Camp Sagawau 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 Camp Sagawau trails traverse a scenic area of forest and prairie. The Sag Trail is gentle and well-suited to the beginner while the Ridge Run is more rolling, and appropriate to intermediate or advanced level skiers. Ski information and a warm up area is available. The trails are groomed and tracked as snow conditions warrant. Skiers must obtain a free trail pass in the Farmhouse before skiing.

Camp Sagawau is on Route 83 east of Archer Avenue or four miles west of the Swallow Cliff Winter Sports Area.

Camp Sagawau Cross-Country Ski Trail Map

Nordic Ski Program

A complete Nordic Ski Program, including lessons for all ability levels, nature ski tours, school group programs, and ski rentals, is available at Camp Sagawau. Call (630) 257-2045 for a complete ski program brochure.

Camp Sagawau was established to promote the study of our environment and provide the opportunity to experience the beauty of nature. The nordic ski program includes:

• Seminars
  
• Lessons at all Levels of Ability
  
• Instructors Clinic
  
• School Group Programs
  
• Group Lessons
  
• Nature Ski
  
• Trail Skiing
  
• Equipment Rental
  

Sagawau Nordic is open for skiing daily, pending adequate snow conditions, 9:30am until sunset or 5pm, from late December until early March. Please call for existing snow conditions and exact opening and closing dates. We have six kilometers of groomed and tracked trails, free parking, washrooms, drinking water, and warm-up and waxing areas. Alcoholic beverages and pets are prohibited.

The Sagawau Nordic Ski Program is designed to teach technique, assist in selecting equipment, and help you share the excitement, wonder, and beauty of winter in your Forest Preserves of Cook County. Some age restrictions apply. All groups must pre-register. School groups are always welcome.

COST

All prices subject to change without notice.

LESSON: $10.00 per person/per day
RENTAL: $10.00 per person/per day, includes: skis, poles, boots
COMBO: $18.00 per person/per day, includes: lesson and rental

Rental equipment can be checked out from 9am — 3:00pm on days suitable for skiing, and is for use only on Camp Sagawau trails. A valid Illinois driver’s license or $40.00 deposit is required.

All lessons require pre-registration. Reservations for lessons can be made NO EARLIER than on the Monday morning immediately preceeding the activity.

For information regarding any of our programs and general operation, please call (630) 257-2045, or fax (630) 257-8026.

Visit our Camp Sagawau page for information on other programs at Camp Sagawau...

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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