Candlelight ski set at Lake Carlos State Park

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Staff and volunteers at Lake Carlos State Park are excited to, once again, host a candlelight ski and snowshoe event.

The event is set to take place this Saturday, February 7 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Lake Carlos State Park, 2601 County Road 38 NE near Carlos.

Interested parties will enjoy skiing by moonlight on 1.5 miles of groomed, cross-country ski trails, which will be lit by candle luminaries. This year, there will be a separate candlelit snowshoe trail.

“This will be the first-ever candlelight snowshoe event at Lake Carlos,” said Ryan Sansness, assistant park manager. “We hope it will prove to be as popular as our candlelight skiing event.”

Organizers said that on a clear night, the trail glows, guiding skiers on a scenic tour through the woods and along Lake Carlos.

After the event, participants can warm up with hot chocolate, cider, coffee and other goodies that will be available at the warming shelter.

There is no charge for the event, but a vehicle permit is required to enter the park and the Great Minnesota Ski Pass is required for skiers 16 years of age or older. The daily vehicle permit and the ski pass are both available at the park for $5 each.

A limited number of snowshoes are available for rent for $6 a pair. They can be reserved by calling the park office at (320) 852-7200.

The park entrance is located 10 miles north of Alexandria on Highway 29, then two miles west on Highway 38.

The event will be cancelled if the temperature at noon on Saturday, February 7 is below 5 degrees Fahrenheit. If more information is needed, call Ryan Sansness at (320) 852-7200.

Tags: lake, carlos, state, park, candlelight, ski