Four ways to enjoy winter in Rusk County

Winter is here, so that means it's a great time to get outside and play in Rusk County. Whether you're a snowmobiler or a snowshoer, a skier or an angler, there are plenty of ways to have fun in Rusk County. Here are four of our favorites.

Snowmobiling
Rev your engines and ride more than 300 miles of groomed snowmobile trails that wind through the amazing scenery of Rusk County. Nine clubs are responsible for maintaining and grooming the trails throughout the county. Check out our snowmobiling page to see the latest trail reports, view a trail map and find links to local snowmobile clubs.

Christie Mountain
Did you know that there's a skiing, snowboarding and tubing oasis in the Blue Hills of Rusk County? Christie Mountain, located near the village of Bruce, is about a 25-minute drive from Ladysmith and offers 22 lighted downhill ski runs, with 350 feet of vertical drop and a long run of 4,000 feet. Ski and snowboard rentals are available on site.

Visitors who aren't interested in skiing or snowboarding can take advantage of Christie Mountain's six snow tube runs, which range from gentle slopes to a fast lane featuring bumps and jumps.

Ice fishing
Anglers have more than 250 lakes and flowages to explore in Rusk County, so that means top-notch ice fishing opportunities every winter. Popular spots including Lake Flambeau (also known as the Dairyland Flowage), an 1,870-acre body of water that's home to musky, panfish, bass, walleye and more, and Potato Lake, a secluded lake in the southwestern part of the county that has healthy populations of panfish, bass, pike and walleye.

If you're up for a little competition, check out Fun on the Frozen Flambeau, an annual event held in February by the Ladysmith Lions Club, which includes an ice fishing contest and other fun activities like turkey bowling, snow sculpting, barstool races and live music.

Silent sports
In the Blue Hills, cross-country skiers and snowshoers will find more than 20 miles of multi-use trails nestled in a beautiful natural setting. The area's cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails are maintained by the Blue Hills Trail Association.

Need a place to stay after your winter adventures? Browse Rusk County's welcoming lodging properties.