Door County Activities: Skiing Highlights at Whitefish Dunes

A white blanket covers the landscape, but it’s not slowing down the activity at Whitefish Dunes State Park. On Saturday, January 31, Whitefish Dunes will offer free ski lessons during the day and then a Candlelight Ski at night.

For the free ski lessons, people are invited to join expert skiers in discovering the joys of recreational cross-country skiing. The class, which will begin promptly at 2:30 pm, will address traditional classic striding technique. Participants will meet at the shelter building for a short inside discussion on clothing recommendations and basic equipment care. Then, the lessons will progress to on snow instruction where proper pole grip, posture, arm and leg coordination, kicking and striding. The lessons will last about two hours. Waxable or no-wax skis are accepted, but skis are not provided. Children under age 13 must be with an adult. Signup is not required, but advanced signup is desired.

Then, from 6 – 9 pm the snow-covered trails will be aglow with candles and the soft swish of the skis for the annual Candlelight Ski. Join the Friends of Whitefish Dunes for a night of skiing and fun. The picnic shelter will be open and the fireplace lit. Hot beverages and cookies will be provided to warm the insides and provide energy.

A park sticker is required to join in the evening event, but the event is free. Sorry, no hikers, snowshoers or pets allowed on candlelight ski trails. A candlelight hike will replace the ski if there is not enough snow for skiing.

Also, with the Candlelight Ski fast approaching people are encouraged to volunteer for the event. Slots are still available for inside and outside tasks. Call the park to sign up.

Whitefish Dunes State Park is located at 3275 Clark Lake Road (county WD), on the Lake Michigan shoreline south of Jacksonport. A park vehicle sticker is required. For more information call 920.823.2400, email [email protected] or visit http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/land/parks/.