WRITERS Briana Bryant, Thom FountainEDITORS Thom Fountain, Tyler GriggsPHOTOGRAPHY Andrea PaulsethDESIGN Brian Moen, Josh Smeltzer

Lowe’s Creek

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You know how every December you get really bummed out when it starts getting really cold, the sun sets at like 5, and you have to deal with warming up your car and scraping your windshield every morning? You realize just how much you hate winter, and you refuse to do anything outdoors until April. Well stop it. No. Seriously. Stop it. Winter doesn’t have to be this way, and we’ve made this special section just to prove it. It’s high time you rethink what winter means in the Chippewa Valley and embrace all the truly awesome stuff that is just for you.

As winter approaches, a great way to explore in the open air is through ski-ing. Eau Claire houses one of the oldest skiing clubs in the United States. It was formed in 1886 as a ski jumping club and still remains as such. Ski jumping is a Nordic sport with a long history in many parts of Wisconsin, including the Chippewa Valley. The ski club in Eau Claire was originally known as the Dover Club. Scandinavian immigrants settled in the area in the late 1800’s and brought the sport of ski jumping to Wisconsin. The first tournament for Eau Claire was held in 1888 at Mount Tom, which was only the third offi-cial tournament for the entire nation. In 1969, the club moved to Silver Mine Hill and has hosted four national cham-pionships there since. The Eau Claire Ski Club has sent ski jumpers to seven different Olympic Games and has also hosted four national championships right here in Eau Claire.

Eau Claire is naturally a great area for skiing, with its rich Scandinavian heritage, the abundance of hills, and the support of local businesses and the media. So where is the jumping hap-pening in Eau Claire? The Eau Claire Ski Club houses its events at Silver Mine Hill, as well as the Flying Eagles Junior Ski Club’s jumping complex at Mount Washington. Other ski jumping sites in the Midwest include Wisconsin Rapids, Iola, Madison, and Westby

in Wisconsin, Chicago in Illinois, Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Coleraine in Minnesota, and Iron Mountain and Ishpemming in Michigan.

The Eau Claire Ski Club currently has about 15 to 20 active members. The Flying Eagles have 45 Junior Jumpers and also work with the Ski Striders in cross country skiing at Mount Washington. The Ski Striders is a local club that promotes and enhances cross country skiing for adults and youth in the area. There are a whopping 125 kids skiing the hills of Eau Claire in Nordic skiing. Nordic skiing is a com-bination of sports that includes cross

country skiing, ski jumping, Nordic com-bined, and biathlon. Some members of the Eau Claire Ski Club and their

children participate in the Nordic Combined, which is a combination of ski jumping and cross country skiing.

The Eau Claire Ski Club has one official, major skiing event each winter at each location. Some locations even have plastic covering which allow for year-round jumping. Next year, sum-mer jumping will be happening in Eau Claire.

Most of the members of the club are former skiers or just big fans of the sport. They do not all generally ski jump, but many of them have children who do. The general age range of the club members is 17-80, with some mem-bers as young as 11 or 12. According

to Dan Mattoon, a member of the club, they enjoy promoting Nordic sports events in Eau Claire and getting people off the couch or Xbox.

The next major upcoming event is the 127th Annual Silver Mine Invitational, which will take place on January 18 and 19, 2013. The event will include

the USA Cup and North American Ski Jumping Championships. Both events are USSA sanctioned, with two K90 ski jumping tournaments. Admission is only $10 in advance. For more infor-mation or to get involved with the Eau Claire Ski Club yourself, check out their website: ec-skiclub.com.

PLAYING THROUGH HISTORYThe Eau Claire Ski Club: Taking the Leap Since 1886

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Eau Claire is naturally a great area for skiing, with its rich Scandinavian heritage, the abundance of hills, and the support of

local businesses and media.

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If you’re looking for something unique to do in the winter that is inside yet also on ice, check out curling. Curling is a very social winter sport that can be enjoyed by all ages and abilities. The Eau Claire Curling Club is nothing new. The club first started on January 14, 1876, when “the Knights of the Broom met at the Railway Hotel, for the purpose of organizing a curling club.” It was then called the First Eau Claire Curling Club, changed to the Indianhead Curling Club in 1956, and then just the Eau Claire Curling Club in 1995. The origi-nal officers chosen in 1876 were Frank Pully, the president, John Copeland, the secretary, and John Drummond, the treasurer. The Eau Claire Daily Free Press, an old newspaper of the area, published an article about the then-new club called, “Be Gone Dull Care and Ill Health.” In the article, the club promises for all that join the club “a good time for less money than is usually paid for doctor’s bills in the winter months.”

