As the holiday season comes to an end and the New Year begins, the La Crosse Region offers numerous ways to stay active and make the most of the winter months. Exploration abounds with scenic snowshoeing and hiking trails to regional gyms and slopes. For thrill-seekers, try ice skating at local indoor and outdoor rinks, race through the region on a fat-tire bike, or challenge yourself on the steepest ski trail in Mid-America. Whatever your preference, these activities will keep you moving and enjoying the season!
Get Moving with These Fun Activities!
Hitting the Slopes at Mt. La Crosse
Thrill seekers, this one is for you! Since 1959, skiers of all ages and abilities have fallen in love with Mt. La Crosse. From gentle Mileaway, Wisconsin’s longest run, to Damnation, Mid-America’s steepest trail, Mt. La Crosse offers the widest variety of skiing and snowboarding terrain in the Midwest. The unique chalet offers food service, a complete ski shop, rental, and repair shop, and an award-winning bar. Looking for tubing options? Check out Whitetail Ridge Ski Area near scenic Fort McCoy!
Get Rolling with Fat-Tire Biking
La Crosse County’s picturesque bluffs, riverlands, and quiet country highways make for some of the best road and mountain biking in the world. Grab your bike and get moving! From the Wisconsin Great River Road and Apple Blossom Loop overlooking the Mississippi River to over 100 miles of trails among the bluffs,
you’ll be riding into memories
you won’t soon forget.
Hiking/Snowshoeing with Gorgeous Views
Lace up your boots or slide on those snowshoes because there might not be a better place to explore on foot than the La Crosse Region. With miles upon miles of designated, well-maintained trails, you won’t need a compass to get going! Whether you prefer leisurely strolls along wide, level paths, or heart-pounding climbs up steep, rocky trails, you’ll find your hike in the La Crosse Region. Pro-trip: Visit Norskedalen for a historic hike among acres of forests or visit the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge or the Friends of Trempealeau Refuge for birding and more wildlife info.
Ice Skating (Indoors & Out!)
Hit the ice and get your heart pumping at the many wonderful ice skating locations. Bundle up and get some fresh air at the Lake Neshonoc ice skating paths. Here, skaters can enjoy a long journey along the lake, smooth and shoveled for enjoyment. As always, stay on safe ice and always look to weather reports for the most updated safety, and ice conditions. Skate indoors the Onalaska Omni Center which offers open ice skating at different times of the year. Check out the Public Open Skate schedule for themed events, rentals, and concessions available.
Gyms & Indoor Playgrounds
There-snow-thing to worry about if the weather gets too frigid. Head indoors to these fun locations and burn off the winter wiggles! The La Crosse Area YMCA has many ways to stay active including: fitness classes, a wellness area, pool, and so much more! Looking for a fun indoor adventure? Visit Jump Start Adventure Park, this is park designed for the adventure enthusiasts, they have a trampoline park, Ninja Warrior course, extreme nets course, parkour area, toddler area and more. If you are looking for a more tame experience head to the largest indoor playground in Wisconsin at Play Grounds of La Crosse. They have a giant jumping pillow, a ninja warrior course, a basketball court, and a toddler area available (and cozy coffee for adults)!
There’s More to Explore!
Epic Activities for Kids in the La Crosse Region
