also snowshow along any of the Jerry Jay Jolly - Pikes Creek Trail Network, but please stay off of the groomed ski track.
Download a Big Ravine trail map (pdf)
Download a Brownstone trail map (pdf)
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Access to Madeline Island

Last Updated: January 26, 2012
The Madeline Island Ferry is running. Please contact the Ferry for schedule information at (715) 747-2051

Madeline Island Ferry Website


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Ice Cave Access - Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Report by Apostle Islands National Lakeshore: January 26, 2012
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.
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Website
Lake Superior MODIS Imagery Website
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Bayfield County Snowmobile Trails

Report by Gary Dalzell January 25, 2012
Trail Conditions: Good
Snow Cover: 10-14?
Area Report: The Bayfield/Valhalla area received a nice boost with 6-8" of fresh snow Monday. We rode 80 miles Tuesday and found the Forest Roads (FR's) in very good condition with a solid ice base, 3-4" of snow pack and then fresh snow on top. We were able to ride FR's that are normally plowed (FR236, FR 251, FR245, FR246), so that was a blast pushing the fresh snow. But I assume the will be plowed this week.
The trails were not groomed. The grooming coordinator told me that the plan is to start working the trails and hope to get through the system by the end of the weekend. Some sections of the trails will be panned and some will be groomed depending on the trail base. I expect the trail conditions to range from poor in the creek bottoms (TR 31 & 51) and rough sections (TR 31, 13, 51, 40) to very good (parts of TR19). The system needs at least another 6-8" of wet snow to fill in holes, stumps, rocks, etc. in a lot of the rough areas. Expect trails in/out of towns bordering the lake to be in poor condition. Trailering may be a better option.
We found 5+" of fresh snow about 10 miles northeast of Iron River but did not go into Iron River.
There are no snow makers in the five day forecast except for some possible LES.
Woodside Cottages of Bayfield Website
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Bayfield Sled Dog Trails

Report by John Thiel: January 26, 2012
Trail Conditions:
General Conditions:
The 6-8" we got Monday of this week drastically changed the conditions for the better! Inland about 4-6 miles from Lake Superior, the snow is about knee deep. The roads and trails have from about 3" of base closer to the lake to about 6" inland further. You will likely find lots of unpacked trails with the exception of the Race Trail.
Race Trail Update All of the six dog, sportsmans and family/rec race trails are now groomed and packed, but not signed. We are using the same outbound trail as last year to Star Route and using the powerline/Hinkens Road on the way back. Star Route/Butterfield Road parking area is the best conditions with fairly decent hook holding now. The eight dog loop has not been run yet but will be on Tuesday. FR 103 is plowed in places, so we will determine whether or not it is safe for the race on Tuesday or if we use last year's trail. The first mile to two of the race trail has about 3" of base which should become solid overnight with the colder temps. It was groomed and packed extensively today and was getting wet this afternoon, which makes for a solid base when it freezes. From mile 2 to mile 5 the base increases. The woods trail that goes from halfway down Hinkens to Star Route/Butterfield was groomed Wednesday and has a good base. The snow is best at Butterfield where there is 6" plus of base and has been packed well. We are using the Kettle Kut this year, same as last, so follow the tracks to the left about 2 miles from Star Route along the main 6 and 8 dog trail and it will pop you out on Jodi Road.
Wolfsong Adventures Website
Download a 2010 Apostle Islands Dog Sled Race Map (pdf)
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Ice Fishing Report

Report by Jim Hudson: January 25, 2012

Ice Ice Ice - its finally everywhere, well almost anyhow. Ice is doing great from Second Landing all the way up to Red Cliff now - but, some areas you really have to watch out for - South Channel over to the Sioux River and around those areas as the ice blew out through the channel all the way over to the Sioux. Also, the approaches around Bayfield and Red Cliff are bad right now and I do not recommend any ATV traffic on them and a travel at your own risk on a snowmobile until we get more cold. Other then that, things are going well as far as ice everywhere else. Machine Travel from Ashland to anywhere else, starting to see limited vehicle traffic off Second Landing and the old ice off Ashland.
Inland waters are seeing anywhere from 9 to 15 inches of ice. Less on the deeper clear water lakes. Vehicle travel is happening on most lakes now, but do becareful, remember some lakes froze later then others. Overall, fishing has been great. Seems like clear to semi-clear lakes the majority of fish are still in weed pockets and on stained lakes, fish are in transition - and now just coming to the basin (especially PanFish). Walleyes have definately been a early morning or evening bite, but the bite has been good, due to the lack of snow cover!!
Check out our photo page to see the results.
On the Spot Guide Service Website
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