In the past, the club played outdoors, switch-

The Eau Claire Curling Club: Sweep-Sweeping Away Since 1876

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ing to indoors around 1956 and playing on Fairfax Avenue in Altoona. A new clubhouse was built in 1975, which was larger and included a small kitchen and fireplace for the club members to use. Finally, in August of 1995, club members wanted a new building to enjoy their sport in, so the members began to devote time on nights and weekends to make it happen. They still use that building today, which is located at 5530 Fairview Drive in the Eau Claire County Exposition Building. The interesting part is that the club was constructed by its members, not a separate construction crew, making it more a part of the club and likely creat-ing more of a team unity. The current building even includes a heated curl-ing area and large viewing windows. The first ceremo-nial stone for the brand-new building was delivered by Bernie Bernicke, a long-time member and ice maker. With arti-ficial ice making, the season is extend-ed by almost two months compared to the early days of natural ice, and the ice for the rink can be created in only one week.

Today, there are several leagues that you can get involved with in the Eau Claire area. Being involved in a

league allows you to compete in state, regional, national, and even interna-tional championships. The current team even includes a 1998 Team USA Men’s Olympic curler, Mike Peplinski. In 2011, Geoff Goodland took the Senior Men’s Team to a Silver Medal in the World Championships, which were held in St. Paul, Minnesota. The Eau Claire team was named Team of the Year in 2011 by USA Curling.

The club now has leagues nearly every day during the season. The only limit for participants is that they must be between the ages of 7 and 99, which is really the opposite of limiting. The next open bonspiel, which is the name for a special curling event, will be on January 4-6 of 2013. The club bon-

spiel will be on the first week-end of March. This season, the membership is up to 230, rang-ing from 8 years

old to over 70. One great thing about curling is that it is an inexpensive sport. Members may wear casual win-ter clothing to play and must only pur-chase a slider, curling shoes, and a broom.

Even if this winter ends up being mild and eerily warm, the Curling Team will still be curling relentlessly in their indoor rink.

The club was constructed by its members, not a separate construction crew, making it more a part of the club and likely creating

more of a team unity.

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I know your dilemma. You love watching hockey and may like to try it, but you aren’t very comfortable skating around on a razor thin blade of metal.

Well, have I got a deal for you. Every Wednesday night the Eau Claire Parks and Recreation department hosts an evening of broomball at the Hobbs Ice Arena. Broomball has very similar rules to hockey except play-ers just where normal shoes (though trac-tion helps) and use rubber brooms to knock around a heavy rubber ball. Teams consist of five players and a goalie (similar to hockey).

While the Hobbs’ nights are organized and provide all the equipment you’ll need, many communities have groups that play out on local lakes, something we have plenty of. Maybe after learning the game you can take it outside and enjoy the Wisconsin winter.

The Parks and Rec events are co-ed and for adults and are ‘pick-up’ games, so there’s no need to pre-register. They’re held now until March 27, from 8:45-10:15pm. Just show up and start playing. But watch your step, it’s slippery!

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The fierce competition that is broomball takes place on Wednesday nights at Hobbs Ice Arena.

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A Different Take on Hockey, Without the Skates

FEVER

620 17th St., Menomonie • FREE • 715-233-7362 • www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org Join Mayo Clinic Health System’s Wellness ROCKS program for an af-ternoon of sledding, tubing and snowboarding. Bring a homemade cardboard sled and join the cardboard sled races. Prizes awarded for best decorated cardboard sled and more. Snow boarders can join in on snow dice fun. Warm up by the fire with a snack and warm drink.Come & Play Days Every Day from Dec. 26 to Dec. 28, 1-4pm • Events held at: Boyd Park, 1202 Fairway Street, Eau Claire // Pinehurst Ice Rink, 3523 Delbert Rd, Eau Claire // Putnam Heights Playground, 530 W. Tyler Ave., Eau Claire // and Roosevelt Playground, 908 Folsom St., Eau Claire • FREE • 715-839-5032 • www.eauclairewi.gov An afternoon of games and activities at all four outdoor ice rinks. Come and go as you please, join our staff as they lead children in skating races and relays as well as board games and crafts in the warming house.Winter After Hours Thursdays in January and Febru-ary, 6-8pm • Boyd Park on Eau Claire’s East Side Hill (just off Main Street) • FREE; rental costs TBA (typi-cally inexpensive) • all ages • 715-552-0457 • www.VolumeOne.org/winter This massive wintry get-together usually features cheap chilly fun with ice skating, snow-shoeing, snow sculptures, winter Kubb, a giant fire pit, music, and a warming house with hot chocolate, tea and coffee. Ice skate and snowshoe rentals available.Beaver Creek Reserve’s Annual French Toast Break-fast + Chippewa Valley Watercolor Artist Reception + Open House Feb. 3, 8:30am-12:30pm • Youth Camp Side of Beaver Creek Reserve, S1 Cty Rd. K, Fall Creek • advance: $6 for Adults, $3 for Children; at the door: Adults $7 Children $4 • 877-2212 • beavercreekreserve.org French toast, maple syrup, sausage and beverages will be served in the Main Lodge. Then starting at 9am the Wise Nature Center host the Chippewa Valley Wa-tercolor Artists’ watercolor exhibit, sale and reception in the lower lobby. Upstairs there will be fiber spinning demonstrations, sales in the Nature Store, plus FREE cross-country skis and showshoe rentals.

