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Cross-Country Ski Trails DCF-CCSt-2013 With over 10 miles of scenic trails covering a breathtaking variety of white-frosted landscapes, the Douglas County Forest offers cross-country skiers an excellent opportunity to experience true northwoods beauty and solitude during the winter season. From young successional forests to older stands of dense timber, there’s nothing quite like the sensation of silently gliding along forested trails covered in a fresh blanket of snow. Cross-country skiing can ease your mind, condition your body, and provides a great aerobic workout far from the confines of a gym. other Douglas County Ski trail Systems Douglas County Forestry Department 9182 East Hughes Avenue, P.O. Box 211 Solon Springs, WI 54873 Phone (715) 378-2219 Fax (715) 378-2807 [EMAIL REDACTED] FOR ADDITIONAL COPIES OF THIS BROCHURE, please contact the Douglas County Forestry Department. Select photos courtesy of Katherine Khaler. PUBLICATION DCF-CCST-2013 © 2013, Douglas County Forestry Department. All rights reserved. For More inForMAtion For more information about the Douglas County Forest ski trail system, please visit www.douglascountywi.org/forestry or contact the Forestry Department at: EMERgENCy INFORMATION Emergency Services For All Dial 911 Douglas County Sheriff’s (715) 394-4432 Non-Emergency Services Douglas County Forestry Department (715) 378-2219 Emergency Weather (800) 943-0003 Road 511 or (800) 762-3947 STAY CONNECTED WITH DOUGLAS COUNTY FORESTRY USE YOUR SMART PHONE TO SCAN THIS QR CODE SAFETy FIRST! – Please report any trail safety hazards to the County Forestry Department at (715) 378-2219. ILLEgAL MOTORIZED VEHICLE USE All motor vehicle use on the trail system is prohibited from December 15th to April 30th annually. If you observe any illegal motorized vehicle use, please call the Douglas County Sheriff’s Department at (715) 394-4432 or the Forestry Department at (715) 378-2219. Whether you’re looking to get outside and do something fun for the whole family during those “cabin fever” months or you consider yourself a devoted nordic enthusiast, you’ll be sure to find the type of skiing adventure you’re looking for. DOUgLAS COUNTy FOREST… where your next winter wonderland awaits! Douglas County, WI Slide ‘em and glide ‘em! City of Superior Municipal Forest Cross-Country Ski Trails 1316 North 14th Street Superior, WI 54880 (715) 395-7270 Parks & Recreation Department (715) 395-7299 Trail Condition Hotline Provides over 16 miles (26 km) of groomed trails. Offers both classic track and skate skiing. Trail use permit required. WDNR Brule River State Forest Afterhours Ski Trail 6250 South Ranger Road Brule, WI 54820 (715) 372-4866 Provides over 15 miles (25 km) of groomed trails. Offers both classic track and skate skiing. Trail use permit required. Ready. Set. Glide! ---PAGE BREAK--- Location The ski trail system is located approximately 1/10th of a mile east of Highway 53 between the towns of Solon Springs and Gordon. The north trailhead is located directly off Hungry Bear County Forest Road, 1/10th of a mile east of Highway 53. The south trailhead is located directly off Flowage Lane, also 1/10th of a mile east of Highway 53. Each trailhead offers an ample parking area and information kiosk. Length The trail system consists of four loops totaling 10.35 miles (16.66 kilometers) of well-maintained trails groomed for classic style nordic skiing. Difficulty All four loops of the trail system are rated as easy. Hours The trail system is open to public skiing 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Please note that although trails may be open, good to excellent skiing conditions are not guaranteed. User Fee There is no charge for use of the ski trail system. Maintenance and Grooming Activities Trail maintenance and signage are completed by Douglas County Forestry Department staff and equipment. Under adequate snow conditions, trail grooming is typically completed once a week or biweekly where a single classic track is set. Grooming frequency is very weather and snow condition dependent and the grooming schedule can frequently change throughout the season. Users are reminded that although trails may be open, conditions can significantly change in very little time. Even the most ideal trail conditions can be quickly degraded by usage and/or weather influences. Donations Monetary donations are graciously accepted to assist with trail maintenance and grooming activities. Contact the Forestry Department for further information. Thank you for supporting your ski trail system! Have Feedback? Contact us. We are interested in your comments and/or suggestions on ways the ski trail system can be improved or how much you enjoyed your experience, please feel free to contact us with any feedback. TRAIL CONDITIONS — Up-to-date trail condition and grooming reports are available anytime by calling the 24/7 Douglas County Trail Hotline at (715) 378-4528 or by visiting www.douglascountywi.org/forestry 24/7 Trail Condition Hotline (715) 378-4528 SKI ETIQUETTE AND RULES Avoid hiking, snowshoeing, horse use, dog use, and other activities that can degrade or damage the groomed trail surface. All users are asked to use good judgment and protect the groomed trail surface as best possible. All trails are two-way trails and can be skied in either direction. Users are asked to remain alert for other oncoming skiers and to be courteous when meeting or approaching others. When using the Harringbone technique (ski skating) to travel uphill or when using the snowplough technique while traveling downhill, please make an effort to get out of the track to avoid damaging it. Maps are posted at both the north and south trailheads. Trails are marked with their respective loop color symbol. Skiers should always ski within their own abilities. Be sure to leave space between yourself and others and alert others when approaching and/or passing. Portions of the trails cross town roads and snowmobile trails. Please exercise caution and come to a complete stop before crossing. NEVER ski on a snowmobile trail. It is prohibited to remove, alter, or damage any trail sign, blockage device, or other trail improvement or feature. If you are skiing alone, be sure to tell someone where you are going and when you will be returning.