Wisconsin State Parks offer candlelight skis and hikes

MADISON – Cross-country ski and hiking trails illuminated by hundreds of candles will again entice skiers and hikers to check out their favorite, or perhaps a new, trail at a Wisconsin State Park, Forest or Trail this winter.

Candlelight events are some of the most popular winter activities at parks and forests, with some events attracting hundreds of skiers and hikers. At many events, park or forest staff or organized "friends groups" build campfires or have fires in warming houses. Some events offer grills for visitors to cook food, and others offer hot chocolate or other snacks for sale.

"Candlelight skis and hikes provide visitors with a unique opportunity to view trails in a new way," says Wisconsin State Parks Director Bill Morrissey. "The trails look very different under the glow of the luminaries."

In general, the events are held on beginning-level ski trails with gently rolling hills; however, some parks do set candles out on more difficult trails for advanced skiers. The trails are lit with between 200 to 400 candles per mile. Most events begin after dusk, about 5 to 6 p.m., and run until about 9 p.m.

The candlelight ski events themselves are free, but park visitors must have either an annual or a daily vehicle admission sticker.

More than 25 candlelight skis or hikes are scheduled this winter at Wisconsin state parks, trails and forests. However, due to unseasonably warm temperatures again this year, much of southern Wisconsin does not currently have adequate snow to hold candlelight skis. In some of those cases, the events will be held as candlelight hikes; in other cases they are cancelled. In addition, events may be cancelled due to rain, ice or other weather conditions. People interested in attending an event should contact the park, forest or trail office directly to confirm if it will be held. If a property decides to cancel, the event is usually canceled by noon.

In addition to candlelight skis, scenic trails may also be open for hiking and/or snowshoeing. Other specific activities may include guided tours, bonfires, ice skating, and refreshments.

The candlelight skis or hikes scheduled this winter are listed on the DNR Web site. For more information on these and other winter activities in Wisconsin state parks, forests, recreation areas and trails, contact the Wisconsin State Park property directly or the Wisconsin State Park System Office at (608) 266-2181, or check out the Wisconsin State Parks Web site at http://www.wiparks.net.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Wisconsin State Parks - (608) 266-2181

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