Skis/Snowshoes/DogsledFor classes related to skiing and snowshoeing, refer to Winter Fun’s Educational Events.

Candlelight Snowshoe Hike Dec. 28, Jan. 25, and Feb. 22, 6-7:15pm and 7:30-9pm • Beaver Creek Reserve, S1 County Road K, Fall Creek • Entry is $1 for friends, $2 for nonmembers, Snowshoe Rental is $2 for friends and $4 for nonmembers • (715) 877-2212 • www.bea-vercreekreserve.org Candles will light your way as you travel by snowshoes along the tranquil trails at Beaver Creek. Refreshments and a warm fire will be available after the hike. Make sure you register online so Beaver Creek knows how many members are in your party as well as how many rentals are needed. Hikes are broken into two shifts.Snowshoe Hike Jan. 6, 1-3pm; Jan. 18, 6:30-8pm; Feb. 3, 1-3pm; Mar. 3, 1-3pm; Mar. 15, 6:30-8pm • Camp Manitou, 27960 137th Street, New Auburn • FREE for YMCA Members; $5 for non-members • (715) 836-8460 • www.ycampmanitou.org This winter, come to Camp Manitou for five great snowshoe hikes, including new moonlit and sunset hikes! We provide snowshoes and hot chocolate. Each day, we will take a different route

through our woods. Transportation available from Eau Claire. Must be preregistered at least one week in ad-vance.Cross-Country Ski the Henke Farm Jan. 26, 1-3:30pm • Wise Nature Center, Beaver Creek Reserve& Henke Farm, S1 Cty Rd. K, Fall Creek • $1 for Friends, $3 for Friends; Rental, $3 for Nonmembers, $5 for Non-members Rental • 877-2212 • beavercreekreserve.org Ski and traverse the interesting lands at the Henke Farm on this morning with retired DNR manager, Terry Valen. Terry will lead while you learn about the wonders in the winter landscape as you skirt the edges of the recently established prairie. The terrain is gentle. After your guided trip, you can warm up with hot drinks and treats around a bonfire at the farm. Registration and full pay-ment required by Jan. 23.Snowshoeing the Hickory Ridge Trail Feb. 9, 10am-1pm • Voyagers Community Learning Center, See con-tact info for event location, Chippewa Falls • $5 • Reg-ister at 715-720-3749 • www.skihickoryridge.org This class will guide you through a scenic trail that winds through a section of the Chippewa County Forest trails. The loop being completed will be 3 miles/5K and should take approximately 1.5 hours. Register before Feb. 5. Participants provide or rent their own snowshoes (some available at Spring Street Sports, 715-723-6616).Snowshoe Hike to Big Falls Feb. 10, 1-3:30pm • Wise Nature Center, Beaver Creek Reserve, S1 Cty Rd. K, Fall Creek • $6 for Friends, $9 for Nonmembers • ages 10+ • 877-2212 • beavercreekreserve.org Join BCR Director Erik Keisler for a scenic hike via snowshoes from the Reserve to Big Falls. The 3.5 mile hike will take about an hour each way with pauses along the way to admire the scenic views. Bring along a camera, water bottle, a snack to enjoy at the falls, and get ready to enjoy this wonderful winter hike. Snowshoe rental is included. Register by Feb. 6.Dog Sledding and Snowshoeing Feb. 16, 1-4pm • Wise Nature Center, Beaver Creek Reserve (S1 Cty Rd. K) and the Henke Farm, Fall Creek • $40 for Friends adult, $20 for child, $70 for couple, $45 for Nonmember adult, $25 for child, $75 for couple; $100 for Friends family of 4, $120 for Nonmember family of 4, $15 for each addi-tional child. • 877-2212 • beavercreekreserve.org Come out to our satellite property, the Henke Farm and join a group of fellow snow/dog loving enthusiasts. You can stay warm by the fire sipping a cup of hot chocolate and soup, or take a hike on some snowshoes as you wait for a turn on the three-person dogsled. We’ll caravan from the Nature Center to the Henke Farm.

More Winter FunPolar Plunge 2013 Feb. 24, noon-3pm • Half Moon Beach, Randall St, Eau Claire • 715-833-0833 • www.specialolympicswisconsin.org Presented by Special Olympics Wisconsin, raise pledges to plunge into freez-ing water. Assemble a team with a costume theme, or raise workplace funds to toss your boss. See website for details.Lake Wissota Loppet Mar. 2, 7am • The Edge Pub & Eatery, 9504 Cty Hwy S., Chippewa Falls • Early bird fee due before February 16th (includes guaranteed par-ticipant gift): $15/person, $40/family; After Feb. 16: $20/person, $50/family • (715) 723-2400 • www.theed-geonwissota.com This day of Health and Happiness will

