The Boulder Lake Environmental Learning Center (BLELC) and the Duluth XC Ski Club are teaming up for an event to celebrate the season and its opportune conditions for winter sports. The Boulder Night Ski and Snowshoe 2020 happens Saturday, January 25 from 6-8 p.m. starting at the Boulder Lake Wolfski Den.
Select trails at Boulder Lake will be lit by tiki torches during this family-friendly evening (Hawaiian shirts are optional), providing a unique opportunity to cross-country ski or snowshoe after dark.
“It’s a great chance to get outside and be active after the sun goes down during midwinter,” says BLELC Program Director Ryan Hueffmeier. “The lit trails are really festive, and it’s fun for the whole family.”
Families and people of all abilities are welcome. Bear Paw Trail is well-suited to kids and beginner skiers. During this community-building event, attendees can warm up by a bonfire, make s’mores, and participate in games. Sir Ben’s Tavern on the Lake will be furnishing chili and soup.
Boulder Lake ELC has been hosting the family-friendly ski evening for more than 10 years. All proceeds go to support programs at Boulder Lake ELC and the Duluth XC Ski Club.
Details:
Time: 6-8 p.m.
Place: Boulder Lake Environmental Learning Center: 7328 Boulder Dam Road
Cost: $10 for adults; $5 for kids (6-16). Free for kids 5 and under. The fee includes snacks and soup/chili.
Volunteer Opportunities:
Volunteers are needed on Friday and Saturday (January 24 and 25). The event is free for volunteers. Sign up to help (use code "boulder2020" when you register).
Don't have your own skis?
The Ski Hut will have demo skis for the event available for pick-up at their East Duluth location (1032 East 4th Street). First come, first-served. Call ahead to ensure the right size is available.
Continental Ski and Bike is offering free rentals. Visit their website to reserve skis ahead of time with the promo code: BoulderDXC/ELC. Pick up at Continental anytime after 2 p.m. on January 25 at 1305 E. 1st St. in Duluth.
Boulder Lake Environmental Learning Center is a part of the UMD College of Education and Human Service Professions. It provides comprehensive educational programs that contribute to increased understanding and appreciation of natural resource management practices through the Boulder Lake Management Area which provides an interpretive window to showcase resource management and hydropower generation in a working forest, and illustrates the many social, biological, and economic benefits of that forest.