Skiing
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Birkie ski race forges ahead despite lack of snow
The largest cross-country ski race in North America will still be held later this month, but race organizers announced Monday that skiers will race on a shortened course over several days for its 50th anniversary.
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Historic ski lodge burns to the ground on North Shore of Lake Superior
A fire has destroyed a historic ski lodge on Minnesota’s North Shore of Lake Superior.
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From ski hills to the world’s largest potato masher, Wisconsin can be fun in winter
Earlier in the year, Wisconsin saw drastic snowfall and cold temperatures. Now, winter is feeling almost spring-like. Despite the warmer-than-usual winter, some seasonal fun can still be had. Anne Sayers, the secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Tourism, joined WPR’s “Morning Edition” host Alex Crowe to share some ideas. This interview was edited for brevity…
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Report: State tax funding for conservation and parks has steadily eroded over decades
When COVID-19 brought lockdowns and gathering restrictions, people flocked to Wisconsin’s outdoors to escape crowds and catch a break from being confined to their homes. But while users crowded parks and trails, the state’s financial support has been on a long decline. Outdoor recreation contributed $7.8 billion to Wisconsin’s gross domestic product in 2020. The…
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Central Wisconsin ski resort to launch major expansion after state approval of Rib Mountain plan
Wisconsin’s largest ski resort will launch a significant expansion after the state approved a new master plan for Rib Mountain. The plan also calls for the creation of new hiking, climbing and mountain biking trails at the central Wisconsin state park. The ancient quartzite hill outside of Wausau is already a site for skiing and…
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Last man racing: In quest to 50 Birkebeiners, man, 74, represents those who stood with him
It was one week before the inaugural American Birkebeiner in 1973, and Ernie St. Germaine didn’t know how to cross-country ski. “I had never seen it before, to be honest,” he said. He was with a friend of his grandfather’s, 72-year-old Lyman Williamson, who couldn’t get the words out of his mouth before his wife…
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Wisconsin athletes competing at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing
A total of 222 athletes will be representing the United States at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing and 19 of them have ties to the Badger State. From reigning gold medal teams in men’s curling and women’s ice hockey to breakout speedskating star Jordan Stolz, Wisconsin athletes will be aiming for the podium when…
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In An Unusual Year, American Birkebeiner Carries On And Aims To Inspire
For nearly 50 years, the American Birkebeiner has been a beloved tradition in the Wisconsin Northwoods when professional and recreational skiers from around the world have descended on Hayward to participate in the event. But like so much since the COVID-19 pandemic began, this year is going to look different. Logistically, safely planning the event…
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Change Your Mind, Clothes For More Comfortable, Enjoyable Treks Outdoors This Winter
Although getting outside during the warmer months was an easier option after COVID-19 forced the closure of stores, restaurants and other businesses, winter’s arrival brings more challenges to the realities of social distancing and wearing masks. Those challenges include getting outside when the sun goes down early and the weather is cold. In taking a…
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New Visions Emerge For Northern Wisconsin Resort
New developers plan to build a lodge and reopen downhill ski slopes at the former Telemark Resort in Cable. But, the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation is also exploring whether to buy the property. The iconic northern Wisconsin resort has been closed since it was bought by Mount Telemark Partners at a sheriff’s auction in 2013.…
