TAKE A HIKE. But in a winter wonderland, ambient kind of way! Enjoy these candlelight wintry events in the area (Red Cedar ice wall pictured).

Candlelight ski, hike, and snowshoe events are annual favorites in the Chippewa Valley and throughout the state, and are often free or low cost. It's a visually beautiful outdoor activity that thrives in the wintertime, and many of them offer bonfires and food or other activities as additions. Grab a friend or gather your family and head out to any of these local events!

Candlelight Ski, Hike, and Snowshoe
Sunday, Jan. 28 | 5-7pm | Lake Wissota State Park | DNR site

Head on over to Lake Wissota State Park for a fun Sunday evening that’s free to attend! A candlelight ski, hike, and snowshoe event, there will also be campfires to converse around with hot chocolate and hot cider available. Folks are welcome to bring food items like marshmallows or hot dogs to roast on the campfire. BYO snowshoes and skis.

Valentine’s Candlelight Snowshoe Hike
Friday, Feb. 9 | 6-7:30pm, 7:30-9pm | Beaver Creek Reserve | beavercreekreserve.org

Held just before Valentine’s Day, this candle and moonlight snowshoe hike allows participants to traverse Beaver Creek Reserve’s beautiful trails on snowshoes. Register by Feb. 7 online, prices ranging from $12-$15 with a $3 snowshoe rental fee. 21+ only.

Candlelight Snowshoe Hike
Saturday, Feb. 10 | 5:30-8:30pm | Centennial Park, Altoona 

Local organizations CORBA and Altoona Parks & Recreation’s annual candlelit snowshoe hike is back! The free-to-attend, all-ages event takes folks on off-road trails (BYO snowshoes) and welcomes flat bottom sleds for kids to use.