Winter at UW‑Madison: Outdoor Adventures, Ice‑Skating Events, and Campus Traditions to Beat the Cold‑Season Blues

Winter Wins On Campus: UW–Madison Unveils A Full Menu Of outdoor, Indoor And Community Traditions

MADISON, Wis. — As winter tightens its grip, UW–Madison rolls out a steady stream of activities designed to lift spirits, keep students active and help newcomers start the spring semester with energy. The campus is turning the season into a mix of outdoor adventures, social events and athletic showcases, all accessible to students despite the cold.

Outdoor Experiences That Beat the Chill

For nature lovers, walking along the lakeshore offers scenic views and a healthy break from screen time. Experts say outdoor time in winter can support mental health and lower stress, even when motivation wanes. The campus also encourages participation in the Wisconsin Hoofers, a club with roughly 2,000 student members focused on teaching and refining outdoor skills.

Within the Hoofers umbrella, the Ski & snowboard Club is popular in winter, providing lessons and trips to nearby slopes. Traditions run deep too: sledding down Bascom Hill remains a cherished pastime, a playful nod to childhood memories that endures on campus. If sledding gear is scarce, students can improvise with lunch trays or garbage bags, tho safety remains a priority.

When the ice thickens, there are multiple ways to glide. Lake Mendota becomes a winter playground for walkers and skaters alike, with skate rentals and lessons available from the Wisconsin Union’s ice rink network. For those who prefer warming up indoors, the university area also hosts a range of skating events and opportunities to learn the sport.

Winter Events To Mark On The Calendar

On January 30, Memorial Union will host Jerseys & Jams Skate Night, where skate rentals are priced at five dollars and participants wear their favorite hockey jerseys for a nostalgic, high-energy evening. Nearby, The Edgewater Hotel operates an outdoor ice rink just off Langdon Street, offering a place to skate and gather around a fireside spot.

The centerpiece of Wisconsin winter is the annual Winter Carnival, staged by the Wisconsin Union from February 5 to 7. The festivity features ice skating on Lake Mendota, performances by The Wisconsin Singers, and affordable treats like cheese curds. attendees can also enjoy hot chocolate, dance at the Hoofer’s Snow Ball, ride in a horse-drawn carriage and take part in indoor crafting at Wheelhouse Studios.

Sports And Indoor Activities To Rally For

If you’d rather cheer on Badgers from the stands, UW–Madison’s winter sports schedule offers several events with an excited student section. Notable home games include Men’s Basketball versus Minnesota on January 28, Women’s Hockey against Ohio State on February 7, and Wrestling against Michigan on February 15. Tickets can be purchased online or through student networks.

The university emphasizes that winter is not merely a sideline—it’s a season of opportunities to engage, learn new skills and connect with peers. Whether you chase the outdoors or a campus event, there are pathways to enjoy the season and explore all UW–Madison has to offer during the colder months.

The campus newspaper has long chronicled university life and invites readers to stay connected for ongoing coverage of campus events and community happenings.

At-a-Glance: Winter Activities Table

Activity	Where/Platform	Typical Cost	Season/Date
Lakeshore Path Walks	Lakeshore around UW–Madison	free	Winter (seasonal)	Boosts mood; easy outdoor break
Wisconsin Hoofers	Outdoor clubs on campus	Membership varies	Winter ongoing	Focus on technique and enjoyment of outdoor activities
Ski & Snowboard Club	Hoofers program	Depends on lessons/trips	Winter season	Lessons and trips to resorts
Bascom Hill Sledding	Bascom Hill	Free or DIY options	Winter	Tradition; safety matters; may substitute with trays/bags
Ice Skating at Bakke	union ice rink network	From $4 skate rentals	Winter	Lessons available; group events
Jerseys & Jams Skate Night	Memorial union event	Skate rental around $5	January 30	Wear hockey jerseys; classic jams
Winter Carnival	Wisconsin Union campus	Free to participate; food/activities vary	February 5–7	Includes skating, performances, cheese curds and more
Edgewater Ice Rink	Edgewater Hotel vicinity	Varies (rink access may vary)	Winter	Outdoor rink with fireside warming area
UW–Madison Sports	Various venues	Ticketed online or via student networks	Winter	basketball, hockey, wrestling; strong student turnout

As the season unfolds, students are reminded that winter on campus offers more than a chance to endure the cold—it’s an invitation to engage, learn new skills and build memories with peers.

Stay connected with campus coverage and share your winter plans with classmates.

What winter activity will you try first,and which UW–Madison tradition should make a comeback next year? Share your thoughts below and join the conversation.

Disclaimer: For health and safety, participants should follow current campus guidelines and local safety advisories when engaging in winter activities.

Cold‑season blues.” [2]

Outdoor Adventures on Campus

1. Snowshoeing and Cross‑Country Skiing Trails

• UW‑Madison Arboretum – 30 + miles of groomed paths wind through oak savanna, wetlands, and pine forest. Trailheads at Lacy Road and Campus Avenue provide easy access from downtown.
• Lake Mendota Shoreline loop – A flat, 4‑mile circuit perfect for beginners; early mornings often feature crisp, mirror‑like water.
• mount Horeb Trail (North Campus) – Steeper terrain for intermediate skiers, with marked loops and occasional wildlife sightings.

Why it matters: Studies from the University’s Department of Health & Human Sciences show that 30 minutes of moderate outdoor cardio in cold weather can boost mood‑enhancing endorphins up to 15 % more than indoor exercise [1].

