Winter Sports Activities

Winter sports include downhill skiing, snowboarding, Cross-Country Skiing, and tubing.

A two-story stone shelter building serves as a warming house, in which a concession operates during the hours the park is open for recreation and may be reserved during the summer and winter season. For more information about the enclosed shelter available for reservation, download the Powers Bluff Enclosed Shelter Brochure (PDF).

Three trails are available for skiing. The length of these trails are 1,320 ft., 1,410 ft. and 1,500 ft. Two ropes are operated, one for skiing and one for tubing. The estimated vertical drop is 250 ft. Skis, boots, and poles for downhill skiing are available for rental in the concession area.

An area west of the shelter building has been provided for tubing. A tube will be provided when you purchase your tube hill ticket. No outside tubes are allowed. One person per tube. It is recommended that a parent or guardian provide supervision for their children.

Installed during the 2002-2003 season were two handle tow lifts, which replace the tube tow rope. This improvement should help with delays waiting for the tow and give you more riding time. The tube hill has also been modified from three to four tube runs, with reshaping of two tube runs for a more thrilling ride.

Skiing and Snow Tubing Hours of Operation & Fees

Powers Bluff Recreation Area is open to the public for tubing, skiing, and snowboarding from 10AM-4PM on weekends only. Open Saturday & Sunday and during the school Christmas vacation, weather permitting and when snow conditions allow. Closed on Christmas Eve Day and Christmas Day.

NOW ACCEPTING CREDIT CARDS!

• Tubing (tube is provided)
  • 1st Session: 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. - $10.00 per person
  • 2nd Session: 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. - $10.00 per person
  • All Day Pass: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. - $15.00 per person
• Downhill Skiing & Snowboarding
  • One Session: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. - $10.00 per person

Equipment Rental Prices:

• Downhill Skis, Boots, Poles: Thru Age 11 - $8.00
• Downhill Skis, Boots, Poles: Age 12 & Over - $10.00
• Snowboards & bindings that fit over regular boots: Thru Age 11 - $8.00
• Snowboards & bindings that fit over regular boots: Age 12 & Over - $10.00

Group Use During Normal Hours

For groups using Powers Bluff Winter Sports Area during normal operating hours, the fees are as above. The shelter is open to the general public and no additional shelter fee is charged. The shelter is on a first come, first serve basis. In the shelter, there are electrical outlets for your use. You may bring your own food. There is a privately-operated concession stand open at this time. There are two fireplaces in the shelter. These are available for your use and wood is provided.

Special Group Rates (weekday)

Groups wishing to use the Powers Bluff Shelter and Winter Sports Area downhill skiing or tubing facilities during weekdays not open to the general public, may call in and make a reservation for tubing or skiing for Monday thru Friday (snow conditions permitting). The reservation may be any three-hour period between 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Tubing Only
1 Tube Tow Line (recommended for 0-50 people) is $350
2 Tube Tow Lines (recommended for 51+ people) is $450

Skiing Only
1 Tow Line (up to 200 people) is $250

Tubing & Skiing
1 Tube Tow Line (recommended for 0-50 people) and 1 Ski Tow is $450
2 Tube Tow Lines (recommended for 51+ people) and 1 Ski Tow is $500

All private party reservations include the use of the shelter house for 3 hours. Additional shelter use will be charged $50/hr. Groups may bring in their own food and beverages. If you request the concessionaire, please call us at the Parks Department at 715-421-8422.

All reservations will be made and paid for at least two weeks in advance. If the group cancels, all but $25.00 will be refunded. If Wood County cancels due to weather or any other reason, a full refund will be returned.

All tow line users are required to have a tow line ticket. All groups may bring in their own food and beverages. Any groups needing to rent downhill ski equipment or would like the food concessions available, must arrange this by contacting the Wood County Park & Forestry Office.

Ski Safely

Always show courtesy to others and be aware that there are elements of risk in skiing that common sense and personal awareness can help reduce. Observe the code listed below and share with other skiers the responsibility for a great skiing experience.

• Always stay in control and be able to stop or avoid other people or objects.
• People ahead of you have the right of way. It is your responsibility to avoid them.
• You must not stop where you obstruct a trail, or are not visible from above.
• Whenever starting downhill, look uphill and yield to others.
• Always use devices to help prevent runaway equipment.
• Observe all posted signs and warnings.