How to Enjoy Winter Weather in Wisconsin

A recipe for true winter misery is cursing the cold. The weather stays the same, but our spirits sink. For those who brave the elements, however, options for winter fun are boundless as a field of new-fallen snow. Plummeting down a sledding hill—like those at Olbrich and Elver parks—brings out the joyful child in all but the most rueful of us. The southern and northern units of the Kettle Moraine State Forest, about an hour east of Madison, have the largest collection of snowshoe trails in southern Wisconsin. UW Arboretum, Lewis Nine Springs E-Way, and Lake Kegonsa State Park are great for cross-country skiers who like level ground. Try Indian Lake County Park near Mazomanie for hills. Want some sparkle in your winter sport? Try a candlelit ski/hike at Governor Dodge (January 25) or at Kohler-Andrae (February 15) state parks. And if you’re really short on time, strap on your skis or snowshoes and venture out on Madison’s snow-covered lakes. It beats sitting on the couch!

John Motoviloff is a cook, author and outdoorsman.