January 30 Candlelight Ski is On!

The annual Candlelight Ski, put on annually by the volunteer group Friends of the Red Cedar State Trail/Hoffman Hills, is loved by the whole community. What’s not to like? A candlelit groomed X-C ski trail; candlelit ice falls, a candlelit snowshoe trail with snowshoes to try out, and even candlelit walking trail north of the Depot. And of course, bonfires and free hot chocolate!

For the past two years, this event had been canceled due to a lack of snow. Then came 2026—with snow at last. Hooray!

But just a week ago, DNR Trail Manager Calvin Kunkle emailed volunteers with terrible news: the furnace at the trailhead Depot had failed overnight. Frozen pipes, damaged bathrooms, and ice covering the floor meant the Depot was unusable.

Determined to save the event, Friends President Bill Kryshak floated the idea of moving it to an alternate date in February. Unfortunately, many key volunteers wouldn’t be available.

Then Bill reported that the City of Menomonie could provide porta-potties for the original date of January 30—and suddenly everything changed.

So bundle up, everybody! The Candlelight Ski is on for Friday, January 30, 6-9 pm, Red Cedar Trail Depot.

For more information: Friends of the Red Cedar Trail Facebook page