Winter Sports

Unlike some of the wildlife that live within them, America’s public land / recreation areas do not hibernate for the winter. Rather, many of these areas are open to a host of recreational opportunies unique to the season. Cross-country and downhill skiing as well as snowshoeing, snowboarding, and dogsledding are just a few of the activities that you can enjoy on public lands. Licensing, fees and seasonal restrictions vary from site to site.

For detailed information on a particular location, please contact that site directly.

What do we mean by Winter Sports ?

RecML, the recreation standard that is being developed, describes winter sports as:

snow/ice activities (overall), sledding, downhill skiing, ice skating outdoors,
snowboarding, cross country skiing, ice fishing, snowshoeing

Practice Good Stewardship of our Public Lands:

You can help to take good care of our public lands so that others may enjoy these areas for years to come by practicing some of the following actions:

Don't Litter... take along a trash bag or other receptacle for collecting your trash so that you can deposit it in the proper trash receptacle.

Make sure that you are using the correct type of winter sports equipment permitted in that area. Check with your destination ahead of time to see what types of equipment are allowed.

Don't recreate in areas where you are not permitted. These areas have been declared "off limits" to recreationists to protect wildlife, vegetation, or for your safety.

Safety While Enjoying Winter Sports:

Dress appropriately for your sport and for the climate. You may need equipment ranging from helmets, goggles, boots, cold weather gear and other safety equipment.

Be mindful of the hazards that cold weather can present so that you can enjoy winter sports safely

Do not feed the local wildlife

Be courteous and remember that you are sharing public lands with other recreationists

Do not recreate on unauthorized areas

Bring along extra safety items such as water, flashlights, maps, and a cellphone or radio