Cross-Country Skiing Fees

In 1997, Wood County implemented ski trail fees to help offset some of the high cost of grooming cross-country ski trails.

There is a self-registration station at the beginning of each trail. The daily fee is $5.00. Ages seven and under are free. You may purchase an annual pass. An individual annual pass is $15.00 or you can purchase a family annual pass for 3 or more people for $40.00. The family annual pass is for parents and their children age 18 and under.

Please fill out trail pass before entering trail. Place money and yellow trail pass copy in envelope and deposit in box. Keep the manila copy as your receipt while using the trails. If you chose to purchase an annual pass, it will be mailed to you within 7 days.

Cross-Country Skiing Safety Tips

Skiers should be aware that not all trails are groomed and that those trails that are groomed cannot always be groomed on a regular basis. The quality of the groomed trails also varies depending upon available equipment. Even the best groomed trails can be quickly destroyed by heavy traffic.

Skiers should not ski beyond their abilities by taking more advanced/difficult trails or allowing speed to build up beyond their ability to control their descent. Always leave space between you and other skiers and alert others when passing. If you have questions on trail difficulty, talk to office personnel prior to starting your skiing tour.

Richfield Area Ski Touring Trail

The Richfield Area Trail is located seven miles north of Pittsville on County Trunk Highway A, and then one-half mile east on Heggelund Lane.

The Ski Touring Trail includes a plowed parking lot, a covered starting area with map board and toilet.

The ski touring trail is approximately five miles long. There is also a 2 mile and 1 mile trail marked. It is routed across open fields, through forests and along and across Puff Creek to provide additional scenic value.

The trail was constructed in the fall of 1975 through the fall of 1976, with brushing, bulldozing and leveling of the trail. In 1996, a new bridge was completed on the southwest corner of the property, crossing Puff Creek. This trail is marked and groomed during the winter season.

Overview Map: Richfield 360 Area

Nepco Lake County Park Ski Touring Trail

The Nepco Lake Area Trail is located one-half mile south of Wisconsin Rapids on County Highway Z.

The Nepco Lake County Park Ski Touring Trail includes a plowed parking lot, an information board with map and toilets.

The original trail was constructed in the summer of 1981. In 2007, the Wood County Park and Forestry Department was assisted by the River Cities Nordic Ski Club in planning an expansion of the ski trail. The Ski Club grooms and maintains the trail throughout the season. There is currently a total of 4.4 miles (7.1 km) of trail.

The trails offer a variety of terrain from easy to moderately difficult.

Overview Map: Nepco Lake County Park Ski Trails Map

Powers Bluff County Park Ski Touring Trail

A cross-country ski trail is located beginning just west of the maintenance building at the small shelter roof and information center.

The trail is approximately 1.3 miles long. Short portions of the trail are rated advanced; however, most of the trail is rated moderately difficult. Caution is advised in certain areas.

This trail, constructed in the fall of 1984 by the Wood County Park & Forestry Department and the Wisconsin Conservation Corp, is a very scenic trail and is marked and groomed during the winter season.

Overview Map: Powers Bluff Park