We sent one of our staff members out to the groomed trails of Sagawau Environmental Learning Center in Lemont to try cross-county skiing for the first time… it wasn’t pretty, but it was fun!

The ultimate lesson? First time skiers should take advantage of Sagawau’s ski lessons! Sagawau also provides ski rentals, a beautiful lodge and groomed and tracked trails.

Have your own skis? During winter, cross-country skiing is allowed in all areas of the forest preserves (except golf courses and most nature centers).