Brule River State Forest - Recreation - Winter Activities

Snowmobiling

Snowmobiling is a popular activity in the Brule River State Forest and the forest provides over 30 miles of designated trails. These trails are important links in the regional snowmobile trail system, connecting communities in Douglas and Bayfield counties. The Brule River Riders Snowmobile Club maintains the forest trails with fees collected from snowmobile registration and trail passes.

During winter, snowmobile trails on the forest are also open to ATVs.

Trail Passes

Wisconsin law requires those who use the state's snowmobile trails to display either proof of Wisconsin registration or a snowmobile trail pass. For more information or to purchase a pass, visit the Department of Natural Resources snowmobile trail pass page.

Additional Information

Snowmobiling in Wisconsin includes DNR information on regulations, safety and registering snowmobiles in the state.

The DNR's Regulations Book (PDF, 330KB) provides details on Wisconsin's snowmobile laws.

Afterhours Cross-Country Ski Trials

The Brule River State Forest includes an extensive network of some of the region's finest and best maintained cross-country ski trails for both classical and skate skiing. Various loops provide a variety of terrain suitable for both beginning skiers and those with advanced skills. The scenic Bois Brule River can be seen from the River and White Pine trails. At the trailhead, visitors will find restroom facilities and a warming shelter jointly maintained by the forest and the Brule Valley Ski Club.

Afterhours Ski Trail brochure and map (PDF, 73KB)

Location

The 25-kilometer Afterhours Ski Trail is located west of Brule on Afterhours Road, just south of US Highway 2.

Fees

Skiers age 16 years and older must purchase a Wisconsin State Trail Pass to ski the Afterhours Trail. Passes are available by self-registration at the trailhead. Please purchase trail passes prior to skiing.

Ski Etiquette and Rules

• Skiers should ski within their own abilities and alert others when passing. Control speed on downhill runs and follow the proper direction of the trail.
• Snowmobiles, ATVs, horses, and dogs are prohibited on the trail.
• Do not walk or snowshoe on ski trails.

Brule Valley Ski Club

The Brule River State Forest works in partnership with the Brule Valley Ski Club on trail improvements and ski events such as the Brule River Timber Cruise and River View Loppet Ski Races; the annual Candlelight Ski; and "Learn to Ski" days.