Winter Activities by Snow Type in Door County

As the seasons change from fall to winter in Door County, the chilly weather and snow brings about a whole new set of fun outdoor winter activities. If you are one of the many who embrace winter fun and sports in the cold and snow, here’s a list of excellent ways to play outside, whether the snow is fresh, falling, frozen or nowhere to be seen.

Winter Activities for Fresh & Fluffy Snow (Powder Snow)

When the snow has fallen — or is currently falling — it’s a great time to get outside and enjoy the smooth softness of the fresh white blanket of powder. The light and airy snow, often called "powder," creates a soft surface and the ideal conditions for winter games and seasonal outdoor fun. The snow’s low density allows for smooth maneuvering, adding an extra layer of outdoor enjoyment to these fun snowy outdoor activities. 

Go Sledding Down Thrilling Hills

A fun winter activity for all ages, bring your sled to the park for a speedy ride down the sled hill. Favorite sledding areas include the Sledding Hill at the Village of Sister Bay Sports Complex, the hill at Hole 17 at Peninsula State Park Golf Course, or Big Hill Park and Incinerator Hill in Sturgeon Bay.

Embark on a Snowshoeing Adventure

The quiet crunch of snow underfoot as you explore Door County’s serene winter landscapes snowshoeing is truly breathtaking. With the help of snowshoes to keep your feet dry and above the piling snow, you can enjoy a peaceful yet exhilarating outdoor stroll surrounded by the season's beauty when fresh powder snow blankets the forests and trees. 

With enough pillowy snow, some forest areas are easier to access than during the summer since the underbrush and rocky roots are covered. So strap on your snowshoes and winter gear to discover the hidden wonders of this frosty paradise, one step at a time.

Choose a trail at one of the five state parks or make your own at one of the many outdoor natural areas held by the Door County Land Trust. Need snowshoes or winter gear? Check with one of the several adventure outfitters to make the most of this fun, snowy activity.

Make a Snowman

When powdery snow meets wet snow, you’ve got the perfect conditions to make your own Frosty the Snowman. Wet snow happens when temperatures are closer to the freezing point of 32 degrees, making the snow easily packable — perfect for snowballs, forts, and creating snowmen. Indulge your inner child — or join your kids — and make a snowman or snowwoman! Don’t forget to bring winter clothing – No snowman is complete without the top hat, scarf, and carrot nose!

Take a Ride on a Horse-Drawn Sleigh

There’s no better way to soak up the winter charm of Door County than with a horse-drawn sleigh ride at Mayberry's Carriages when enough snow falls to provide ample powder for the sleighs to glide smoothly over the orchard's trails. This amazing outdoor winter experience takes you through the picturesque grounds of Lautenbach's Orchard Country Winery & Market in Fish Creek.

Your guide will share fascinating insights about the winery, cider mill, and the history of the Lautenbach family’s agricultural legacy during your ride. After the tour, you’ll return to the cozy barn to sample the fruits of the Lautenbach family’s labor. Adults can enjoy wine tastings featuring locally produced vintages, while kids can sip freshly made ciders for a perfect blend of winter fun with local flavor.

Winter Activities for Packed & Crunchy Snow

Packed and crunchy snow conditions form when powder becomes compacted underfoot or through cycles of thawing and refreezing. The denser texture opens up endless possibilities for outdoor fun with its sturdy yet forgiving surface. As long as it’s not overly icy, packed snow offers just the right balance of firmness and grip to enhance your winter explorations by fat bike, snow skis, snowmobiling, and other fantastic winter sports.

Ride the Trails with a Fat Tire Bike

Easily a top outdoor winter sport activity, the oversized tires of a fat tire bike are built to grip textured surfaces. Designed for off-road use, packed, crunchy snow that’s firm but not icy makes every winter ride a smooth adventure and makes fat tire biking the perfect cold-weather sport for this type of snow.

Hop on and hit the fat bike trails at Peninsula State Park or Newport State Park, where winding paths and snowy woods await. This winter sport is a fast, fun, and exhilarating way to dive into Door County’s winter wonderland!

Go Cross-Country Skiing

Another favorite wintertime activity in Door County is hitting the trails of the cross-country ski areas. Glide through snowy wonderlands at Newport, Whitefish Dunes, Potawatomi, and Peninsula State Parks, each offering beautifully groomed trails to explore. For an extra magical experience for this cold-weather sport, check their websites for special candlelight skiing events — where the trails are lit by flickering lanterns, creating a truly unforgettable evening under the stars.

Snowmobile Across the County

When the snow piles up in Door County, it’s time to trade your car keys for a snowmobile throttle! With 250 miles of thrilling snowmobiling trails, cruising through Door County’s winter wonderland becomes the ultimate way to get around.

A great winter sport for thrill-seekers, you can zoom past sparkling bay views, weave through snowy forests, and experience the landscape from an entirely new and exhilarating perspective.

Try Out Kicksledding

Don’t be shy about trying out new winter activities: Kicksledding is a load of family fun. As one of the best activities in the snow, kicksledding embraces Door County’s Scandinavian heritage and is an exhilarating, family-friendly winter sport.

This beloved tradition, rooted in Scandinavia, finds a perfect home on Door County’s snow-covered trails. Just like the early settlers who brought their culture and traditions to Door County, kicksledding combines practicality and playfulness and is perfect for all ages. 

