Quick, I want to Try XC Skiing in Baraboo…

If you’ve always wanted to try cross country skiing, I’d suggest you do it sooner than later or another winter will pass you by. Here’s the non-expert’s guide to how to get yourself out on some skis quickly here in the Baraboo Hills.

Choose Your Clothes

OK, I’m not going to get all “sporty” on you. Yes, XC skiing is one of those sports where you’ll see lots of folks out in logo covered, tight-fitting athletic gear. No, you don’t need it. Especially to learn. My advice, don’t wear any cotton. Wicking clothing is best. Hat, gloves or mittens, etc., Dress in layers. You’ll start out cold and soon get hot. Skiing is a workout. When I was out skiing yesterday, I found myself wishing I had brought a small pack to carry my excess gear in once I warmed up. (Hey, maybe that’s a good idea!) Anyway, no cotton. Otherwise, just be comfortable. Oh, and maybe bring your sunglasses! (See how easy the first time is?? You can worry about sporty gear later!)

About Snacks & Water – Most of us will get by our first short day on the trail without snacks or extra water, but we still recommend it. (Hydration keeps your energy up and keeps you warmer.) If you are bringing the kids along, then it’s a must. There are all sorts of waist packs, belts, etc for carrying your stuff. Whatever works for you is what works. The key is a solution that is not too bulky and keeps things from sliding around.

Rent Skis

You’ll notice I didn’t mention footwear above, well that’s because you’ll need ski boots which you’ll rent along with your skis. I say ‘rent” because there’s no point in buying skis at this point. And rarely can you borrow gear that fits YOU. The skis you’ll need depends on your height and weight. The folks at the shop will help you get that all sorted out. Here in Baraboo, you can rent cross country skis at Wildside Action Sports. It will cost $25.00 per person to rent the package; Skis, boots & poles. I’d recommend calling ahead for busy weekends. Here’s their number: (608) 356-9218.

Important! Ask the clerk how to clip your boots into your skis and how to unclip them again when you’re done skiing!

More on Gear

This video talks a bit more about gear.

Choose A Location/Pay Fees

We always say, “Devil’s Lake State Park for snowshoeing & Mirror Lake State Park for Sking.” Mirror Lake always has well-groomed trails. You will need a Wisconsin State Park Sticker ($8.00 daily/$28 annual resident) to use the park AND a daily or annual Wisconsin State Trail Pass to ski the trails. ($5.00 daily/$25 annual). If you ride Wisconsin State Bike Trails in the summer such as the Elroy/Sparta, 400 Trail or The Great Sauk, it’s worth just buying the annual pass now.

Note On Passes – It’s sometimes difficult to find a place to put your trail passes (Especially if you dress like Ned Flanders!), so at Mirror Lake State Park they will let you show them a picture of your pass on your phone if a ranger asks to see it. (Yeah, I get the irony!)

Mirror Lake State Park
E10320 Fern Dell Rd.
Baraboo WI, 53913
608-254-2333

Which Trail?

As I said, Mirror Lake State Park always has well-groomed trails. They also post trail conditions online here. For first-timers, the park recommends the Fern Dell Trail. It’s a 3-mile loop with only a couple of small hills. A perfect trail to figure out if you enjoy cross country skiing or not. If you’re having fun, then add the 2.4-mile Turtleville Trail. There are a few more hills on Turtleville, but it’s still not too bad, even if your skills are shakey!

Here’s a Mirror Lake Trail Map – You can pick up a winter map at the park as well.

How Do Ski Trails Work?

When it comes to cross country skiing, your skis go into grooved tracks. Sort of like being a train on rails, the tracks help keep you going straight and help guide you around turns. (Which is why you DONT walk on ski trails.) The wider groomed, flat area beside your cross country tracks (or rails) is used for skate skiing. That’s another story. Anyway, once you get parked, put on your boots, walk over to the trailhead and figure out how to clip your boots into the skis (You asked the clerk at Wildside right??) get in the rails and head out!

Wait, but how does that work?

Oh, yeah, that’s right, there’s the skiing bit. Well, first you slide your…. Wait, here’s a video…

That’s it. Have Fun!

So, the bottom line is that for a couple, you’ll spend a minimum of $68.00 for both of you to try cross country skiing for the first time, including park pass, trail pass, and rentals. (A little less if you already have a Wisconsin State parking pass, a little more if you buy annual passes.) Still, that’s not bad for a day out.

If you survive your first XC skiing experience, we invite you to put in some recovery time at one of the many, restaurants, wineries, distilleries, and breweries here in the Baraboo Hills. Many, such as The Driftless Glen Distillery and the Tumbled Rock Brewery & Kitchen serve food as well.

Have fun. Be safe.