Winter Recreation Report

Report Date: 12/16/2024

Nordic, Snowshoe, Skijoring/Dog, Fatbike Trails
Open access 24/7
Pay in the Chalet or at Trail Heads

Nordic Conditions:

(Dec. 16, Report from Skinny Ski) The warm weather and sprinkles are taking their toll. Skied Abby Road out to Jerry Jolly where the skate deck was firm - glad this is skiable - for a few laps. Elsewhere, the trail was soft and I didn't want to damage the trail for the grooming crew to have to clean up. Hoping for a good freeze and fresh snow soon!

Alpine Conditions: Open

Snow base (in inches): 15-36 inches

We are looking forward to the 2025 season! 

Regular Season Hours:  

Wednesdays   9:30 - 6:00
Fridays   4:00 - 9:00
Saturdays   9:30 - 4:30
Sundays   10:30 - 4:30

Report Date: 12/13/24

The Ice Road is currently closed.

For the latest updates please call 715-747-5400 as this report is not updated daily and conditions can change quickly. 

The ice road is very fragile and in the winter, a lifeline for those who live year round on the island. There is limited transportation between LaPointe and Bayfield in the winter months, so this is not a “tourist attraction.”

Conditions can change quickly and too many cars going too fast across the road can damage it, causing officials to close the road for everybody.

We encourage you to call the ice road hotline 715-747-5400 and do not plan a trip to Bayfield or LaPointe expecting the ice road to be open when you arrive.

However, there are plenty of other winter activities to be enjoyed in and around Bayfield outlined in this winter recreation report!

12/2/2024-1/2/2025

Transportation between Bayfield and Madeline Island is also provided by Windsled Transportation once ice forms in the bay. 

Leave MADELINE ISLAND: 7:30AM, 9:30AM, 11:30AM, 12:30PM, 2:30PM, 4:30PM

Leave BAYFIELD: 9:00AM, 11:00AM, 12:00PM, 2:00PM, 4:00PM

Monday thru Friday only
Leave MADELINE ISLAND: 8:30AM, 3:30PM
Leave BAYFIELD: 7:00AM, 3:00PM, 5:00PM

Mt. Ashwabay Ski & Recreation Area

Report Date: 12/6/2024

Area Report: Fair

Trail Network: 12km round trip
Groomed Styles: 
Trail Ratings: 

Approximately 18 miles, developed and maintained by CAMBA, are open for mountain biking in the summer. Fun flowing trails that go deep into the forest. During winter months, 7 miles are groomed for fat biking.

Note from Mike at Mt. Ashwabay on 12/12/24:

"Most of the trail base survived the warm up and we received an initial 2+ inches of heavy snow after that. Then the lake effect snow machine has turned on. The trail is starting to level out. The next grooming should make a nice even tread.

The Fat Bike Trail might be a little on the soft side, so use low pressure. Riding it will only make it better.

Snowshoers are welcome to help compact the trail. All pedestrians need to have snowshoes on in order to avoid making boot divots.

Please use the main Ashwabay parking area. The trail starts to the left upon entering the parking area. It will probably be a busy weekend with the ski hill opening and the Nordic skiing conditions being very good.

FYI the mountain bike Trailhead is no longer accessible because it's not plowed and won't be."

Winter Fat Tire Biking

Comments: The best opportunities for winter fat tire biking on the Washburn Ranger District would be on our plowed roads. Typically, plowed roads are opened up for access reasons such as homes, main routes, and /or logging operations. Please use caution when riding or driving these roads as they are typically not as wide during the winter due to the snow, are highly used routes and could have large truck traffic. Also, the conditions of these roads can change quickly.

Location: Contact Washburn Ranger District at (715) 373-2667 for a copy of a plowed road map.

Report by: Bayfield County Foresty and Parks Department. 

Report Date: 

TRAIL STATUS:  CLOSED
SNOW BASE:  1-4 inches
CONDITION: Poor 

Trail Status: Closed

Trail Conditions: 

Report Date: 

General Area Report: 

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.

