PINEHURST PARK CURRENTLY DOES NOT HAVE A ROPE TOW OR MECHANICAL SKI LIFT.
(but you can help us change that)
“We know dreams can come true, because we have Pinehurst Park”
Christian Peterson - Founder of OutdoorMore, Inc.
What once started as a dream has been slowly turning into our new reality. Since 2013, OutdoorMore, Inc. (501c3) and Pinehurst Park have been working hard to provide residents of the Chippewa Valley with a safe place for outdoor recreation through a variety of year-round activities. We invite everyone to come see what we’ve been building, and to see our vision of what we think Pinehurst Park could become!
Current projects include:
Winter Facility & Ski Area Development
Trail Development
Asphalt Pump Track
Disc Golf
Cross-Country Ski and Snowshoe Trails
We have a saying around here - “The best connection happens without WiFi”. Come out to the park to visit with friends and neighbors, or take a moment to reconnect with yourself in nature. Whatever experience you prefer, Pinehurst Park is here as a resource for you.
If you’d like to show your support for The Pinehurst Project, please consider donating or volunteering if you are able.
winter facility Development
From 1951 to 1967, “Pinehurst Ski Bowl” was the home for downhill skiing in the Chippewa Valley. During that time, the hill was a place for people to be introduced to the sport, and even served as the training facility for the Eau Claire High School ski team, who went on to win the Wisconsin State Championship in 1955 in just their first year attending as a high school team.
After skiing operations ended, the park continued to be one of the most popular sledding areas in the city. 45 years later, in 2012, the non-profit organization, OutdoorMore, Inc., was formed by local community members with the goal of bringing downhill skiing and snowboarding back to the Chippewa Valley.
Phase 1 Development (2013 - 2020)
Since the glory days of “Pinehurst Ski Bowl”, mother nature took back much of the hill. Our project began in 2013 with tree removal to once again open up the ski runs on the hill. The hill was re-graded to lessen the steepness of the slope in order to make it more safe for park users. Following the lead of Dunn County Snowpark, a hiking terrain park was developed at Pinehurst for skiers and snowboarders. Cross-Country ski trails were also cut through the forest to the east of the main hill, which are now lighted for night skiing, and the parking lot was expanded. A brand-new paddle-tow ski lift was also purchased and is currently awaiting installation.
Phase 2 Development (2020 - 2025)
The next phase of development is geared towards prepping the hill and re-opening as a lift-served ski, snowboard, and tubing facility. Our lift is not yet operational, but that could be changing soon. Phase 2 improvements include the following:
Lift Installation (Concrete anchors, electric hook-up, loading/unloading stations, lift operator booths, etc.)
Hill Preparations
Continued dirt work (grading the lift line, tubing lanes, cat track, midway unload station, etc.)
Expanded light coverage on ski hill and tubing hill for night operations
Hill cleanup (remove stumps, rocks, debris from hill)
Ski Area Facility Needs
Fencing/Padding
Purchasing tubes
Ski/Snowboard racks
Picnic tables
Equipment storage
Ski Patrol
In order to complete Phase 2 Developments, we will need the support of our community. Please consider donating or volunteering if you are able.
Phase 3 Development (2025 & Beyond)
Once we are operational, we can turn our focus towards enhancing the winter experience for our visitors. Our vision for Pinehurst Park includes:
Snowcat for grooming
Permanent storage/maintenance garage
Additional lights
Snowmaking
Rental equipment and expanded lessons programming
New base lodge to replace existing warming house
Trail Development
Pinehurst Park is excited to introduce the Bike Park concept to Eau Claire. Our trails provide a little something for everyone - from cross country trails, progressive downhill, flow trails, and dirt jumps. Come explore the forest and find your new favorite trail!
Trails are open for hiking and trail running, but please use caution when on the trails and yield to bikers.
If you enjoy playing in the dirt and meeting other riders, join us on Monday evenings throughout the season for weekly trail building.
Asphalt Pump Track
In 2022, we completed the process of building a new Pump Track at Pinehurst. A pump track includes a series of rollers and banked turns and can be used with bikes, skateboards, scooters, and rollerblades. This is the first asphalt pump track to be developed in the Chippewa Valley.
Disc Golf
Developed in 2020, our 10-hole disc golf course is located in the forest to the east of the ski hill, following along the cross-country ski trails. Finish your round by throwing a long shot from the top of the hill! Please be aware of and yield to bike traffic while you are on the course.
Cross-Country and Snowshoe Trails
Our cross-country ski trails feature a series of loops that are designed for skiers ranging from beginner to expert. Get started on a flat trail, or climb the hills if you’re looking for a good workout. All trails feature lights that are on until 10pm daily.
During the winter months, our mountain bike trails can be accessed via fat bike or snowshoes. Snowshoes are available to rent at the warming house through the Wintermission Gear-Share program. These rentals are free, so it makes for a great activity for those looking to spend some time outside. There is enough overflow light from the ski trails for the snowshoe trails to be used at night. Look for the blue snowshoe trail markers, as seen in the image below.
