9 Things to Know About WinMan: Winter Edition
Like any trail system, the more you know, the more you can let loose and have fun. To help make the most of your next visit, we’ve put together a list of 9 things you should know when visiting WinMan Trails this winter.
1) Explore Three Specific Trail Systems
We are delighted to offer winter users three distinct trail systems at WinMan.
- 23+ kilometers of Nordi ski trails
- 10 miles of trails specifically designed and groomed for fat tire biking
- 10 miles of snowshoe trails
Each of these trail systems are sport specific. This means, the design and maintenance is catered to the demands of the sport. It also means we have enough adventures at WinMan to keep the entire family happy all day!
The kiosk at the main trailhead has maps and information about each of the trail systems. You’ll also find directional signage and maps at each post shown on the map. So, even if you are new to WinMan, you will always know where you are.
Rather carry a map with you? Grab a brochure from the entryway to the chalet or in the Bar and Apparel Shop.
Looking to try a new activity next time you visit WinMan? We have some great local retailers who can rent you any equipment you need. River’s Edge in Manitowish Waters or Coontail in Boulder Junction are great local options.
PRO TIP: If your adventures extend past sunset, grab a headlamp or strap a light onto your bike and enjoy the trails at night. The beauty of the trails and the magnificent night sky is captivating. It certainly is a must try experience.
2) Relax in the Heated Chalet by the Masonry Fireplace
If you’ve been here, you know. Our beautifully designed chalet is the perfect place to get ready for your adventures, take a break, or relax after a day on the trails.
The hearth and stone on the masonry fireplace radiate heat. This allows you to easily warm-up or dry off your clothing simply by being near any portion of the stone. It also allows us to remain energy efficient by effectively heating the room from timber we harvest on site.
The chalet also has restrooms, changing rooms, a microwave, as well as a waxing bench and iron.
When you’re done for the day, relax in a comfy chair or grab a seat at a table for a game of cribbage.
PRO TIP: In addition to our hand made cribbage board, there are puzzles and games available in the cabinets by the sink.
You can also grab drinks at the WinMan bar, open Friday through Sunday from 10-4 all winter long. We carry a variety of local craft beers, craft cocktails, and wines. We also have a large variety of non-alcoholic drinks to refuel and re-energize.
PRO TIP: The masonry fireplace features a pizza oven. We have cooking instructions and a pizza peel to help you prepare an amazing pizza anytime the fire is going.
If the Bar is closed, you can still grab a beverage or a snack from the vending machine (credit cards accepted). The chalet is open daily from 7 AM to 9 PM.
3) Get Your Heart Pumping with Classic and Skate Skiing
WinMan Trails offers 23+ kilometers of cross-country ski trails for you to enjoy. The majority of ski trails are groomed for both classic and skate skiing.
Our trails are ideal for beginner and intermediate skiers as we have moderate elevation changes throughout the property. This makes it a great system for a wide range of users.
Easy to Navigate
Sometimes when you’re skiing it’s far easier to just follow a color coded route, than create one on your own (we do the same thing). So, to keep things easy we have color coded routes.
From the Papoose Trailhead you can easily jump onto the 7k and 10k routes or take the 5.7k route which starts and finishes from this trailhead.
From the Main Trailhead you can take the 1.6k, 2.7k, 4.6k, 7k, or 10k routes as well as access our 0.3k Practice Loop.
Even though we offer routes to follow, we always encourage you to explore and make up your own. Every post has a map and directional information so you’ll never feel lost in the woods.
Trail Conditions
Curious what the conditions are? Visit our trail conditions page to get the most up-to-date information including live GPS grooming updates via Nordic Pulse.
This software provides real time information on our grooming operations. With each groomer GPS tracked, you will know exactly when the trails were last groomed. We groom regularly, usually 3-4 times per week, but more often if we get new snowfall.
In addition to the conditions on the ground, we have a weather station at our trailhead. Follow the link at the top of our website titled “current weather” and you’ll find real-time information on things such as the current temperature and wind speeds right here at WinMan.
4) Snowshoe Trails for All Abilities
In years past, we designated snowshoe trails as being either “groomed” or “backcountry.” Well, that terminology is gone and has been updated with more helpful language and guidance. Trails are now designated as being either “double wide” or “single wide.”
Double wide snowshoe trails follow a wide, well maintained corridor. These trails are great if you want to shoe side-by-side with a friend or to have more space when out with kids or a dog. These trails get more usage, and so are usually well packed and easier to snowshoe than others. All double wide trails are accessed from our Main Trailhead.
Our single wide trails offer a more traditional snowshoe experience. While mainly starting at our Papoose Trailhead, there are some great options from both. These trails are well flagged (just like our double wide) with consistent mapping and signage along the way. With the potential for rapidly changing conditions in the winter, be sure to know your route as flags can easily be hidden by new snowfall.
PRO TIP: Each route is flagged in the color you will see on the map. So, if the trail is blue on the map, it will be flagged in blue. Green on the map, green flags. And so on.