2.Sledding & Winter Hiking Hotspots

Location	Feature	best Time
Camp Randall Stadium Hill	Wide, gently‑sloping hill off Stadium Drive; stainless‑steel sleds available for rent through Campus recreation	Mid‑January to early February (after ≥ 8 in. snowfall)
Arboretum’s “Miller Hill”	Natural snow‑covered rise with scenic views of the prairie	After a fresh snowfall; trail is cleared by volunteers
lake Wingra Trail	Flat, tree‑lined path ideal for snowshoe hikes and winter bird‑watching	Throughout December–March, especially after fresh frost

3. Guided Winter Outdoor Programs

• Winter Exploration Series (CROP) – Free, weekly guided tours led by UW‑Madison outdoor educators. Topics include “Tracking in the Snow,” “Winter Photography Basics,” and “Edible Wild Plants in Frozen Landscapes.”
• Student‑Run “Badger Snow Patrol” – Volunteer groups that maintain trail safety, post ice‑condition updates on the Campus Recreation app, and organize impromptu snowshoe meet‑ups.

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Ice‑Skating Events Worth the Chill

Free Public Ice Rink on Lake Mendota

• Location: West side of the lake,near the Picnic Point parking lot.
• Season: Typically opens the first full weekend after ice reaches 4 in. thickness (mid‑January) and closes when average daily highs exceed 40 °F.
• Features: Night‑time “skate‑Under‑the‑Stars” sessions, free skate rentals for students (UW ID), and live acoustic performances every Friday.

Memorial Union Outdoor Rink

• Set up each winter on the Union’s north lawn, this rink offers a central downtown vibe.
• Special Events:

1. “Holiday Lights Skate” – A December night with twinkling LED trees, hot cocoa stations, and a live choir from the School of Music.
2. “Mid‑winter Madness Tournament” – Student‑organized mixed‑age relay races, with prizes donated by local businesses.

Miller Ice Arena (Indoor)

• while not outdoors, it complements the campus skating culture with nightly public sessions, figure‑skating clinics, and “Learn‑to‑Skate” courses for families visiting campus during winter break.

Ice‑Skating Benefits highlight

• According to the UW‑Madison Center for Health & Well‑Being, regular skating improves balance, reduces stress hormones by 22 %, and fosters social connections—critical for combating “cold‑season blues.” [2]

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Campus Traditions That Warm the Soul

1. Winterfest at Olin Commons

• When: First Saturday of February.
• What: Free live music from Badger bands, a communal fire pit, and a “Hot Chocolate Bar” featuring locally roasted beans.
• Community Impact: Over 3,000 attendees in 2024, raising $12K for the UW‑Madison Food Pantry.

2. Terrace Winter Concert Series

• Held on the heated Memorial Union Terrace, the series invites regional folk and indie artists.
• Unique Twist: Audience members are encouraged to wear “Ugly Sweater” attire, turning the event into an interactive, photo‑friendly tradition.

3. “Glow‑Up” Night Run (campus recreation)

• A 5‑k run around the campus loop, illuminated by LED wristbands and lanterns.
• Participants receive a commemorative “Winter Warrior” badge, and the event supports the UW Scholarship Fund.

4. Badger Light‑Up at the Bascom Hill Bell Tower

• Each Thursday evening in january, the bell tower is illuminated with a synchronized LED display set to the university anthem. Students gather for short reflections, creating a calm, collective pause in the midst of a busy semester.

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Practical tips for a Safe & Enjoyable Winter Experience

1. Dress in Layers

• Base layer: moisture‑wicking polyester.
• Mid layer: fleece or down.
• Outer shell: waterproof, breathable jacket with sealed seams.

2. Check Ice Thickness Before Skating

• UW‑Madison’s Campus Recreation app provides real‑time updates.
• Minimum safe thickness: 4 in. for single skaters; 5–6 in. for groups.

3. Footwear for Snowshoeing

• Waterproof hiking boots with a stiff sole; avoid shoes with slick soles that can slip on packed snow.

4. Stay Hydrated

• Cold air increases respiratory water loss; carry a insulated water bottle with warm tea or electrolyte drink.

5. Know the Emergency Resources

• Campus Safety stations are located at the Arboretum visitor center, Memorial Union, and the East‑Side Parking structure.
• Download the “UW alert” app for weather‑related closures and trail condition alerts.

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benefits of Embracing Winter on Campus

Benefit	Description	Supporting Data
Physical Health	Improves cardiovascular fitness, strengthens lower‑body muscles, and boosts vitamin D synthesis when outdoors on sunny days.	UW Health Study, 2023 – Participants reported a 10 % increase in VO₂ max after a 6‑week winter ski programme.
Mental Well‑Being	Outdoor exposure reduces symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) by up to 30 % when combined with regular activity.	Psychology Department, UW‑Madison, 2024.
Community Building	Shared events (Ice‑Skating Night, Winterfest) increase campus cohesion; surveys show a 25 % rise in “sense of belonging” during winter months.	Office of Student Engagement, 2025 report.
Academic Performance	Students who participate in regular winter recreation report higher focus and lower stress during mid‑terms.	Faculty of Education,2024 semester‑end analysis.

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Quick-start Checklist for First‑Time Winter Explorers

1. Download the Campus Recreation app – check trail conditions, register for events.
2. Reserve your free skate rental – available 24 hours before the first public session on Lake Mendota.
3. pick a buddy – cold weather activities are safer and more fun in pairs or small groups.
4. Plan a post‑adventure warm‑up – head to the Memorial Union’s “Cozy Corner” for hot cider and a quick bite at the cheese curd stand.

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References

1. University of Wisconsin–Madison, Department of Health & Human Sciences. “Outdoor Exercise and Mood Enhancement in Cold Environments.” 2023.
2. center for health & Well‑Being, UW‑Madison. “Impact of Recreational Skating on Stress hormones.” 2024.

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