It’s no secret that it gets cold in Wisconsin, but thankfully the annual snowfall and generally mild winter temperatures create the ideal environment for outdoor winter activities in Madison. The city is intertwined with miles of cross country ski and snowshoeing trails, and surrounded by a number of downhill ski resorts. The lakes and ponds provide ample opportunities for ice skating and ice fishing, and summer mountain bike trails convert nicely into fat tire biking trails.  

A few of our team’s favorite local and state downhill ski resorts:

• Alpine Valley 

• Cascade Mountain (50 minutes from Madison)

• Christmas Mountain 

• Devil’s Head Resort (50 minutes from Madison)

• Granite Peak 

• Nordic Mountain 

• Tyrol Basin (20 minutes from the west side of Madison)

Popular ice skating spots in Madison: 

• Elver Park 

• Tenney Park 

• The Edgewater 

• Vilas Park 

Cross Country Ski and Snowshoeing Trails:

• Door Creek 

• Elver Park 

• Indian Lake County Park 

• Owen Conservation Park 

• Token Creek County Park 

• Yahara Hills 

• UW Arboretum

The Dane County Farmer’s Market is one of the most popular summer activities in Madison, but it doesn’t stop in the winter! The late winter market runs from January through April at Garver Feed Mill. Then before you know it, the Captiol Square is bustling with people every Saturday!

Thinking about moving?

Wondering if Madison life is right for you? Send us a message today and we’ll tell you all about living in our beautiful city year-round, or better yet, we’ll take you on a tour of the city!