Machickanee Cross Country
Ski Trails

Oconto County, WI

Trail System

The Machickanee Cross Country Ski Trails were originally planned and developed by local skiers in the Oconto County Forest with the cooperation of the Oconto County Land , Forest , and Parks Committee. The current trail system has resulted from the efforts of many volunteers who have donated their time, money, and energy since 1978. In 1982, the Machickanee Cross Country Ski Club was formed to organize those efforts.

The trails lead through a series of forest types, including red pine plantations, coniferous swamps, oak ridges, and birch and aspen stands. They undulate through topography ranging from creek bottoms to ridge tops. Numerous hills and curves of various slopes and lengths make this course a challenge for the intermediate to advanced skiers.

The Machickanee Cross Country Ski Trails also include a beginner loop that can be enjoyed by skiers of all ability levels.

Current Trail Conditions

Please, NO DOGS when the trails are groomed for skiing. Lots of hours go into grooming and dogs can make a mess of it in a hurry. Even if your dog "wont damage the tracks, which is very unlikely, allowing one dog means allowing all dogs. Please be considerate of others and leave your dogs at home.

Trail Conditions as of 3/3/12
On Friday we went out and cleared Blackberry Ramble and Brehmer Creek trails from branches and trees that had fallen from the wet heavy snow on Tue/Wed and we set track as we went. This was prior to Friday night's snowfall. I went back out this morning (Saturday) to try and set track in the new snow. It was wet and sticky so I only did the Blackberry Ramble. It's skiable, but expect slow going, sticking, and some slushy spots. If you want to ski Brehmer Creek Trail, you can follow the tracks from Friday's grooming but it is going to be slow and sticky and could be a lot of work, especially for the first couple of skiers. Corral Berry and Timberwolf Trails have not been cleared. Not all the signs were put up this season due to virtually no skiing, so you might want to print out a map (see tabs above) and take it with you.

We are still planning for the Candlelight Ski tonight (March 3). Hopefully the weather will cool enough to allow for regrooming just prior to the event. If that happens, skiing should be very good, otherwise, expect it to be slow and sticky. At a minimum, food and beverages (BYO) around the bonfire are always fun.

Ski Tips
Waxless skis need to be waxed! Waxless refers to the kick area only. The glide area (tips and tails) are no different than waxable skis and need to be waxed. Unless you do a lot of skiing, waxing the tips and tails once a year should be sufficient. You can also use a silicone or similar spray, but that is very temporary. Contact us if you would like your skis waxed. We can also teach you quickly how to do it yourself. Otherwise, bring your skis to a ski shop to have it done.

When skiing down bigger hills, take one ski out of the track. This does a couple of things for you. First, it widens your base and makes you more stable going down the hill. Second, it gives you the ability to snowplow to control your speed and to turn. If you see a left hand turn coming up, take the right ski out of the track and vice-versa for a right hand turn.

If you would like a free lesson to help you with your technique or for skiing those hills, give us a call at 920-846-2965 or send us an email at rtabar@centurytel.net.