This may be the season where the air hurts our face, but that doesn’t stop us from getting out to enjoy the gifts of a winter wonderland.
Here are some places around Madison where you can suit up for your winter sports adventure and then hit the slopes.
Gear up (for less)
Rich’s Boardsports | For snowboards (and wakeboards in the summer), Rich’s is great for those who want to learn while you shop. They’ll take the time to walk you through everything you need to know about your new gear.
Play It Again | If you know what you want but don’t want to break the bank on brand-new gear, browse the large selection of sports gear for every season.
Hit the slopes
Cascade Mountain | Great for families, Cascade hosts a 900' tubing slope, on-site lessons, and free lift passes for kids (with a paid adult).
Tyrol Basin | Pack light. You can rent a full set of ski or snowboarding gear for $40/day. Snowboarders are welcome to shred gnar at the freestyle terrain park.
Blackhawk Ski Club | While this is a members-only club, the myriad of sporting options may be worth it for some families or individuals. Think: ski jumping, mountain biking, biathlon program, alpine ski/boarding.
Events
Events
Thursday, Jan. 9
Pints + Pilates | 6-7 p.m. | Delta Beer Lab, Fitchburg | $25 | Work your core before working your palate with a variety of yummy brews — bring your own yoga mat.
Beer and Chocolate Pairing | 6-8 p.m. | Starkweather Brewing Company | $37 | Betcha never thought of this winning flavor combo — try out six pairings at this delicious tasting event.
Saturday, Jan. 11
2025 WedPlan Madison Wedding Show | Saturday, Jan. 11 + Sunday, Jan. 12 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Alliant Energy Center | $10 | Are those wedding bells we hear? Browse 200+ vendors and get some ideas for your big day.
Sunday, Jan. 12
Disney Trivia | 6-8 p.m. | Headquarters Bar & Restaurant, Oregon | $5 | Here’s a practice question for you: What is the name of Wendy’s dog in “Peter Pan?”
🤝 Imagine the impact if we all volunteered on January 20
Presented by AmeriCorps
Join AmeriCorps in honoring the life and legacy of Dr. King by volunteering this MLK Day. | Photos provided by AmeriCorps
Did you know? Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Monday, Jan. 20) is the only federal holiday designated as a National Day of Service to encourage all Americans to volunteer.
For 30 years, the MLK Day of Service has grown as more people embrace the idea that citizenship involves taking an active role in improving the communities where we live, work, and play.
Was that a bass dropping or just news about a new music venue that’s set to open this summer? The Atwood Music Hall will be located in the same building Operation Fresh Start has called home for 30 years. Renovations will feature an expanded balcony, extended stage, and new sound-proofing. (WKOW)
Community
A project based on Madison’s north side is seeking to make it easier for schools to purchase produce from local farmers with a new processing facility. The Foodshed Partnership’s new $6 million, 10,000-sqft site would take items like whole, raw carrots and make them easier for schools to use by chopping + packaging them. (The Cap Times)
Edu
According to data collected by The Cap Times, over 10% of the Madison school district’s teachers are employed under one-year emergency licenses, which allow bachelor’s degree holders of any subject to teach in schools. These licenses are intended to fill roles in cases of teacher shortages. (The Cap Times)
Closing
Popular brunch spot Short Stack Eatery is closing its doors. The business announced via Facebook that it will not renew its lease and will serve its last plate of pancakes in May 2025 after about 11 years in business. The owners said they will be moving on to ventures in a different industry. (WMTV)
Finance
High interest rates are daunting, so paying off credit card debt is a top New Year’s resolution for many Americans. If we told you there was a trending card that now has 0% intro APR on balance transfers well into 2026, would you believe us? You should.*
Wellness
Simplify wellness with fast, convenient deliveries that fit your schedule: Thrive Market delivers organic groceries and family essentials straight to your door. (Members save an average of 30% on top brands.) Join today for 30% off your first purchase and a free gift valued at up to $60.*
Health
Weight Loss by Hims & Hers offers a personalized, science-backed approach to weight management. Combining medication, expert support, and digital tools, the program helps individuals reach their weight loss goals. With personalized weight loss treatment plans, simple online access, and no hidden fees, it’s a flexible, affordable solution for lasting results. Learn more.*
Biz
Kickstart your 2025 goals by putting your business in front of our 37,000+ local subscribers. Your message can be here in as little as two days — no long-term contract required. Learn more.
Category (Paid)
Wellness
Sober curious? This liver health test is 25% off.
Presented by Labcorp
Sober Curious? This test could help. | Photo by Getty Images
Dry January gains momentum each year, as more Americans join the sober curious movement to rethink their broader relationship with alcohol. A 2024 survey found that 41% of all American adults planned to reduce alcohol consumption throughout the year, highlighting a growing trend toward moderation (and mocktails).
Taking a break from alcohol doesn’t just benefit mental clarity — it can also improve liver health. Studies suggest that two to four weeks of abstinence may reduce signs of liver inflammation and improve overall liver function.
Labcorp OnDemand’s Liver Health Test provides a deeper understanding of your liver’s condition by screening for inflammation, potential disease, or fibrosis. With Dry January as the perfect starting point for healthier habits, this test helps you gain valuable insights into your wellness journey.
Now through Tuesday, Jan. 21, the Liver Health Test is available for 25% off, no code needed. Make 2025 the year you prioritize your health.
Lindsay Christian’s “Madison Chefs” is but one of many books by local authors. | Photo by 608today | Jonathan Shipley
What’s better than a good book? A good book written by your neighbor. Grab your favorite cup of tea or coffee and get ready to meet your next read, because we’re talking about locally written books in Madison.
Fiction
"Bummer Camp” by Ann Garvin | Release date: Sept. 1, 2024 | Two sisters try to keep a run-down theater camp afloat in this funny and big-hearted novel.
For the family
“Canary Girls” by Jennifer Chiaverini | Release date: Aug. 8, 2023 | The prolific Chiaverini returns with a novel about the “munitionettes,” women who built bombs in Britain’s arsenals during World War I.
The best two-piece sweatsuit for running errands, work-from-home days, or cozy weekends. We love the knit fabric and the roomy turtleneck design for extra comfort.
Think you can come up with a better name than Washington’s Plowy McPlowFace? The City of Madison Parks and Streets Division and Wisconsin Salt Wise are asking for locals’ help naming five snow plows. Check out rules and pictures of the currently nameless pieces of equipment for inspiration on the city’s website.
The deadline for submissions is Friday, Jan. 24. Silliness is encouraged.
}})