Wintry Holiday EventsHorse Drawn Wagon Rides Dec. 13, 18-20 • Chippewa Hardware Parking Lot, 111 West Columbia Street, Chip-pewa Falls • $4 • 715-723-6661 Enjoy a horse drawn wagon ride through beautiful downtown Chippewa Falls and the Christmas Village in Irvine Park. Rides leave at 4:30pm, 5:30pm, 6:30pm, and 7:30pm. Advance tickets available at Gordy’s County Market beginning Nov. 23rd. Get your tickets early.Menomonie WinterDaze + Parade Dec. 13, 4:30pm • Downtown Menomonie • (715) 235-2666 • www.mainstreetmenomonie.org Presented by Main Street Menomonie, enjoy a visit with Santa and his reindeer and sip hot chocolate 4:30-6pm at the UW-Stout Clock-tower Plaza. The parade begins at 6:30pm, and runs on Main Street from 4th Street to South Broadway. Then following the parade, enjoy a dazzling fireworks display over Lake Menomin.Clearwater Winter Parade (Family Fun Celebration) Dec. 15, 6-9pm • Hobbs Ice Center, 915 Menomonie Street, Eau Claire • FREE • 715-836-2627 The winter parade begins at 5pm on Water Street and winds up at Hobbs Ice Center on Menomonie Street. At Hobbs there will be both indoor and outdoor activities from 6pmto 9pm. Ice skating, concessions, games, raffles, music, bonfire, ice sculptures and a float competition.Holiday Candlelight Snowshoe Hike Dec. 28, 6-7:15pm and 7:30-9pm • Beaver Creek Reserve, S1 County Road K, Fall Creek • Entry is $1 for friends, $2 for nonmem-bers, Snowshoe Rental is $2 for friends and $4 for non-members • (715) 877-2212 • www.beavercreekreserve.org Candles will light your way as you travel by snow-shoes along the tranquil trails at Beaver Creek. Refresh-ments and a warm fire will be available after the hike.

Make sure you register online so Beaver Creek knows how many members are in your party as well as how many rentals are needed. Hikes are broken into two shifts.Rock’n New Year’s Family Skate Dec. 31, 4-6pm • Hobbs Ice Arena, 915 Menomonie St., Eau Claire • $1 • (715) 839-5040 • www.eauclairewi.gov Music, prizes, on ice games, noise makers & crafts.

Tournaments127th Silver Mine Invitational and US Cup + Pond Hockey Tournament Jan. 18-20 • Silver Mine Ski Jump, 2900 Silvermine Dr., Eau Claire • $10 In advance, $15 at the gate, 12 & under FREE • 715-379-8649 • www.ec-skiclub.com The Eau Claire Ski Club invites you to join them for two K90 ski jumping tournaments on Friday, January 20th and Saturday, January 21st at Silver Mine Hill in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Both events are USSA sanctioned.2013 Eau Claire Figure Skating Competition Every Day from Mar. 7-10 • Hobbs Ice Arena, 915 Menomonie St., Eau Claire • (715) 839-5040 • www.ecfigureskate.org Coorinated by the Eau Claire Figure Skating Club, the tentative schedule has test sessions on Mar. 7, indi-vidual Events Mar. 8-9, and synchronized team skating Mar. 10. See website for details.

Wintry Get-TogethersWinter Fun at the Dunn County Snow Park with Well-ness ROCKS Dec. 16, 1-4pm • Dunn County Rec Park,

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WINTER FUN LISTINGSSKATING • SLEDDING • CURLING • SKIING • SHOEING • BIKING • SNOWMOBILING •

CLIMBING • RACING • HOCKEYING

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Brr... The Polar Plunge

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be sponsored by The Edge Pub & Eatery. Proceeds will benefit the Partners of St. Joseph’s Hospital and the Mc-Donell Central Cross Country Ski Team. There will be 4 races: 10k and 20k skate ski, a 10k classic ski, and a 10k snowshoe. Registration 7-8:30am. All races start at 9am. Awards follow.Chilly Chippewa 5K/10K Mar. 2, 10am • Chippewa Falls High School, 735 Terrill Street, Chippewa Falls • Cost TBA • www.indianheadtc.org See contact info for details.Shamrock Shuffle Mar. 9, 10am • UW-Eau Claire McPhee, McPhee Education Building, UWEC upper campus, Eau Claire • Cost TBA • 715-836-3470 • www.uwec.edu 5K run/walk. Check in at the McPhee Indoor Track (registration time TBA). This event is a fundraiser that supports the Wisconsin Youth Success Program (WYSP). It is normally held the first Saturday after Saint Patrick’s Day.4th Annual Wisconsin Sport Show Mar. 15, 4-9pm; Mar. 16, 10am-6pm; Mar. 17, 10am-5pm • Eau Claire Indoor Sports Center, 3456 Craig Road, Eau Claire • $8, ages 10 and younger FREE • (715) 579-7127 • www.wisportshow.com All weekend enjoy nearly 50,000 square feet of exhibitor displays, info on outdoor sport and recreation, retail sales, demonstrations and pre-sentations, national guests and TV personalities, antler contest, camouflage photo contest, family and children’s activities, outdoorsy vehicles on display, door prizes, vacation giveaways and much more.

