Three cross country skiers on the trail at the Brown County Reforestation Camp in Suamico, January 18, 2024. PC: Fox 11 Online
SUAMICO, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Crews in Brown County are turning snow into what many would call ways to have fun.
With calm, crisp conditions at Brown County’s Reforestation Camp Thursday morning, cross-country skier Dan Gale is getting ready to hit the snow.
“Trails right now, everywhere in Wisconsin, are really quite good. And Brown County particularly, we had plenty of snow in the last two storms and the trails are supposed to be great out there,” said Dan Gale, Oshkosh.
“In Suamico, we received about 17 inches of snow here at the Reforestation Camp. And we have nearly 20 miles of Nordic skiing set up for classical skiing, and skate skiing,” said Matt Kriese, Brown County Parks Director.
Matt Kriese says trail groomers have been working all week. He says a separate trailhead accommodates about two miles of snowshoe trails. The fat tire bike area near the NEW Zoo is getting some use, and for the first time in years, he says all 200 miles of snowmobile trails are open and ready to ride. Kriese says people are able to buy daily or annual passes at automated pay stations at the park.
“It’s a great way to capture some tourism dollars going into the weekend for people coming up, enjoying the trails. Get out on trails that you haven’t been out in the past. It’s a perfect time of year. We don’t know how long the snow will last, so now’s the time,” he said.
Back on the cross-country ski trails, people say conditions are good. Dan Gale says he plans to trek about five to 10 miles.
“It’s a great way to get out into the quiet, into the snow. You get some nice, relaxing rhythm going out there. You can hear the gentle wind in the trees, and you can hear the birds calling, and it’s a lovely way to get out and explore the world,” he said.
Brown County leaders say there are more than 1.1 million visits to their park system each year.
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