TO TOWER RIDGE! The Chippewa Valley Nordic Ski Team and the Eau Claire Ski Striders are hosting several public events over at Eau Claire's Tower Ridge (pictured) in January and February.

Schuss, Schuss, Schuss! That’s the sound of cross-country skis on fluffy, light, and soft snow – perfect for cross country skiing. With the roughly 20 inches of snow we've already received this season, there's no excuse not to get outside!

If you don't know what to do once you're out there, look to these two area groups to get your winter on: the Chippewa Valley Nordic Ski Team “Red Yetis” and the Eau Claire Ski Striders.

Tower Ridge Tuesdays – Citizen Ski Races

The "Tower Ridge Tuesdays – Citizen Ski Races" event series kicked off in mid-December and brings a variety of racing opportunities to town, for folks of all ages. Held from 5:15-8:15pm every Tuesday night at the Tower Ridge Recreation Area (1230 S. 82 Ave., Eau Claire), the Citizen Ski Races will continue through the end of February 2026.

For youths part of the Chippewa Valley Nordic or Kickin' Kids ski groups, races will begin at 5:15pm (2.5k) and 5:30pm (5k). Any adult skiers will take off at 6pm, choosing their technique and race of choice: classic or skate style; 5k or 10k. (And if racing isn't your thing, you can always bundle up to cheer on the racers or enjoy the trails on foot.)

The Citizen Ski Races will take place on the following dates: Jan. 6, Jan. 13, Jan. 20 and Tues. Jan. 27; Feb. 3, Feb. 10, Feb. 17 and Feb. 24.  

Course maps will be provided to every participant, the looped course stretching 2.5k in length.

“There is no finishing clock, no tracking of places and no fancy bibs, but there WILL be cocoa, great people and an awesome atmosphere,” the Facebook event page reads.

Free Cross-Country Ski Lessons For Adults

The Eau Claire Ski Striders also offer recurring events at Tower Ridge during January. The local group will host free cross-country ski lessons for adults, offering two styles: classic and skate (also called freestyle). Each differs in equipment, technique and trail requirements.

Typically, classic is great for beginners and uses classic skis, which are longer and more flexible, with shorter poles (shoulder height) and boots with softer soles. This style uses a diagonal “kick and glide” stride, similar to walking or running.

Skate/freestyle is a faster, more advanced style. Skate skis are shorter and stiffer with longer poles (chin height) and boots with high cuffs for lateral support. This style uses an ice-skating, side-to-side motion, with the skis forming a V-shape for a more intense, athletic workout, demanding more from the legs and core.

The ski lessons will be held on the following dates/times: Wednesday, Jan. 21 from 1-4pm (individual lessons will be offered on Jan. 21 and are estimated to run about one-and-a-half hours); Thursday, Jan. 22 from 4:30-6pm; Thursday, Jan. 29 from 4:30-6pm.

The adult ski lessons' on Mondays will take place under lights at Tower Ridge and occur in conjunction with the Kickin' Kids and Chippewa Valley Nordic youth programs.

The county's $6 entrance fee has been waived for these lesson days, though attendees should email boetchera@prodigy.net beforehand to specify your approximate skill level (beginner, intermediate, advanced) and technique (classic or skate). The instructors will group individuals with similar ski levels and techniques together.

All events have a weather-permitting caveat: above zero degrees and good visibility (i.e. no blizzards). For more information check out the Chippewa Valley Nordic Ski Team "Red Yetis" Facebook, Eau Claire Ski Striders webpage, or Tower Ridge Tuesday – Citizen Ski Races' event page.