7 Sauk County Winter Activities That Turn the Heat Up on Fun

Snowed in? More like, there’s “snow way” we’re staying in. Adventurous by nature, Sauk County is a veritable winter wonderland just brimming with fun activities the entire family will enjoy. This is one of the most-visited spots in the country for its outdoorsy endeavors, stellar dining scene, and serene natural wonders — and the attractions don’t stop when the mercury drops below freezing.

As Sauk County celebrates everything Old Man Winter brings, from soft snow blanketing the bluffs to hot cocoa filling our mugs, we invite you to join our merriment. We’ve rounded up some of the county’s best winter activities, along with the best spots to do them. And trust us: You won’t want to miss anything on this list. 

Looking for an adrenaline rush? Then hold on for a crisp snowmobile ride. Rather stay closer to your comfort zone? Try ice skating, snow skiing, or snow tubing. Of course, we wouldn’t judge if you spent the entire afternoon just catching snowflakes on your tongue. Anything goes in Sauk County. Just remember to bundle up, stay safe, and use our guide as a jumping-off point.

Snow Skiing

Once the first snow falls, Sauk County becomes a natural playground for novice skiers and slope shredders alike. Covered in miles of varied and groomed terrain, this area offers several ways to tackle the powder, including downhill and cross-country skiing. No matter your speed, keep in mind there’s an abundant après-ski scene just waiting to recharge your batteries after a day on the slopes or trails.

Best spots for skiing:

• Christmas Mountain Village
• Devil’s Head Resort
• Mirror Lake State Park

Snowshoeing

Zipping down a mountain is bucket-list thrilling, but for those who don’t ski, there are still plenty of ways to have a blast outside during winter. Like snowshoeing. Dating back to 4000 B.C., snowshoeing is a time-honored sport that utilizes “shoe-skis,” which allow you to stay atop a snowpack rather than sink into it. This is also a good way to glimpse the wildlife and glistening snow along the trail loops.

Best spots for snowshoeing:

• White Mound County Park
• Devil’s Lake State Park
• Mirror Lake State Park
• Natural Bridge State Park

Snow Tubing

Sauk County is home to some of the best sledding hills in the state. And lucky for everyone, all that’s needed is a trusty inflatable tube, some warm winter-proof gear, and a little courage. The hardest part, frankly, is trekking back up the hill to enjoy the ride all over again. Fortunately, most resorts have a nifty lift.

Best spots for snow tubing:

• Christmas Mountain Village
• Devil’s Head Resort
• Cascade Mountain 

Ice Skating

There’s no better way to embrace the cold than to lace up a pair of ice skates, grab the hand of a loved one, and hang on for dear life. Jokes aside, ice skating is a quintessential winter activity for revelers of all skill levels, and Sauk County has rinks both indoors and out under the stars for your skating pleasure. Just a couple laps and you’ll get those legs solid underneath you.

Best spots for ice skating:

• Langer Park Ice Rink
• Poppy Waterman Ice Arena
• Reedsburg Ice Arena 
• Sauk Prairie Ice Arena

Drinking Hot Chocolate

There are two things you simply must do in winter: 1) Turn a heap of just-fallen powder into a well-dressed snowman and 2) drink as much hot chocolate as your belly will allow. While hunting down steaming mugs of the sweet beverage could almost be considered an art form, we’ve done the search for you. Might we recommend going all in and visiting each one for the ultimate cocoa-bomb crawl?

Best spots sipping hot chocolate:

• Coffee Bean Connection
• Tin Roof Dairy
• Bella Goose’s Café on the River
• Arcadia Books’ Paper Crane Coffeehouse
• Spring Green General Store

Holiday Antique Shopping

Anyone can go online and click “add to cart.” Why not go the extra mile this holiday season and gift everyone on your list with charming finds and one-of-a-kind antiques? A treasure trove of vintage surprises, Sauk County is a collector’s dream, as it’s dotted with thoughtfully curated shops jam-packed with knickknacks, home decor, and Victorian-era furniture just waiting to be unearthed.

Best spots for holiday antique shopping:

• Oak Street Antiques (608-355-1301)
• A Vintage Co-op (608-356-2030)
• Five Sisters Antiques

Snowmobiling

When adventure calls, be ready to answer from behind the handlebars of a high-octane snowmobile. Not only is snowmobiling an exhilarating way to take in the natural wonders of Sauk County, but it’s also a pretty good workout. With around 211 miles of snowy trails to be explored, you’re bound to get your adrenaline pumping while also capturing some pretty amazing memories. 

Best spots for snowmobiling:

• Sauk County Snowmobile Trails