*These trails are open year-round. We recommend either wearing snowshoes or yak-tracks due to icy conditions. 

Snowshoe Rental:  

Howl Adventure Center
715-779-5561
35265  South County Highway J
Bayfield, WI

Sweet Sailing
715-779-3682
120 Rittenhouse Avenue
Bayfield, WI

The Brownstone Trail

The trail runs along an old railroad bed that 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.

Currently, a section of the Brownstone Trail heading out from the city of Bayfield is closed.  The closure is between S 7th near Sea Gull Bay Motel to the intersection of the trail and Lake Shore Drive. There is a re-route via Hwy 13.  This section will be closed until further notice.

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 tracks. 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 guests to check out snowshoes and explore 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 our right. There is currently no fee for hiking or parking and pets are allowed if leashed and cleaned up after!

Lost Creek Falls 

Take Hwy C south of Cornucopia 1.5 miles and turn right on the Trail, drive to Trailhead parking lot. This waterfall features a lovely 8-foot plunge, with smaller cascades below. The hike to the falls is through a scenic, forested area ad the trail is well-maintained with boardwalks and bridges.

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.

Report Date: N/A

Report by: Skinny Ski

Snow Conditions: 

Packed/Groomed/Tracked: 

Comments: 

The Drummond Recreation Trail system is located on gentle terrain and is groomed for classic technique cross-country skiing. The trail is located in a northern hardwood forest that has inclusions of large white pine, click here for a ski trail map.

The North Country Trail loop, the Racetrack, and Playground are located in more rolling terrain.

The trail system provides access to the North Country Trail, which you can travel south onto the Lake Owen Recreation Area. 

During the summer, this trail is a nice place to hike or bike. In the winter, check the Cross-Country Ski Trail Report for the current conditions of the trail.

Location: The Drummond Ski Trail is located south of Drummond, WI about one mile. From US HWY 63 in Drummond, go south on Lake Owen Scenic Drive (FR 213) for about 1 mile. Turn left onto the access road into the parking area.

Report by: Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Report Date: 12/13/24

CLOSED

When the ice caves opened in 2014-2015, ice cover on Lake Superior was more than 90 percent.

Typically, ice in and around the sea caves is visible in late February to early March. Staff at the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore monitor weather conditions and ice formations very closely to ensure visitors can view them safely if and when they form.

When the caves are not directly accessible, you can still hike on the mainland trail above the caves and view them from that vantage point. If you do hike that trail, be sure to wear proper footwear and potentially use poles since there are no railings and there are some steep hills. 

*Please be aware the ice caves and lakeshore trail are in a remote location and access to emergency services could take up to four hours. Make sure you are prepared with personal safety equipment and/or a first aid kit.*

Visitors are also advised that the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore does not permit any vendor to charge a fee for tours of the ice caves. While other sandstone formations outside of the National Lakeshore (in the surrounding area/Chequamegon Bay) may sometimes be accessible by ice, visitors do so at their own risk.

Please be aware that the sandstone/brownstone cliffs along the shoreline outside of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore are not the same as the Apostle Islands ice caves and are less dramatic since the shoreline is more protected from the crashing waves (which causes erosion and creates the more distinct formations that appear in the National Lakeshore).  

You can also call the “ice line” updated every Thursday: 715-779-3398 ex. 3.

Also check out the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Facebook page, updated every Thursday with ice cave conditions.

OTHER ICE CAVE VIEWS: 

People can hike the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Trail at Meyers Beach, which extends 4.5 miles from Meyers Road past the cliffs above the mainland sea caves.  The trail alternates between boardwalk and a rugged path with stream and ravine crossings. It’s located 5 miles east of Cornucopia on Highway 13. Best to have crampons or some kind of shoe grip if venturing out in the winter.

Visitors are also advised that the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore does not permit any vendor to charge for tours of the ice caves. While other sandstone formations outside of the National Lakeshore (in the surrounding area and Chequamegon Bay) may be accessible by ice, visitors do so at their own risk.