Blue skies and mild December temps greeted skiers this morning at Mount Ashwabay, where the overnight low hovered around 39.6°F. Located in Bayfield, Wisconsin, Mount Ashwabay ski resort offers 14 runs and 15 kilometers of cross-country ski trails.
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Humidity
Despite the unseasonably warm weather, a 9-inch snowpack remains on the trails, though that’s significantly below average for this time of year. Groomers are working overtime to maintain coverage on open trails, and early risers were rewarded with soft corduroy and excellent views of Lake Superior. While conditions are currently skiable, thin coverage exists in some lower elevation areas, so caution is advised.
Looking ahead, things are about to turn wintry. A fresh 1.37 inches of snow is forecast over the next 24 hours, with additional accumulation of 2.3 inches expected in the next three days and 2 inches more by midweek. Local reports highlight Ashwabay as a top pick among Wisconsin’s smaller ski hills, especially with nearby resorts seeing similar early-season struggles. As featured in recent state roundups, Mount Ashwabay remains a must-visit for holiday skiers seeking charming small-town vibes and a family-friendly mountain experience. Keep your gear waxed—fresh turns are on the way.
Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) shows how much water the snow holds. This is ideal for year-to-year tracking of real snowfall and water resources. Measurements from Bayfield Fish Hatchery.
Snowpack depth measures how much snow has accumulated in the area. This is a key indicator of powder quality, trail coverage, and how epic your runs are going to be this season at Mount Ashwabay.
Recent air temperature fluctuations at Mount Ashwabay impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.
The Mount Ashwabay Ski Resort is located in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest in Bayfield, Wisconsin. The ski area is situated on the slopes of Mount Ashwabay, which is part of the Ashland-Bayfield County Highlands region.
The main mountain range in the area is the Penokee Range, which is located to the north of Mount Ashwabay. The Penokee Range is known for its rugged terrain and scenic views of Lake Superior.
Mount Ashwabay itself is a small mountain with a peak elevation of around 1,474 feet. The ski resort features a vertical drop of approximately 320 feet and offers a variety of runs for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.
The mountain aspects of Mount Ashwabay include a mix of open slopes, wooded glades, and challenging steeps. The resort also offers a terrain park for freestyle enthusiasts and a tubing hill for families and beginners.
Overall, Mount Ashwabay Ski Resort provides a unique skiing experience in the heart of Wisconsin's Northwoods.
The resort's best trails are the black diamond runs, including the steep and challenging "The Face." A little-known fact is that the resort was originally a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp in the 1930s. For beginners, the resort's "Learning Lane" is a gentle and wide trail perfect for practicing basic skills. The best apres ski bar in the area is The Pickled Herring, located in nearby Bayfield, which offers a cozy atmosphere and a variety of local craft beers.
Night Skiing | Yes |
Lift Count | 2 Lifts |
Terrain Park | Yes |
Acreage | 65 Acres |
Run Count | 11 Trails |
Top Elevation | 392 Meters |
The ski area received 0" of new snowfall since yesterday.
Weather today, a 20 percent chance of snow before 9am. patchy blowing snow between 11am and 5pm. mostly cloudy, with a temperature falling to around 10 by 5pm. breezy, with a west wind 10 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 40 mph.
Mount Ashwabay is expected to receive up to 2.5" of new snowfall in the next 5 days.
Ski enthusiasts looking for fresh powder should direct their attention toward the Pacific Northwest and the Rocky Mountains, as recent observations indicate new snowfall in these regions. In Washington, the Nohrsc Sawmill Ridge has received 2 inches of fresh snow over the past 24 hours, with a considerable base of 170 inches. Despite the haze and slight chance of thunderstorms, ... Read more