Recurring RecreationOpen Skating Every Wednesday 6:30-8:30pm Sunday 5:30-7:30pm until Mar. 27 • Hobbs Ice Arena, 915 Menomonie St., Eau Claire • $4 youth, $5 adults (skate rental: $2) • 715-839-5032 • www.eauclairewi.gov Call Eau Claire Parks & Rec for details.Adult Open Broomball Every Wednesday until Mar. 27, 8:45-10:15pm • Hobbs Ice Center, 915 Menomonie Street, Eau Claire • $5 • age 18+ • 715-839-5032 For more info, call Eau Claire Parks & Rec.Adult Open Hockey Every Wednesday until Mar. 27, 8:45-10:15pm • Hobbs Ice Arena, 915 Menomonie St., Eau Claire • $6 • ages 18+ • (715) 839-5040 • www.eauclairewi.gov Co-ed program. Punch card available for “Adult-Over 30 Hockey” ($78, expires Mar. 31).

Educational EventsFor educational events intended for children, refer to Winter Fun’s Kids Events.

Winter Cycling Seminar Dec. 13, 5:30-7pm; Jan. 9, 5:30-7pm • Environmental Adventure Center, 105 Hill-top Center, Eau Claire • FREE • (715) 836-3616 • www.uwec.edu Come discuss winter riding techniques, cy-cling safety, clothing options and general cold weather riding tips.Bird Feeders & More Jan. 3, 10-11:30am • Chippewa Valley YMCA, 611 Jefferson Ave., Chippewa Falls • ages 7-12 • (715) 723-2201 • www.chippewaymca.com You will build a bird feeder for our feathered friends. We’ll supply the materials and guide you through what to do. Creativity and fun are a part of this program.Introduction to Cross-Country Skiing Jan. 5, 11am-1pm • Wise Nature Center, Beaver Creek Reserve, S1 Cty Rd. K, Fall Creek • $6 for Friends, $9 for Nonmem-bers • 877-2212 • beavercreekreserve.org After a brief classroom time inside we’ll head to an open field in front of the Observatory to try it out first hand. If you’ve never tried cross-country skiing before and would like to give it a try, this class is for you. There will be fun and adventure for the whole family and maybe a cup of hot chocolate too. Register with full payment by Jan. 3.Learn to Skate Every Sunday from Jan. 6 to Feb. 17 • Hobbs Ice Arena, 915 Menomonie St., Eau Claire • ages 3-adult • (715) 839-5040 • www.eauclairewi.gov See website for class times and registration. Call for more info.Bird Banding Demonstration Jan. 12, 7:30-10:30am • Wise Nature Center, Beaver Creek Reserve, S1 Cty Rd. K, Fall Creek • FREE • all ages • 877-2212 • beaver-creekreserve.org Join the Beaver Creek bird banding crew anytime during the morning to learn about bird banding. This is also a great chance to see some of the birds that visit feeders on a cold winter day up close and personal. Learn about bird identification, bird behavior, how to attract birds to your yard and what to feed them.Make Your Own Snowshoes Jan. 12-13, 9:30am-3:30pm • Wise Nature Center, Beaver Creek Reserve, S1 Cty Rd. K, Fall Creek • $160 for Friends, $170 for Non-members • 877-2212 • beavercreekreserve.org Make your own snowshoes in this two-day workshop. Choose from three styles. All shoes are laced with tubular ny-lon, which is comfortable to work with, and have great

Dec. 13, 2012

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strength when varnished. Bring to class: PATIENCE, bag lunch, tape measure, pencil, scissors and matches or lighter. Registration and payment required by Dec. 16.Introduction to Snowshoeing Jan. 19, 9:30-11:30am and 12:30-2:30pm • Wise Nature Center, Beaver Creek Reserve, S1 Cty Rd. K, Fall Creek • $6 for Friends, $9 for Nonmembers (includes snowshoe rental) • 877-2212 • beavercreekreserve.org Learn about the snowshoe’s history, the different styles of snowshoes and how and where to use them. Then take to the trails for a snow-shoe hike. Indicate on your online reservation how many children and adults are in your party and the number of snowshoes needed to rent. Register/pay in full by Jan. 16. Pick from the morning or afternoon program.Timber Wolf Winter Ecology Workshop Jan. 26, 9am-4:30pm; Jan. 27, 8:30am-noon • Wise Nature Center, Beaver Creek Reserve, S1 Cty Rd. K, Fall Creek • $65 for Friends, $70 for Nonmembers, $13 for Lodging (op-tional) • 877-2212 • beavercreekreserve.org The Timber Wolf Information Network (TWIN) will hold a two-day winter wolf ecology workshop at the Reserve. TWIN members discuss wolf ecology, population biology, management issues and field study techniques including winter tracking field trip into wolf territory. Fee includes instruction and materials. Bring your own Saturday lunch and beverage. Registration and full payment re-quired by Jan. 18.Trees & Shrubs in Winter Feb. 2, 9:30-11:30am • Wise Nature Center, Beaver Creek Reserve, S1 Cty Rd. K, Fall Creek • $5 for Friends, $8 for Nonmembers • 877-

2212 • beavercreekreserve.org This program will point out unique bud and bark characteristics of many of our native trees and shrubs, making identification possible even in winter. The presentation will be followed by an outdoor hike around the Reserve to apply what we learned. Some easy tips and a simple winter tree and bark key will be provided for participants to take home. Bring warm clothes and boots. Registration and full pay-ment required by Jan. 30.