5) Check out the Papoose Trailhead
We talk a lot about our Main Trailhead located on Highway W. After all, it is the heart of our operations. We have multiple starting options for all three trail systems, the chalet and amenities as well as enough parking for even the busiest of holiday weekends.
But perhaps you are looking for a little more solitude or a way to experience our trails in a new way. We offer another trailhead located on Papoose Lake Road.
PRO TIP: Be the first one out on our Sugar Shack snowshoe loop after a snowfall to make fresh tracks and see the beauty of the trees draped in snow.
Coming in 2025/26 season, you will be able to access all 3 trail system from this trailhead, finally incorporating our fat tire bike trails. Also coming in 2025/26, you will be able to reserve camping cabins with all the amenities so you can stay and play at WinMan! We cannot wait for BaseCamp to become a reality.
So, next time you’d like to mix things up, consider starting your adventures here.
6) Free Ways to Get Outside and Enjoy Winter
Participating in winter sports can be a challenge, especially with families. With specific gear, and sometimes short seasons, it can be hard to invest in all the necessary equipment for a good time outside.
That is why we are pleased to offer two free programs – Nordic Rocks skis for kids and a free snowshoe program for the whole family.
Nordic Rocks
These classic skis are completely free to use and located in the chalet. Designed for kids ages 6-12, the skis allow kids to wear their normal snow boots thanks to a specially designed binding.
Developed by a dedicated, passionate group of staff and volunteers at Central Cross Country Skiing (CXC), we hope these skis can help introduce a new generation to the exciting world of Nordic skiing.
Free Snowshoe Program
Located in the chalet are 3 different sizes of Quicksilver Northern Lites snowshoes that are completely free for anyone to borrow.
These snowshoes are some of the lightest available on the market and are incredibly easy to put on thanks to their Speed Binding system. Simply tighten the rear buckle above your heel and then pull the elastic cord and you are good to go.
Sledding Hill
Maybe trails just aren’t your thing. Or maybe you have skied/biked/shoed your way to exhaustion, but the kids keep going. Then check out the sledding hill.
Located at the main trailhead, kids can run up, and rip down the hill to their hearts desire. We recommend you bring your own sled but often there are some here to borrow. While sledding tubes are a blast, they are not recommended. Our run out section at the bottom is not huge, and sledding tubes often get going too fast.
Finally, we ask if your kids are on the hill that you have an adult supervising them so everyone can stay safe.
7) Check Out Our Annual Winter Events
To kick the season off, we host the WinMan Early Bird ski race for middle and high school skiers. Typically the 3rd Saturday in December, this is a chance for skiers to get some early season snow.
This is a great event for all skill levels and is just another way we are working towards growing and expanding the sport of Nordic skiing.
Ski Clinics
During winter break between Christmas and New Years we offer a variety of beginner ski clinics. For both adults and youth, these are a great way to improve your skills and develop a solid foundation you can improve on all season long.
Snowshoe Adventures
Then all season long we offer various snowshoe outings. From Shoe and S’more events for families to our Snowshoe Social for adults. These are great ways for our community to get together, enjoy the trails, and have some fun along the way.
We generally update our winter event schedule by late August/early September. Be sure to check the events page for the current list of opportunities.
8. WinMan Trails is 100% Supported by You
That’s right. As a free public trail system, we only exist and continue to thrive, due to the generosity of our users and the community.
WinMan Trails is affectionately referred to as “a family trail system that got way out of control.” What began on a small parcel of privately owned land has grown into the 45+ mile trail system we enjoy today.
I encourage you to read the full Story of WinMan to appreciate all the time, dedication, and hard work so many individuals have put in to get us to where we are today.
In an effort to help fund our annual operating expenses, we’ve launched several programs and fundraising initiatives over the least 4 years.
Money raised goes towards everything that is needed to build and maintain our trails. From fuel to run equipment, to workers comp insurance for employees, to utilities for the chalet and shop. We encourage you to learn more about all the ways you can support WinMan.
9) Bring Your Pup – Trails are Dog Friendly
We love sharing the trails with our furry companions. Well-behaved dogs are allowed off leash on all our snowshoe and fat tire bike trails. Dogs are also allowed on designated cross country ski trails, so please check out the map to see the 8k of ski trails where dogs are welcome.
A few ground rules so that everyone is safe and happy when visiting our trails.
- Keep your dog within your sight and control at all times. If using the trails with your dog who is not leashed, they must be able to follow voice commands even when distracted.
- Clean up after your dog immediately and properly dispose of bags in a trash can. Mutt Mitts are made available with stations located at the kiosk and the start of our trail system.
- Keep dogs on a leash while in the parking lot and at the trailhead.
- Dogs are not allowed within the chalet at any time.
You can find even more detailed information by visiting our Dog Policy page. Thank you for helping us keep WinMan safe and dog friendly for everyone!
We look forward to sharing our trails with you this season. If you find this article helpful, spread the word of WinMan by sharing the article with friends and family, and encourage them to check us out!