Winter What-to-Do
Lake Minnetonka XC Ski Race
January 15
Come on out for a family-friendly race on Lake Minnetonka in Excelsior Bay. Events include 5K Classic and Freestyle; 10K Classic and Freestyle; 15K Classic and Freestyle; and 2K Kids Race. Registration fees $20 per person per race through Januaary 13, and $25 on the day of race. Kids race free. 5K starts at 10 AM. 15K starts at 10 AM. 10K starts at 10:15 AM. 2K Kids Race starts after the 10K has finished. For more information, or to register, visit www.lakeminnetonkaxcskiclassic.com.
Arctic Fever 2011: Celebrating Five Years of Winter Fun
January 15-16
Hosted by Excelsior, Shorewood, and Tonka Bay, this family-friendly winter extravaganza offers such delights as sleigh rides, cross-country ski racing, dog sled rides, Ice Princess Costume Contest, Nordic hiking, sledding, snowshoeing, skijoring between city parks, bonfires, bike race on Lake Minnetonka, medallion hunt, and much more. It’s a great way to get out of the house, and enjoy all of the things that Minnesota has to offer communities in the wintertime. For more information, visit www.arcticfever.net.
US Pond Hockey Championships
January 21-23
As Founding Commissioner Fred Haberman says, “We love pond hockey because it’s hockey the way nature intended, outside in the elements during the absolute coldest time of the year, playing with others who love the game.” The goal is to celebrate the joy of hockey on a Minneapolis lake each January, with players reuniting with their youth and friends over a weekend when time can stand still, and everyone can be kids for three days. This year, it takes place on Lake Nokomis, Minneapolis. For a full schedule of events, registration information, and times, visit www.uspondhockey.com.
City of Lakes Loppet
February 5-6
The City of Lakes Loppet is a cross-country ski festival featuring the beautiful trails and lakes of the Twin Cities. Join the fun for this celebration of winter in Minnesota. Events include snow-sculpture contests; skijoring; Beer, BBQ, and Vendor Village; and Minnesota Youth Ski League SuperCarnival—in addition to other great outdoor activities for all ages. For information on registering for events, volunteering, or just coming out to watch the fun, visit www.cityoflakesloppet.com.
Midwest Skijorers Club Winter Events
Puppy Love Race
February 12
Snowflake Skijor and Spring Classic
March 5-6
The Midwest Skijorers Club has several events for dogs and their people. On February 12, the Puppy Love Race features skijor and four dog spring classes, kid and mutt race, and purebred awards in Skijor and Sled. Skijoring is a winter sport that combines cross-country skiing with dog power. The skier is attached to a dog with a belt and towline, and is pulled by the dog across the snow. Skijoring is a team sport that allows both human and canine counterparts to exercise, and enjoy the great outdoors. No same-day registration. On March 5-6, the Snowflake Skijor and Spring Classic features an option for a 10 to 12 K course for those interested in a longer race format (skijoring only). No same day registration. For all the details, plus information on registering for events, visit www.skijor.org.
North Country Bears Fur Flee: Fourever
March 4-6
This year’s North Country Bears (NCB) getaway to Duluth-Superior promises to be the biggest and best yet, so get your room reserved and your Flee Collar/Pass before prices go up. Fur Flee was such a great success at the Barkers Island Inn Resort last year that NCB reserved it again, and has got the entire hotel. A restaurant is onsite. Complimentary cocktails will be available in the hospitality suite as part of the run package, along with discounts at the Duluth Sauna, Beer Bust/Liquor specials, access to Pool Parties, and much more. Don’t miss out: Get your Flee Collar now! Reminder: All the Wisconsin bars are smoke-free this year. Tickets bought before January 31 are $50. Tickets purchased between February 1 and March are $60. Barker’s Island Inn Resort, Superior, Wisconsin: (715) 392-7152. For more information, visit www.ncbears.com.