Kids EventsBudding Naturalist Story Hour Dec. 15 and 27, 9:30-10:30am • Wise Nature Center, Beaver Creek Reserve, S1 Cty Rd. K, Fall Creek • FREE • ages 3-6 • 877-2212 • beavercreekreserve.org Story Hour is designed for bud-ding naturalists, ages 3-8 years old. Each session a new topic is presented through stories and a related-activity or a short hike. Participants can receive a 20% discount on any book purchased that morning. Registration is due the Wednesday prior to the program date.Skate with Santa Dec. 15, 7-9pm • Hobbs Ice Arena, 915 Menomonie St., Eau Claire • FREE • (715) 839-5040 • www.eauclairewi.gov Open skating, games and crafts for all ages ... skate with Santa too! In conjunc-tion with the Clearwater Winter Parade (Family Fun Celebration).Learn to Ski with the Flying Eagles Dec. 22, 10am-6pm (approx. one hour total time allotted) •Mt. Washington

Ski Complex, Menomonie St., Eau Claire FREE • ages 4-10 • 715-838-0984 • FESkiClub@gmail.com New ski-ers will begin on the small slopes/Bunny Hill and may progress to a small jump if desired. Bring your own downhill equipment or we will outfit you with skis and boots for this free lesson. Complimentary hot chocolate in our clubhouse for you. Advance reservations required.School’s Out Rink Rats Dec. 26, 11:30am-1:45pm; Dec. 27, 11:30am-1:45pm • Hobbs Ice Arena, 915 Menomonie St., Eau Claire • $3 • 715-839-5032 • www.eauclairewi.gov Mites/Squirts (ages 7-10) 11:30am-12:30pm; Peewees/Bantams (ages 11-14) 12:45-1:45pm. Call for details.School’s Out Skate Dec. 26, 1:15-3:15pm; Dec. 27, 1:15-3:15pm • Hobbs Ice Arena, 915 Menomonie St., Eau Claire • $1 • (715) 839-5040 • www.eauclairewi.gov Open skating for all ages.Winter Camp Feb. 16-18 • Camp Manitou, 27960 137th Street, New Auburn • $175 for YMCA Members; $225 for non-members • ages 8-13 • (715) 836-8460 • www.ycampmanitou.org An opportunity for youth in grades 3-8 to spend their February break up at Camp Manitou! We will go sledding, ice fishing and snowshoeing, as well as play classic camp games in the snow. We supply transportation to and from camp.Who’s Been Here? Winter Tracking for Kids Feb. 16, 9:30-11am • Wise Nature Center, Beaver Creek Reserve, S1 Cty Rd. K, Fall Creek • $5 for Friends, $8 for Non-members; One chaperone per child is FREE • ages 8+ • 877-2212 • beavercreekreserve.org If conditions allow, children will take a short walk outdoors, guided by a naturalist, to look for tracks and identify who may have passed that way. Class includes making a plaster cast of a wild animal track to take home. Bring boots, gloves and warm clothing for outdoor exploration Register and pay by Feb. 13.

Skate & Hockey RinksAltoona Hobbs Sport Center 2300 Spooner Ave., Al-toona • www.altoonahockey.com.

Boyd Park 1202 Fairway Street, Eau Claire • www.eauclairewi.gov Boyd Park provides access to the Eau Claire River. A great outdoor rink with hockey nets and a useful warming house. Open 4-9pm during the week, and 1-9pm on weekends. Winter After Hours is held here 6-8pm Thursdays in January and February.Chippewa Area Ice Arena 839 1st Ave., Chippewa Falls

• (715) 723-1612.Dunn County Recreation Park 620 17th St., Menomonie • Open all day. The only rink in Menomonie with lights and hockey nets.Eau Claire Indoor Sports Center 3456 Craig Road, Eau Claire • 715-552-1200 • www.ecsportscenter.com Has pucks and nets to use for free during open gym times. Not on ice. Call ahead to find out open gym times.Hobbs Ice Arena 915 Menomonie Street, Eau Claire • (715) 839-5040 • www.eauclairewi.gov In addition to a ton of leagues, Hobbs offers youth open hockey clinics on Wednesday evenings. Rentals available. There is an admission fee.Oak Park Circle Oak Park Circle, Menomonie • Open all day. No lights or warming house.Pinehurst Park 3523 Delbert Road, Eau Claire • www.eauclairewi.gov The location of Pinehurst Recreational Area includes off-street parking and an open recreation-al field. A general ice-skating rink is also made available during the winter and is open 4-9pm Mon.-Fri.;1-7pm Sat. & Sun..Putnam Heights Playground 530 W. Tyler Ave., Eau Claire • (715) 839-5032 • www.eauclairewi.gov An out-door rink with a warming house.River Heights Elementary School 615 24th Ave., Menomonie • No lights or warming house.Roosevelt Playground 908 Folsom St., Eau Claire • (715) 839-5032 • www.eauclairewi.gov An outdoor rink with a warming house.Wakanda Elementary 1801 Wakanda St., Menomonie • No lights or warming house.

