Discover Olympic-Caliber Winter Fun Across Wisconsin

From cross-country skiing to curling, the Badger State offers a range of unique winter sports experiences.

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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With the 2026 Winter Olympics on the horizon, Wisconsin is offering a variety of Olympic-worthy winter activities for visitors. From cross-country skiing and biathlon training to curling and ice skating, the state provides ample opportunities to experience winter sports at an elite level.

Why it matters

Wisconsin has long been a hub for winter sports, drawing Olympic hopefuls to train and compete in events like the American Birkebeiner cross-country ski marathon. By highlighting these Olympic-caliber activities, the state is positioning itself as a premier winter destination and giving visitors a chance to get a taste of the Olympic spirit.

The details

Visitors can cheer on elite cross-country skiers at the American Birkebeiner in Hayward, try their hand at biathlon at the Ariens Nordic Center in Calumet County, or experience the unique sport of crokicurl in Altoona. Other winter adventures include skating through the snow-covered forests of Boulder Junction on The Glide ice ribbon and hitting the slopes at ski areas like Trollhaugen and Granite Peak.

  • The American Birkebeiner cross-country ski marathon takes place February 18-22, 2026.
  • Crokicurl lessons are offered in Altoona on February 11, 18, and 25, 2026.
  • The Glide ice skating ribbon in Boulder Junction is open throughout the 2025-2026 winter season.

The players

American Birkebeiner

North America's largest cross-country skiing marathon, attracting thousands of elite skiers from across the world.

Ariens Nordic Center

An official U.S. Biathlon National Training Center in Calumet County, featuring 5 kilometers of lighted trails for cross-country skiing and a state-of-the-art shooting range for biathlon training.

Crokicurl

A recently created sport that blends aspects of curling with the Canadian board game Crokinole, played on a rink in Altoona, Wisconsin.

The Glide

An ice-skating ribbon that travels for nearly a mile through the forests of Boulder Junction, Wisconsin.

Trollhaugen

A ski hill in Polk County, Wisconsin that maintains a terrain park perfect for an exhilarating day of tricks and jumps.

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The takeaway

Wisconsin is positioning itself as a premier winter destination, offering a range of unique Olympic-caliber activities that allow visitors to experience the thrill of winter sports at an elite level. From cross-country skiing and biathlon to curling and ice skating, the state provides ample opportunities to get a taste of the Olympic spirit.