Winter Sports

Downhill Skiing at Granite Peak

Granite Peak Ski Area has quickly become Wisconsin’s premier ski destination, and reaches new heights every year. The tallest vertical drop in Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula, Granite Peak has the ability to make snow early and keep it late with superior snowmaking equipment. With the recent improvements at Granite Peak, it’s getting harder to make a distinction between skiing out West and skiing close to home. Granite Peak has the terrain variety, the long runs and the reliable snow you’d expect to find only after spending a few hours in an airplane. Luckily, it’s close to home, and easy to reach with a short drive on well-maintained interstate highways—no airport hassles, no rental car, no long travel day…just great skiing.

More Terrain, More Variety, More Lifts

Explore over 200 acres of terrain spread out across 60 trails serviced by the Midwest’s fastest lift system, including the only six-pack in Wisconsin! Cruise down a groomer, explore our expansive woods, or take a ride through the air on one of four progressive terrain parks. When you need a break, relive your turns over a hot chocolate or cold beer next to one of our fire pits on the newly transformed Historic Chalet Deck. Granite Peak is dedicated to keeping the terrain parks fresh and innovative. Granite Peak now has eight chairlifts and 74 runs, including several new expert chutes with 60 to 70° grades and glade skiing. Choose from steep chutes at the top or Western-style, tree-lined runs meandering through gorgeous stands of sugar maples and red oaks. There’s plenty of fun in store for younger skiers too, with the supervised children’s center and the Enchanted Forest tree skiing area. Now your ideal family ski vacation is only a short drive away!

Ski Longer

With 100% snowmaking capacity provided by one of the most powerful snowmaking systems in the Midwest, Granite Peak now o ers a five-month ski season that can last from mid-November to mid-April. Eight full-time Snowcat groomers roll seven days a week, along with 500 advanced technology snowguns. All Granite Peak trails are groomed and bu ed daily, and the half-pipe moguls and terrain park are groomed by their very own sta . Granite Peak also o ers night skiing from 4pm to 9pm.

Mountain Music and Events

In addition to great skiing and snowboarding, Granite Peak is o ering an exciting schedule of live music concerts featuring national and regional bands playing rock, reggae and high-energy country. The Sundance Chalet and 10th Mountain Chalet now in the upper level of the original historic chalet will be the sites for these bands as well as weekly music by local entertainers. Granite Peak has its usual long list of special events, holiday celebrations and family packages scheduled, as well as festivals and family activities. For rates, events and trail conditions, call 715-845-2846 or go to www.skigranitepeak.com 227200 Snowbird Avenue, Wausau, WI 54401

Snowmobiling over 880 miles of trails, every trip out is sure to be a new adventure!

It stands to reason that the state’s largest county would have the most trails, over 880 miles for snowmobilers to enjoy. The trails are maintained by 29 snowmobile clubs and a fleet of 40 major pieces of grooming equipment to create one serious sledding destination. There are miles of great snowmobiling adventures that await you.

Information and Licensing

A trail pass issued by the Wisconsin DNR is required to operate snowmobiles on all snowmobile trails in the State of Wisconsin. Visit: GoWild.WI.gov for more information. Visit the Marathon County website: www.co.marathon.wi.us or call 888-WI-VISIT to request an o icial Marathon County Snowmobile Map.

ATVs Welcome

Many of the snowmobile trails are open to ATV use as long as the temperature is below 29° and snow conditions are favorable. More ATV trail information is also included in the Marathon County Snowmobile Trail Map. There are also 11 miles of ATV trails at the Burma County Forest that are open from May through September.

Get on the Trails!

Be sure to check locally on conditions before making any ice crossings. For trail conditions or a copy of the Marathon County Snowmobile Trail Map, call 715-261-1550, Option 6 or visit www.co.marathon.wi.us.

Cross-Country Skiing

Choose from four trail systems that accommodate all levels of expertise. Beginners will enjoy classical skiing across gently rolling terrain on the Ringle trail. The Sylvan Hill Trail has a popular in-town location and is serviced by the Wausau and Marathon County Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Department. Intermediate skiers will enjoy the remote Big Eau Pleine Park Trail, a scenic trail along the Eau Pleine Reservoir, featuring rolling and wooded terrain. The best facility in the area is at the Nine Mile County Forest and Recreation Area, o ering 33 km of trails to choose from and even lighted trails so you can ski at night. Visit www.co.marathon.wi.us or call 715-261-1550 for updated snow conditions and other trail information.

Nine Mile County Forest and Recreation Area

This is one of the top cross-country skiing facilities in Wisconsin and o ers:

• 20 miles (33 km) of trails including loops from .5 miles to 9.6 miles

• 6.3 km of lighted trails

• Well-groomed trails accommodate both skaters and diagonal skiers

• Spacious chalet o ers concessions, restrooms, changing facilities, lockers, a lounge with a wood stove and panoramic views. Chalet phone: 715-693-3001

• Lighted trails for nighttime skiing

• Rental equipment

• Nordic Ski Patrol on duty

• Adjacent snowshoeing trails

Sylvan Hill Tubing

The hill o ers 6 great rides down and 2 wire tows to pull you back up the hill. Bring your family and friends to try out Wausau’s best winter recreation opportunity. The park also o ers a large chalet with fireplace and a snack bar to purchase food.

• Centrally located within minutes of lodging, dining and shopping