From The Editor: What To Do This Winter?

Would you like me to answer the question in that title?

Of course, you do!

The list is long. This issue has a list of things to do this winter. There are places to go this winter. We have a couple of ideas in mind.

These are a part of the answer. Perhaps not the answer you really want to read from me. However, it is my job to guide you towards answering the question above.

I defer to the fact that you have so many things to do this winter season. What we publish in this issue simply scratches the surface of the multitude of answers one could yield from that oft-asked question.

Maybe I could fill in some of the blanks…

You could ski. It was one of the best ways to get through the snow. We’re mostly Nordic-type skiers and Loppets celebrate this form of cross-country skiing to the fullest. It brings people together as they tackle miles of trails on two skis, poles, and determination. And it’s not the only type of skiing you could do in this state – there’s always the thrill of going downhill, too!

In addition, a few Minnesota State Parks are open year-round for other winter activities, such as hiking on trails in snowshoes or taking your snowmobile on several state-maintained trails.

Did you know that Minnesota has 22,000 miles of snowmobile trails? That’s a lot of miles to cover on a vehicle that looks like a heck of a lot of fun!

Of course, this year is supposed to be an El Niño year. We could get snow, ice, slush…or nothing at all. Whatever happens, I suppose.

The point is that we can be as active as we want and enjoy what our winter will throw at us. We always take it stride. It is what makes us Minnesotans.

In this issue, we have a few suggestions to answer the question of what to do this winter. You could go away to a sunnier place, work on your tan, and come back ready for spring. Or, head somewhere that celebrates winter in all of its glory. You can stick around and take in one of our traditional events.

One thing we really do not suggest is to go completely into hibernation. Granted, with the variety of choices in food and grocery delivery services, you effectively could.

This is our final editorial issue of 2023. This is the last issue that you will see our writing at our best. On behalf of the editorial team, we thank you for your support of the content we produce in these pages, online, and through social media.

And we shall see you in 2024! Happy Holidays, everyone!