Cross country skiiing snow condition websites and hotlines for areas near Chicago

   Cross-country ski websites help give skiers tips on where to go
   original photo by Ted Nelson

Cross-country ski snow conditions can be difficult to track as weather conditions can vary from state to state and sometimes even from county to county.  Some have wondered if I was an omniscient skier with all the information I have posted on ski conditions and ski areas.  While it is true that I have been fortunate to get out and ski over ten times (make that 11 in about a half hour) this season, I have not been everywhere.

My column is just a small piece of the puzzle in the web of information that is out there for travel and even for specific travel information like cross-country ski snow conditions.  I remember reading a specific travel tip about the Bangkok airport and how to hail an affordable taxi upon arrival.  The tip said avoid the limos and cabs that approach outside of baggage as they will charge 700-1000 baht.  The tip said walk past these and then walk to the 2nd floor of the airport and then outside and hail a metered cab, which will cost 250-300 baht.  When I got to the Bangkok airport there was a hord of drivers offering 700-1000 baht right outside the baggage claim, but I walked past them and hit the second floor for a 300 baht ride to my destination.  

It amazed me that the tip exactly matched the reality for a place halfway around the world.   Specific cross-country ski travel information can be found on the internet too thanks to groups, individuals, parks, and their websites that post eye witness current reports.  Here is a list of websites that offer updated and specific ski condition information for their respective ski hoods.

It is always possible of course to call the park and get the information from a person, but there are two caveats for this option.  First of all the parks are only open at certain times and often even during business hours do not pick up the phone.  Sometimes it is important for a skier to get the informatin at 3am.  Only a  website will be open then.  Also, many times when a person is reached at a park they are not a cross-country skier.  All they can tell is that there is snow or not and may not have the knowledge to give the needed specific information.

Illinois -

Northern Illinois Nordic has some great information for ski conditions and places to go in the Rockford area including Rock Cut State Park.

Speaking of Rock Cut Park, there is a concession inside the park with rentals and lessons.  They have a website and a facebook page that will in the future post snow conditions in the park.

The Joliet Nordic Ski Club posts weather and snow reports on their website for this city just south of Chicago.

The Heller Nature Center in Highland Park rents skis and they will post snow condtions on their website.

Wisconsin -

South Kettle Moraine has a hotline and a webpage.  The phone hotline is the most supreme aid in the area and another reason why this park is the marquee ski destination in the area.  They routinely update the hotline daily with last grooming date, amount of snow, description of the snow and description and condition for each location.  Call 262-594-6202 or their website is also up to date.

North Kettle Moraine also has a hotline and a great website with current conditions that they udpdate often.  Call their hotline at 920-467-2099.  Another page that is great for North Kettle Moraine is called Greenbushtrails.com and has an option where anyone can send in a trail report.  This is a great idea to use every skier as a possible resource.

Lapham Peak is another smaller unit to the Kettle Moraine located between the two parks in Waukesha county.  They have a website with conditions to their trails and a phone hotline at 262-646-4421.

The Nordic Ski Club of Madison has a useful webpage with information on trails and their snow conditions.

   According to Indiana Dunes hotline snow is not favorable for this
   original photo by Ted Nelson

Black River State Forest north of Madison has a website that updates often with trail and snow conditions.

For Northwest Wisconsin this site is an excellent resource for places to go and their website.  I love the fact that they even had a "last groomed' entry as well as km area groomed for both skate and classic.  Now that is specific.

Indiana - Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore has a hotline for the Ly-co-ki-we Trail.  That number is 219-395-1812.  Do not discount this area just because it is Indiana.  They sometimes get considerable lake effect snow when other areas have none.

Michigan-

Love Creek County Park is another lake effect wonderland in Berrien Springs, Michigan.  This website gives current conditions.

General area -

This website has comprehensive weather and ski conditions for all of the Midwest.

The Weather Channel webpage has a lot of information on not only weather of course, but ski conditions for the area selected.

My favorite is the Chicago Adventure Travel Examiner.  Now that I have divulged all my secrets I hope I am still followed.  Subscribe to his articles by selecting the subscribe button up above.  Examiner does not spam subscribers nor do they sell emails.

Ted Nelson was recently named one of the top 101 Adventure Travel twitterers on twitter.  http://abroadening.com/161  Click on the icon below to follow me there.