Last February, we ran a feature story on “Winter Cities,” talking about what cities around the world do to keep things a-rockin’ all year long. It seems like, once the holiday parades and sleigh rides are over, most of the Chippewa Valley goes into hibernation. Sure, we’ve got a few bright spots like the Silver Mine Invitational ski jump, our local curling club, and lots of nice trails. Last year, we even had a freestyle ski and snowboard competition.

But those things are islands in a frozen see of inactivity. Heck, our outdoor skating rinks are on thebrink of extinction (view helpful infographic). With winter rushing towards us at the speed of a really fast bullet made of ice shot from a cannon also made of ice, it’s got us thinking about what kinds of winter events might work around this neck of the frigid woods. A snow sculpting contest? An icy skating trail? An igloo town? A hot chocolate brew-off? Not sure. Is there anything you guys would like to see? Does anyone care?