What makes Mt. Ashwabay Ski and Recreation Area so amazing?

ALL OF YOU!

This past weekend we had our Spring Carnival. This ginormous celebration brings family and friends together to celebrate our 2024/2025 Winter season. We had sun, skiing, snowboarding, cardboard box cars, costumes and, even candy cannons! Bringing friends and families together for winter sports is what we do best, we are excited to bring it back in 2025/2026 season!

We are not able to make Mt. Ashwabay Ski and Recreation Area what it is without every single one of you!
Let's share our stories from the weekend! Leave a comment below and share something awesome you got to experience this weekend....we want to hear all about it!

Thank you, Annalisa Bermel for the videos! We look foward to seeing you this summer...grab your mountain bikes and hiking shoes, the fun continues!

While much of Wisconsin was left wishing for snow this winter, Mt. Ashwabay continues to deliver—and then some. With 40 kilometers of beautifully maintained Nordic trails, skiers are enjoying some of the best conditions in the state right now.

Thanks to a solid base and timely snowfalls—including three fresh inches followed by another six predicted—we were able to offer pristine skiing when others can't. Our grooming crew continues to work their magic, power-tilling trails late into Friday afternoon to ensure smooth, fast tracks for weekend skiers.
It isn't just the snow—it is the experience. Gliding through quiet, snow-draped forests, taking in sweeping views, and feeling the rhythm of winter under your skis. No crowds. No waiting. Just you and the trail.
Whether you’re a seasoned skier chasing classic tracks or a skate skier looking for flow, Mt. Ashwabay is waiting for you!  We’re so proud to have a winter haven for so many—and we hope it continues for you!

See you on the trails!

Thanks to geography, dedicated volunteer groomers, and a little luck, Mt. Ashwabay was able to open all of their nordic trails in mid-December, offering some of the best skiing in the region so far this winter. Local skiers and visitors have been thrilled by the early season conditions, and the conditions are looking promising for the cross country ski race season to come.  ​

The 19th annual Ashwabay Summit Nordic Ski Race will be held Saturday, February 1st, 2024 and will showcase scenic segments of the 43k network of skate and classic cross country ski trails at Mt. Ashwabay. “After a disappointing winter last year, we are expecting a big turnout in 2025,” said Kate Ullman, Race Director. “The Summit Race has been growing in recent years due to the addition of new race distances, great snow, fantastic trails, and of course pie for all finishers.”  

The Ashwabay cross country trail system has become regionally renowned for consistent snow, top notch grooming, and world class views from the top of the hill.  “Ashwabay is such a hidden gem,” said Ullman, “we hope the Summit Race brings new skiers to experience our fantastic trail network.”

The course climbs through mature stands of maple, hemlock and birch, to top out with views of Lake Superior. Then comes a long descent down the south side of the ridge to finish at the chalet.   Skiers can choose to compete in 15k or 30k events, and can choose the classic or skate technique in each. The variety of race options make it a great event for recreational skiers, and competitors alike.  

Skiers can also choose the skiathlon, a format that has gained in popularity and was featured as a Nordic event at the Winter Olympics in Beijing.  After one lap on the course using classic skis, competitors switch to the stake technique. There are only a few opportunities to compete in this unique event in the midwest. 

“We love the festive atmosphere of the Summit Race.  It is really great to host so many visiting skiers and introduce them to our trails.  And it is super impressive to witness the skill level of the top racers, as well as the sheer joy of the youth participants,” said Doug Olson, the Director of Mt. Ashwabay. 

“The Summit race is so fun because of the small-town feeling, the unique chance to do a skiathlon, and getting to ski on the Ashwabay nordic trails.  These are some of the best in the area,” said Ketzel Levens, who grew up in Bayfield, skied for the UW-Madison nordic ski team, and now travels from Duluth to participate in the race. 

The day starts with middle school (3.5K) and high school (7.5K) races.  Our local 4-H CANSKI middle school team has a record 38 participants this year, and the kids are looking forward to their first race. The high school varsity Chequamegon Area Nordic team will also compete.

Well over 100 skiers from more than a dozen colleges across the midwest are expected to participate in this conference event for The Midwest Collegiate Ski Association.  It’s a chance to see some incredibly talented young skiers who bring athleticism, enthusiasm, and camaraderie.  

All skiers will get a slice of pie, thanks to generous local sponsors and community bakers.  The day will culminate with an awards ceremony on the Big Top stage, including age group awards as well as entire pies for the overall winners.  

New in 2025, the Summit Race is part of the “Tour de Finn”, a series of races in the region where finishers can earn points and compete in overall standings.  The race is also a Birkie qualifier, allowing finishers to get a better start time for the big race.

Youth and college racers must pre-register with their team, or they can register individually online if they are not part of a team.   Citizen racers can register online, or onsite.  

All funds raised benefit the non-profit host of the event, Mt. Ashwabay, and support youth programs, and nordic grooming operations. 

Register today to enjoy edible prizes, scenic skiing trails, and a great community event.  Or consider volunteering to help make the race a success.  For additional information about the race see the race website:  https://ashwabaysummitskirace.com/.
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 A special thanks to our sponsors for making this event happen: 2025 Peak Sponsors: Howl Adventure Center, Black Cat Coffee Shop, and Sharptail Construction. Additional sponsors include  Edmunds and Company, Full Keel Coffee, The Good Thyme, Honest Dog Books, and John and Megan Boyle.

The January thaw has passed, and we are looking forward to a great rest of the winter!  We are starting to line up lots of events for the next couple of months, covering everything from skijoring to ski lessons, races, and a full-moon XC ski Potluck.  

The start of winter had people out enjoying the hill.  Tubing was an extremely popular new attraction at the ski hill over the holidays, and we have had several large groups of people having parties or family get-togethers enjoying it since.   

Friday Youth nights have continued to be a great time up at the hill, and this year we have began to play music and have lights and lasers on the hill to make the night skiing even more fun!  Don't forget to come out Friday Nights through March 10th for $10 lift tickets, free rentals, and more!

The MADski program is still a popular Saturday morning activity, getting kids out improving their skills on skis and snowboards.  Lessons start at 10am every Saturday through February. 

This coming week we are hosting two ski races!  Come support your local teenage skiers and snowboarders at the annual Ashwabay Invitational Ski and Board Race this Tuesday, January 31st.  Or, if you would rather race yourself, join us on February 4th for the Ashwabay Summit XC race; all participants get a cookie!  The end of February and beginning of march will bring the King and Queen of the Mountain and Ed's Dual GS races as well.

Not a racer?  Join us February 11th for one of our annual Full Moon XC Ski and Potluck Pancake Dinner.  We provide the pancakes, free ski rentals, and warm fires in the chalet!  

Interested in learning a new sport?  Join the Superior Area Telemark Skiers as they host World Telemark Day on March 4th with free lessons, rentals, and an after party in the T-Bar (the party has a $20 cover that includes beer, food, music, and door prizes, with the 100% of the proceeds going towards natural terrain improvement at Mt. Ashwabay.)  Or bring your pup and join us February 26th for a Skijoring clinic on our new dog-friendly trail!