Cross-Country Ski Trails Open at Lake County Forest Preserves

There's plenty of snow now to get out and enjoy some cross-country skiing at Lake County Forest Preserves around Deerfield, Highland Park and Lake Forest.

Cross-country skiing is now open along any Lake County Forest Preserve hiking trail, except at Ryerson Conservation Area in Riverwoods, where a 4-inch snow base is required to protect sensitive habitat at that dedicated Illinois Nature Preserve site. Check out these forest preserve locations to learn more: For current winter sports conditions, call the LCFPD hotline at (847) 968-3235. Cross-Country Skiing Trails Now Open in Highland Park Got a favorite spot? Tell us in the comments.

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Cross-Country Skiing Trails Now Open in Highland Park

Enjoy cross-country skiing in Highland Park.

Finally there is enough snow for some outdoor sporting action! The cross-country skiing trails are now open at Heller Nature Center in Highland Park, according to the Park District of Highland Park's Facebook. Cross-country skis are currently being rented. Heller Nature Center, located at 2821 Ridge Road, in Highland Park, has three miles of ungroomed trails. Residents can rent skis for the day whenever snow conditions permit (4” base or greater). Overnight rentals are not available. Rental packages include no-wax skis, boots and poles. Sizes available for age 6 through adult. A driver’s license or $20 deposit is required per set of skis. Reservations are not accepted. Cash, check or credit card payments are accepted. Call (847) 433.6901 …

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Nature Reserve Opens for Cross-Country Skiing

Residents came out in droves to cross-country ski this week at Heller Nature Reserve.

Heller Nature Reserve turned into a booming cross-country skiing spot on Monday and Tuesday, as dozens of people rented skis and glided through the reserve's three miles of ungroomed trails. Cross-country skiing is available at the reserve as long as there are at least four inches of snow on the trail. Ski rentals are available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday. Rentals cost $7 for children and $12 for adults. Check out our photo gallery of Tuesday's cross-country skiing below. Then, if you're interested in giving it a shot, click here to find out the weather forecast for the rest of the week.

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