Snowmaking is providing fun outdoor activity for thousands each winter!
The Snowmaking Committee of the Friends of Lapham Peak is responsible for fundraising, outreach and coordination of events and other activities related to snowmaking at Lapham Peak.
The Friends of Lapham Peak, in cooperation with the DNR, completed the installation of snow making equipment on about one mile of the ski trails at the Lapham Peak Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest. This includes a water supply pond, electrical power, underground piping, hoses with quick connects, high efficiency snow guns, and a high pressure pump to deliver the water as well as a snow cat to spread the snow. The majority of the funding for this project comes from donations by individuals and businesses.
Manmade snow is critical to the sport of cross country skiing when natural snow is not adequate to fully cover the trails. Manmade snow is indispensable during unpredictable winter weather. Lapham Peak is often one of the only places in Southern Wisconsin to cross country ski; in fact, there are thousands of skiers using the manmade snow loop each season. The park enjoys a regional reputation that draws large numbers of skiers from the Milwaukee and Madison metro areas as well as from Chicago and northern Illinois.
Including the manmade trail section, the park has 15 miles of hiking and natural snow ski trails, with 2.5 miles of lighted ski trails for night skiing until 9pm Mon thru Sat. Lapham Peak is the busiest Wisconsin state park in winter. The cross country ski trails at Lapham Peak, known for their challenging terrain and excellent trail grooming, were awarded the 2011/2012 “Best Cross Country Ski Trails” award by the Friends of Wisconsin State Parks.
The continuation of snowmaking at Lapham Peak relies upon the generosity of donors who use the facility or appreciate the importance of providing a unique outdoor recreational experience for thousands of visitors, including many children, during the cold winter months. Special recognition is given to donors who contribute more than $100.
Links to Documents Relating to The Friends of Lapham Peak Unit Kettle Moraine State Forest