Cross Country SkiingBeaver Creek S1 Cty Hwy K, Fall Creek • (715) 877-2212 • www.beavercreekreserve.org A few minutes in your car and you can spend an entire afternoon in the quiet beauty of the woods. Beaver Creek Reserve has a number of wooded, groomed trails for snowshoeing and cross country skiing. Rental equipment is available there, as well.Blue Hills Between Rusk County and Rice Lake, Bruce • www.bluehillswisconsin.com If you don’t mind a short drive (about an hour and a half from Eau Claire), check

out the Blue Hills quiet winter sports area, named for the blue-tinted forested hillsides when seen through the mist. There are tons of super sweet trails to choose from. Make it into a day trip or spend an entire weekend there.Carson Park 100 Carson Park Dr, Eau Claire • One of the more historical parks in the Upper Midwest. Carson Park in Eau Claire contains three major attractions, the Paul Bunyan Logging Camp, the Chippewa Valley Mu-seum, along with Eau Claire’s baseball stadium. The Eau Claire Express became the newest tenant of Carson Park in 2005. During the winter season Carson Park of-fers cross-country skiing with several shorter, groomed trails perfect for beginners looking to stay away from steep grades.City Wells Area Riverview Dr., Eau Claire • (715) 839-5032 • Located on the east side of Riverview Dr.. About 3 miles of flat trails across from Riverview Park. A good course for beginners.Coon Fork Ski Trail County Highway CF, Augusta • (715) 839-4783 • www.eauclaire-info.com.

Fairfax Park 4200 Fairfax St., Eau Claire • (715) 839-1680 • 75-acre park located on the south side of Eau Claire, with access off either Golf Road or Fairfax St. This park includes a baseball field, two Little League fields, an outdoor municipal swimming pool, cross country ski trails, and walking trails.Hickory Ridge - Cross Country Skiing Bob Lake Road/225th Ave., Chippewa Falls • (715) 726-7880 • www.co.chippewa.wi.us This cross-country ski trail winds 14.2 kilometers through the quiet and scenic northern hardwood forest. There are three challenging loops with lots of hills and steep grades. Entire trail is groomed from both classical and skating style skiers.Hoffman Hills State Recreation Area 730th Ave., Col-fax • (715) 232-1242 • www.dnr.state.wi.us Don’t over-look the 707 acres of preserved and restored wooded hills, wetlands, and prairie, scribbled with cross-country ski trails for all levels. Glide through the snow while feasting your eyes on spectacular views of the sur-rounding countryside. Vehicle admission stickers aren’t required, but all skiers over 16 years of age must have a state trail pass.Irvine Park Bridgewater Ave.,, Chippewa Falls • 723-3890 • 2 miles - This is a gently rolling trail for bikers and hikers. The trail is located in Irvine Park in Chip-pewa Falls on Bridgewater Avenue. Also features three miles of groomed cross country ski trail.Lake Wissota State Park Located at 8127 County Hwy 0, Chippewa Falls • (715) 382-4574 • dnr.wi.gov 11 miles - The park offers over 11 miles of scenic trails that pass along Lake Wissota’s shoreline and through wood-land, prairie, lowland, forest, and marsh areas. Bikes are permitted on all but three of the trials. Also features 7.5 miles of groomed and tracked cross-country ski trails. A State Park sticker is required.Lowes Creek County Park - Cross Country Skiing Eau Claire • (715) 839-4738 • Just minutes south of Eau Claire, experience 250 acres of cross-country ski bliss. The two-way trail system has many loops and shortcuts giving you a wide selection of route variety. Trails twist up and down hills through creek bottoms and white pine forests, ranging from easy to difficult, so a trail map is a good idea for those new to the park.River Road Cross Country Ski Trail about 2.5 miles north of Cornell • (715) 726-7920 • Enjoy two separate trails for intermediate and advanced skiers through roll-ing terrain and along the more-gentle grade of the River Road to the parking area.Tower Ridge - Cross Country Skiing 955 S82 Ave., Eau Claire • (715) 839-4738 • This popular cross-country ski site is the largest 15 miles of groomed trails, both hilly and flat, in west central Wisconsin. Trails snake through wooded, rolling terrain and offer fun to all skill levels.

