Year‑Round Fun at Sand Valley Extends Past Golf Season

When author Paul Theroux described winter as “the season of restoration and preparation,” he clearly wasn’t thinking of central Wisconsin, where recreation also plays a central role.

At Sand Valley, located in the heart of Wisconsin, the golf season has concluded for 2026. However, a variety of activities are now taking off at this destination designed for year‑round enjoyment.

Here’s what to expect in the coming months.

Snow‑Covered Trails

Sand Valley’s golf courses are walk‑only, but in winter the terrain transforms. The same dunes that frame the fairways become perfect for snowshoeing, Nordic skiing, sledding, fat‑tire biking and hiking. These activities are complimentary, and the resort provides snowshoes, sleds and bikes on a first‑come, first‑served basis. Skiers must supply their own equipment.

Ice Activities

When Luna Lake freezes, it offers free curling for visitors. The resort supplies brooms, stones and balancers for two full teams. Mirror Lake and Glacial Lake host ice hockey and broomball (a variant played with brooms and rubber‑soled shoes). Equipment such as sticks, brooms, gloves and goals is provided, though participants need their own skates. Lake Leopold is the designated spot for guided ice fishing; the resort furnishes rods, bait and additional supplies through the guide. Safety requires a minimum ice thickness of four inches.

Indoor Comfort

During cold weather, Sand Valley offers year‑round massages for guests seeking relaxation. After indulging in this treatment, visitors may try court tennis, an historic sport sometimes called “the royal sport.”

Court tennis, which predates golf by centuries, dates back to the reign of King Edward III and was later embraced by King Henry VIII. Known as real tennis, it is played on an enclosed court with four walls in play. Only 48 such courts exist worldwide, with 13 in the United States, including the one located in the basement of Sand Valley’s 13,000‑square‑foot tennis center. Wooden racquets and handmade balls are provided. Day guests may rent the court for $60 per hour.

Seasonal Events

Winter at Sand Valley features a family Thanksgiving feast, a New Year’s Eve celebration and a curated culinary series from November through March. Highlights include the “Taste of the West Coast,” showcasing California chefs and wines, and the 5th annual Friends of James Beard Chef Invitational, a weekend of Midwestern culinary talent, demonstrations and fundraising. The resort also hosts the Sand County Classic, its fifth annual pond hockey tournament. Teams of six to eight players compete in a 4‑on‑4 round‑robin format, with games running from Friday to Sunday morning.

For dates and details on these events, click here.

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