Kicksledding is an easy and fun winter activity for packed, crunchy snow or even a light dusting of snow and ice. With its low seat on runners, a kicksled lets you glide effortlessly through the snowy landscapes, propelled by kicking off with one foot while standing on a runner.

Bring your own sled or rent winter gear at Door County Kicksled in Sturgeon Bay and connect to the land and its rich cultural roots. It’s a playful way for the whole family to honor the past while enjoying Door County’s winter magic today.

Winter Activities for Light Snow

There’s still plenty of winter fun to be had in Door County when light snow dusts the ground. Instead of trudging through deep drifts, you’ll find easy-to-navigate outdoor winter activities that promise just as much fun. See how a little snow can go a long way in creating unforgettable memories with these light snow activities. 

Go Ice Skating

Few activities capture the joy of winter quite like the winter sport of ice skating, with the smooth glide of skates on ice and the cheerful buzz of friends and family sharing the rink. Door County has just the places to make your skating adventures unforgettable.

The Village Sports Complex in Sister Bay features two rinks for all kinds of icy fun. One is designed for recreational skating and figure skating, while the enclosed hockey rink brings the added excitement of broomball and pick-up hockey games. Afterward, take a break by the bonfire and enjoy a steaming cup of hot cocoa from the concession stand. For more skating options, head to Memorial Field in Sturgeon Bay, where another ice skating rink awaits. 

Go Ice Fishing

When the bay freezes over, it’s game on for whitefish, trophy walleye, northern pike, and trout when you’re ice fishing in Door County. As one of the top ice-fishing destinations in the country, this icy paradise draws anglers from near and far. The thrill of reeling in a big catch on the frozen waters of Door County is an experience you won’t want to miss, so make plans to drop a line in one of the hottest spots for cold-weather fishing this season.

Go Horseback Riding

For a winter adventure straight out of a storybook, head to Kurtz Corral in Sturgeon Bay, where the Kurtz family has been introducing riders to the joys of winter horseback riding for 57 years. On a sunny winter day, there’s nothing quite like exploring the snowy trails on horseback. Open Friday through Sunday during the winter months, Kurtz Corral offers a unique way to connect with nature as you take in the serene beauty of the season on your trusty steed. 

Winter Activities for No Snow

Who says winter fun needs a thick blanket of snow for cold-weather activities? In Door County, the excitement never stops, even when the snowflakes are scarce. Whether it’s sipping award-winning wines at cozy local wineries, drinking in breathtaking views on a hike, or hunting for unique treasures at charming shops, there are endless ways to celebrate the season without any snow.

Check Out Door County’s Famous Wineries

Winter isn’t just about snowy adventures—it’s also the perfect season to cozy up and explore Door County’s renowned wineries. Without the hustle of summer crowds, you’ll enjoy a more intimate experience as you sip award-winning wines and take in the serene beauty of the vineyards blanketed in frost. From rich reds to crisp whites and flavorful ciders, Door County’s wineries offer a delightful escape where you can warm up, relax, and savor the flavors of the region.

Go Hiking through Scenic Winter Landscapes

Hiking in Door County isn’t just for summer — it’s a year-round adventure, and winter brings its own special charm to Door County's trails. One of the most popular outdoor winter activities in the area, winter hikes are perfect due to how the forests and shorelines take on a quiet, tranquil beauty. For this reason, outdoor hikes are unmatched in any other season when the bare trees reveal hidden vistas, and the crisp air and frost-kissed landscapes create a peaceful escape from the everyday. 

Shop Around for Winter Gifts & Goods

When the weather’s chilly and snow is nowhere in sight, there’s no better time to explore Door County’s unique shops. Charming boutiques dot the communities, where you’ll find one-of-a-kind gifts, delicious local foods, and stylish clothing to refresh your winter wardrobe.

With fewer crowds, you’ll have plenty of time to browse and chat with friendly shop owners as you browse everything from handcrafted art and cozy décor to gourmet treats and unique souvenirs. Warm up your spirit and take home a little piece of this delightful destination. Don’t forget to check out premier winter clothing and gear for more outdoor winter activities!

Winter Activities in a Blizzard!

When a blizzard sweeps through Door County with its fierce winds, swirling snow, and icy mix, it’s time to embrace the ultimate winter cozy-up. Forget venturing out for cold weather activities — this is your chance to hunker down and experience the charm of life like a true Door County local.

Light the candles, stoke the fire, and bring out a deck of cards or your favorite board games for some old-fashioned fun. Whether you're battling it out in playing a card game or sharing stories by the hearth, a blizzard day in Door County is all about turning the storm into a heartwarming experience.

Stay in a Winter Cabin Rental

The quintessential Door County winter experience awaits you and your family in a cozy cabin. These charming retreats offer the ultimate escape from the storm, with crackling fireplaces, warm blankets, and large windows to watch the snow fall from the comfort of your own private haven.

Many Door County cabins have full kitchens, so you can whip up a hearty meal without venturing outside. Make yourself at home nestled in the woods or perched near a frozen shoreline in a cabin this season for the perfect blend of comfort and adventure while you weather the storm in style. Don’t worry, though – After the weather is clear and it’s safe to go outside, you can dive back into all your favorite snow activities that make winter the perfect season to experience Door County.