Who would've thought we'd crave snow this much? These snowless, gloomy days have us yearning for a snowy wonderland.

Well, fear not! Claire Wilson, the powerhouse leading the Loppet Foundation, is here to wipe away those tears and tell you to put on your snow pants. Her team has transformed Theodore Wirth Park into a winter paradise. You heard that right—snow in Minnesota, right now!

They've meticulously covered the trails, so grab those cross-country skis and glide through the winter wonderland. Or maybe indulge in some adrenaline with your family—zooming down snowy slopes.

The Loppet isn't just about snow; they're bringing us the World Cup (the skiing one, not the soccer showdown), the enchanting Luminary Loppet (it's practically pure magic), plus a mix of artsy and nature-centric programs that'll keep your winter calendar jam-packed.

Finally, a request from We Do This For Fun. Unseasonably warm weather has thrown a curveball at the Loppet Foundation, especially in preparing for this year's World Cup. If your family is thinking about end-of-year charitable contributions, I urge you to consider making a tax-deductible donation to The Loppet Foundation. Your support will directly help them tackle the hurdles posed by the weather and ensure both a successful World Cup and a fantastic 2024 season.

Your generosity won't just impact The Loppet; it'll ripple through our community. These humans support youth development programs in Mountain Biking, Nordic sports, and Running.

To chip in or discover more about The Loppet Foundation, hop over to https://www.loppet.org and hit "Make a Donation."

Now, go summon your snow angels, and dive into winter at Theodore Wirth Park, courtesy of the Loppet Foundation.

Luminary Loppet, SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2024 (Tickets are available at https://www.loppet.org/events/luminary).

COOP FIS Cross-Country World Cup Minneapolis (Loppet Cup), Saturday, February 17- Monday, February 19, 2024 (Check out: https://loppetcup.com for the details)

For all things Loppet visit: https://www.loppet.org/

Facebook: @loppet

Insta: @loppetfoundation

Back at our favorite spot, the Trailhead at Theodore Wirth Park we catch up with Executive Director of the Loppet Foundation, Claire Wilson. Updates from the foundation including an invitation to visit the Trailhead for tubing, cross country skiing and fat biking or to sip a hot beverage and play indoor games. But what you’re really looking for are the tips and tricks for experiencing the Luminary Loppet and City of Lakes Loppet Winter Festival. Skijoring, Kubb, nordic ski races and a lake of luminaries all in the heart of Minneapolis. Find your snow pants- you’ve got Minnesota winter events to attend!

Tasha Van Zandt is the creator of After Antarctica, a groundbreaking film that follows polar explorer Will Steger's life journey as an eyewitness to the greatest changes to the polar regions of our planet. Tasha talks about her own journey to becoming a female filmmaker, documenting some of the harshest climates on Earth and growing as a person and professional with every step. She inspires us to collectively look both inward and outward, as stewards of this beautiful planet we call home.