Downhill Ski & SnowboardAfton Alps 6600 Peller Ave. S., Hastings • 651-436-5245 • www.aftonalps.com They boast 48 runs up to 3,000 feet long with possible vertical drops of 350 feet. Two tricky terrain parks, tubing, tow ropes and chairlifts galore, all types of rentals, a ski shop, two chalets, two restaurant/bars, and instruction available.Cascade Mountain W10441 Cascade Mountain Road, Portage • 800-992-2754 • www.cascademountain.com They have 41 runs, the longest being a full mile, and a vertical drop of 460 feet. Six terrain parks will keep anybody occupied, while they have tubing for less in-tense riders. Towropes and chairlifts, rentals, a ski shop, chalet/restaurant/coffeehouse, and lessons available.Christie Mountain W13755 County Hwy. O, Bruce • (715) 868-7800 • www.christiemountain.com 23 runs up to 4,000 feet long, with a 350-foot vertical drop. Four terrain parks, tubing runs, towropes and chairlifts, rental gear, chalet, and instructions available.Coffee Mill Ski & Snowboard Resort 99 Coulee Way, Wabasha • 651-565-2777 • www.coffeemillski.com They only have 10 runs, but the longest is 5,100 feet long with a vertical drop of 425 feet. A sweet snowboarding terrain park, towropes and chairlifts, rentals, a chalet, cafeteria, snowmaking, and instruction available.Granite Peak 3605 N. Mountain Road, Wausau • (715) 845-2846 • www.skigranitepeak.com A massive place with 74 runs up to 1.5 miles in length and a awesome vertical drop of around 700 feet. They also have tubing, tons of rentals, a ski shop, chalet, lodging, restaurants, snowmaking, and instruction.Mt. LaCrosse Ski and Snowboard N5549 Old Town Rd., Stoddard • (608) 788-0044 • www.mtlacrosse.com

Spring Street Sports 12 W. Spring St, Chippewa Falls • (715) 723-6616 • www.springstreetsports.com They have snowboarding, skiing, and snowshoeing packages for the day or entire weekend to use at the place of your choosing. Prices range from $15 to $30 for the day, or $25 to $50 for a weekend. Rentals also available.Trollhaugen Ski Area 2232 100th Ave., Dresser • 800-826-7166 • www.trollhaugen.com Has 22 runs, tubing, towropes and chairlifts, rentals, a ski shop, chalet, res-taurant, snowmaking, and instruction available. The longest run is 2,500 feet with a vertical drop of 286 feet.Wild Mountain 37200 Wild Mountain Road, Taylors Falls • 800-447-4958 • www.wildmountain.com They have 25 runs, the longest of which is a full mile with a vertical drop of 300 feet. They also have a snowboarding terrain park, tubing, towropes and chairlifts, rentals, a chalet, restaurant, snowmaking, and instruction.

Snowmobiling TrailsBarron County 148.2 miles • (800) 523-6318Buffalo River Trail 36.4 miles • 839-1607Chippewa County 281 miles • 726-7880Clark County 265 miles • 743-5140Dunn County 233 miles • 235-3294Eau Claire County 144 miles • 839-4738Fond du Lac County 300 miles • 937-9123Jackson County 260 miles • 284-0224Marathon County 641 miles • (800) 236-9728Old Ave State Trail 19.7 miles • (800) 866-6264Pepin County 113 miles • 672-4342Pierce County 222 miles • 639-5611Red Cedar State Trail 2 miles (Meno) • (888) 523-3866Rusk County 300 miles • (800) 535-7874Wild Rivers Trail 100 miles (Rice Lake) • (800) 523-6318

Wagon RidesCabin Ridge Rides 4271 220th St., Cadott • (715) 723-9537 • www.cabinridgerides.com Offering wagon and sleigh rides through beautiful woodland scenery for groups of all sizes. Gatherings of 16 or more can enjoy bonfires, picnics, and meals in the woods. Two pavilions allow groups to sit around a bonfire to toast marshmal-lows and sip hot chocolate. (Hot dogs and potato chips optional.) Private cabin and lodge parties available, along with a wide range of catered meals.Lowes Creek Tree Farm S9475 Lowes Creek Rd., El-eva • (888) 878-4166 • christmas@lowescreektreefarm.com • www.lowescreektreefarm.com Immerse yourself in fall colors as you pretag a Christmas tree, purchase a pumpkin, or take part in the fall nursery stock sale. Kids play area with a straw bale fort and tunnel pile, play equipment and more Free horse-drawn wagons or sleighs beginning the weekend after Thanksgiving and the first weekend of December. Moonlight sleigh rides by reservation in the first three weekends of December. Open October weekends, and then daily beginning two weekends before Thanksgiving (closed on…Swiss Shire Farm 626 19th St., Chetek • (715) 837-1102 • Shire horse-drawn sleigh rides through the woods in a three-person cutter, or a large sleigh that can accom-modate 15 people. Festive bonfires are also available. Call for reservations.

34 Dec. 13, 2012

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35Dec. 13, 2012

Sponsored by: