4 Ways to Beat Winter Boredom

This time of year, it can be easy to hunker down and spend most of your free time inside. Get rid of the winter doldrums by getting outside. Wisconsin offers a variety of outdoor activities—so you can get out and get some fresh air. Here are some highlights of inexpensive winter activities you can do throughout the state.

Downhill Skiing/Snowboarding

A winter adrenaline rush doesn't have to cost a lot. Many local hills offer discounted lift tickets and rentals certain nights of the week. For example, Tyrol Basin in Mount Horeb offers $12 lift tickets on Friday nights from 7:30 p.m. until 11 p.m. Devil's Head in Merrimac offers $14 lift tickets on Thursday evenings. Granite Peak in Wausau is currently offering free rentals with the purchase of a night lift ticket on Wednesday evenings and $15 lift tickets Saturday nights.

Cross Country Skiing

Cross country skiing is a great way to get outdoor exercise. Wisconsin has many parks that groom trails for both types of cross country skiing. Elver Park in Madison and the Nordic trails at the Kettle Moraine State Forest outside of Whitewater are two examples offering extensive trail systems. Both have something for every skill level. Elver offers hourly equipment rentals and both parks have a welcoming warming hut.

Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing is a great activity that can be fun for a wide range of people. It's a way to spend time in the woods, to appreciate the beauty of snow on the bare trees. You can snowshoe many places in Wisconsin, and some parks open specific snowshoeing trails. One example is High Cliff State Park, located on northeast corner of Lake Winnebago, south of Green Bay. Snowshoe rentals at the park office are $3.50 per pair for up to three hours.

Ice Skating

There are many public, outdoor ice rinks to take advantage of during the winter months. One highlight in the Milwaukee area includes Slice of Ice in Red Arrow Park in downtown Milwaukee (skating is free, rentals are $6.00 per pair). Or, find a pick-up game of hockey on rinks such as Tenney Park in Madison.

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