Golf Gives Way to Winter Activities at Northern Clubs

Ravinia Green CC in Riverwoods, Ill. and Hilly Haven GC in De Pere, Wis. are staying busy over the offseason with activities such as ice skating, skiing, snowshoeing and fat-tire biking. Ravinia Green, a private club, is offering member-for-a-day opportunities, while Hilly Haven is using the honor system at its property.

Golf season has taken an extended break for the winter months, but Ravinia Green Country Club in Riverwoods, Ill. and Hilly Haven Golf Course in De Pere, Wis. have opened their doors for seasonal activities.

Ravinia Green Country Club—known in the summer months for golf, swimming and tennis—has added ice skating, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and more, giving members a safe way to stay active during the winter months.

“We are so excited to be offering, for the first time, these winter activities to our members,” said Tony Rizzo, General Manager. “Not only can they safely spend time together outside during this challenging time, but these are all fun, healthy recreational activities that many will be experiencing for the first time.”

An outdoor winter chalet features an ice-skating rink and a nearby warming hut with seasonal beverages like hot chocolate. Members also have access to skeet and trap shooting at Rolling Green Country Club in Arlington Heights, Ill.

Ravinia Green Country Club is offering member-for-a-day opportunities for the community to enjoy the winter activities.

In Wisconsin, Hilly Haven Golf Course has converted its course for the winter into trails, WBAY reported. In addition to skiing, the club is allowing fat bikes on its trails.

“You just come in and we have a dropbox by the main door. It’s by the honor system—we don’t track anything—and you can come in at your leisure,” said Kristin Stelzer, Hilly Haven’s General Manager.

Charles Demske, a co-owner and Superintendent of Hilly Haven, told WBAY there are different types of trails.

“Two different sets of trails … we have one set that we specifically groomed for skiing so that’s skate skiing and traditional classic skiing, but also this year … the new trail is the fat bike trails, and hiking and snowshoe trails,” said Demske.

Demske discussed the winter activities, and more, in a C+RB Super in the Spotlight.

The trails are open seven days a week beginning at dawn, WBAY reported. Dogs are welcome at the trails before the sun goes down.