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Ski and Snowshoe “Afterhours” in the Brule River State Forest

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The Afterhours Ski Trail System—just west of Brule in Douglas County, Wisconsin—features 25 kilometers of well-maintained trails for both classic and skate cross-country skiing, as well as opportunities for snowshoeing. Trails are owned and groomed by the Wisconsin DNR, in cooperation with the Brule Valley XC Ski Club and many dedicated volunteers.

About the Trails

Located entirely within the Brule River State Forest, the Afterhours Ski Trail System enjoys a reputation for being well-groomed and offering scenic views of the Bois Brule River (from River and White Pine trails). Skiers can select one or more of the nine trails within the system. Comprising 9.2K of novice, 14.4K of intermediate, and 2.1K of advanced trails, the system offers just the right amount of challenge for all skiers. And there are separate snowshoe trails, too.

Trail users will find plenty of parking, a warming shelter, and restroom facilities at the trailhead. A state trail admission fee is required of all skiers 16 years or older. The annual fee, good for all state trails, is $25, and a day pass is $5. Fees contribute to the cost of maintenance and grooming. Self-registration is available at the trailhead.

Directions

From downtown Brule, travel a half-mile west on Highway 2 to Afterhours Road, turn left. The parking lot is right there, as is the trailhead. For more information, call Brule River State Forest at 715-372-5678, or visit brulescski.com.

Afterhours Ski Trail System Etiquette and Rules

  • Purchase your trail pass before skiing.
  • Snowmobiles, ATVs, and dogs are prohibited on trails.
  • Falls happen to everyone! Be sure to fill in your sitzmark after a fall.
  • Do not walk or snowshoe on ski trails.
  • Ski according to your ability. Maintain adequate spacing between you and your neighbors, and alert others when passing.
  • Every effort is made to groom the trails for high-quality skiing. But heavy trail use and weather can greatly affect trail conditions, so please be patient.

Brule Valley Ski Club

This ski club sponsors learn-to-ski lessons at Brule River State Forest. For more information about the club, new opportunities for winter snow biking (fat tire bikes) and summer mountain biking, or the annual River View Loppet XC Ski Race, visit brulexcski.com.

Ski and Snowshoe by Candlelight on Afterhours Ski Trail

Ski or snowshoe on than two miles of groomed, wooded trails of the Brule River State Forest, illuminated up by candles and luminaries, during the Candlelight Ski & Snowshoe at the Brule River State Forest event on February 8, 2020, 5 to 9 p.m. After your magical trek, enjoy warming bonfires, hot beverages, and marshmallows for roasting. Toilets, grills, and a shelter will be there for your use onsite. Trail passes are not required for this special event, which is sponsored by the Brule River State Forest. For more information, call 715-372-5678.

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