Bemis Woods Cross-Country Ski Trail

Persons may Cross Country Ski in all areas of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County (except in Special Use Areas) from sunrise to sunset, seven (7) days a week.

The gently rolling terrain at Bemis Woods offers excellent skiing for beginners and advanced skiers alike. For the non-skiers Bemis Woods also offers sledding, coasting and tobogganing.

Bemis Woods is located on the North side of Ogden Avenue West of Wolf Road.

Bemis Woods Cross-Country Ski Trail Map

Rules of the Trail

Following these rules for cross-country conduct will make your skiing safer and more fun.

1. RESPECT OTHERS: Ski so that you don’t endanger or offend others.
   
2. SKI RIGHT: Ski the right-hand track. Groups should ski single file on the right side of the trail.
   
3. MEETING: Keep to the right when meeting. On hills, downhill skiers have the right of way.
   
4. POLES IN: Keep your poles close to your body when near other skiers.
   
5. KEEP TRAILS CLEAR: If you stop, get out of the track. If you fall, get up and out of the track quickly.
   
6. WATCH YOUR SPEED: Suit your skiing speed to your personal ability, the terrain, visibility especially on hills. Keep a safe distance from skiers ahead. As a last resort, fall intention-ally to avoid a collision.
   
7. DON’T LITTER: Don’t carry in what you cannot carry out. Carrying litter is easy — it’s light.
   

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