Winters in Northern Wisconsin are a sight to see and cross country skiing in Door County is a perfect way to soak up that snow-covered beauty.
Our favorite peninsula doesn’t disappoint! Everything from ski rentals to beautiful trails and even cozy post-ski drinks.
Take advantage of this complete guide to cross country skiing in Door County below. At the end, we give our favorite one-day ski itinerary.
Every Cross Country Ski Trail in Door County
There is a wide range of trails to choose from in Wisconsin’s thumb.
Some are paid and some are free. Some are groomed and some aren’t.
Below is a list of all your options for cross country ski trails in Door County, WI.
Later on, we give our favorite itinerary for a free and beautiful way to cross country ski Door County on groomed trails.
Some trails are free to use but make sure to have a Vehicle Admission Sticker if you plan to park your car at any of the State Parks.
Ski Trails by Location
Peninsula State Park
A great option if you are willing to pay for a State Trail pass and are staying in Fish Creek.
No, a State Trail Pass is required.
Yes, some trails are groomed but its best to check conditions before you go.
Newport State Park
This is our favorite option for cross country skiing in Door County! Newport State Park is free to ski and has some of the most beautiful trails.
Yes! Ski trails are free at this state park in Door County WI.
Yes, some trails are groomed but its best to check conditions before you go.
Crossroads at Big Creek
Next is Crossroads at Big Creek. If you’re looking for well-kept trails, this private cross country skiing location is your best bet. They even have a Tesla charging station!
Yes, it’s free to ski at all three facilities. According to their site, “Trails usage is free, but donations are cheerfully accepted”.
Yes, the trails well maintained but its best to check conditions before you go.
Potawatomi State Park
No need to drive too far into the Door County peninsula to take advantage of these trails.
Yes! Ski trails are free at this state park in Door County, WI.
Yes, some trails are groomed but its best to check conditions before you go.
Whitefish Dunes State Park
This state park hosts an annual candlelight ski event one night every winter.
Yes! Ski trails are free at this state park in Door County WI.
Yes, some trails are groomed but its best to check conditions before you go. We’ve seen times where the DNR recommends not skiing.
Ahnapee State Trail
Ahnapee State Trail was once an active railroad! However, you share the trail with many snowmobilers.
Yes! Skiing is free at this section of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail.
No, this trail is not groomed for cross country skiing. The surrounding counties are responsible for posting trail closures.
Door County Land Trust
Last but not least, this non-profit organization allows free cross country skiing at all of its nature preserves in Coor County.
Yes! Skiing is free at all Door County Land Trust nature preserves.
Maybe. Grooming is done by volunteers and will vary by location.
Rentals for Cross Country Skiing in Door County
Do you need to borrow skis, boots, and poles?
Door County has great and reasonable options for getting you set up.
Below is a list of our favorite places to rent skis, boots, and poles for your big cross country ski trip.
Bay Shore Outfitters – Ski Rentals
We recommend Bay Shore Outfitters as your one-stop shop for equipment rental in Door County. This is who we used and had a great experience!
The prices are reasonable, the skis and boots were quality, and the staff was knowledgeable.
They even gave some great advice on where to ski!
With locations in both Sister Bay and Sturgeon Bay, no matter where you’re skiing it’s worth stopping at one of their amazing shops.
Nor Door Cyclery – Ski Rentals
Nor Door Cyclery is another great option for renting your ski equipment.
Located in Fish Creek and Sturgeon Bay, they would be a good option if you plan to ski in Peninsula State Park.
Ski Boot Sizing
This isn’t a rental shop, but it’s important so listen up!
Having boots that fit correctly is key to a happy day of skiing.
Take your time when trying on rental boots and trust the people helping you out at the shop.
First, you might think that giving your feet a little extra room to breath might be a good idea. Wrong! If your boots are too large, not only will you be uncomfortable, but you’re sacrificing warmth.
That being said, unless you’re a professional, you don’t want those boots too tight.
Drop your foot in the boot, stand up, slide your heal back, sit back down and lace-up. As a general rule of thumb, your big toe should barely brush the front of the boot, and I mean barely.
Itinerary for Cross Country Skiing in Door County
We want to share our favorite ski day with you!
Below is a step by step guide for cross country skiing in Door County.
If you follow this guide you don’t need a State Park Vehicle Admission Sticker or State Trail Pass.
The groomed trails at Newport State Park will not disappoint.
The journey starts from our home base at an Airbnb in Fish Creek.
1. Rent Your Skiing Equipment
Wake up easy and try to be first in the door at Bay Shore Outfitters in Sister Bay.
Don’t worry, the store doesn’t open until 10 AM and if you’re the first ones there, getting set up with rentals is quick.
Just make sure to take your time when fitting your boots!
2. Drive to the Trail Head
First, we found free parking and great trailhead access.
To do the same, locate Europe Bay Rd. and drive straight East until you hit water. There will be a parking lot for Liberty Grove Town Park.
While driving up the road to park your car, keep a lookout for the trail crossing. This is where you’ll start skiing.
After parking, you’ll have to head back down the road.
If there is enough snow on the road you can even ski from your car back to the trail!
3. Enjoy Some Great Door County Views
At this point, you’ll be gliding through the snow on groomed trails like a real Door County local.
But you may have noticed a second dot below the parking spot on our Newport State Park map above.
This is where we took the photo at the beginning of this section!
You can’t beat the frozen view out onto Lake Michigan.
After an amazing day of skiing, we still had enough time to return our rentals before Bay Shore Outfitters closed up shop.
Finally, we enjoyed pizza and beer at our favorite Door County restaurant. Wild Tomato in Fish Creek!
They do have three locations, and we’ve actually tried all three! You can’t go wrong with any of their restaurants, so if Sister Bay or Egg Harbor is more convenient then go for it!
Hopefully, this post gave you everything you need to plan a perfect Door County skiing getaway. If you have any suggestions of your own for cross country skiing in Door County, please feel free to send us an email!