Minnesota Is Home To One Of The Largest Winter Sports Festivals In The Country

The City of Lakes Loppet Winter Festival is an annual winter event in Minneapolis that celebrates cross-country skiing and other winter sports over the course of a weekend. This winter sports festival in Minnesota is one of the largest of its kind in the country and attending - or participating - should be on every Minnesotan's Bold North bucket list. This year, it's scheduled to take place (snow permitting!) February 3 and 4, 2024.

The City of Lakes Loppet Winter Festival has been a favorite February event in Minnesota for more than two decades.

Winter sports enthusiasts participate in or attend several events and celebrations that occur during the festival.

The heart of the festival, of course, is Nordic skiing.

Several races for a wide range of ages and abilities, including children and chair skiers, take place over the festival.

Fat bikers also get in on the action.

As do snowshoers, who get their own loppet!

My favorite is the skijoring in which skiers are pulled along the course by dogs. (In some places, horses and other animals are used).

The dogs get really into it, and it seems that most everyone is smiling as they watch.

The festival's biggest event, though, is the Luminary Loppet.

The Loppet Foundations largest annual fundraiser, this event allows folks to get out on Lake of the Isles and enjoy an evening of skiing, beautiful lights, entertainment, and to celebrate the beauty of winter in Minnesota.

The fun doesn't end with the Winter festival this year, either!

On February 17-19, 2024, the inaugural Loppet Cup will take place in Minneapolis, thanks to the efforts of the Loppet Foundation and beloved hometown Nordic champ Jessie Diggins. This FIS COOP Cross-Country Ski World Cup event will bring some of the world's best Nordic skiers to Minnesota for the race.

We hope to see you out on the snow this February! For more information or to see a detailed schedule of events, visit the City of Lakes Loppet Winter Festival web page or check out the Loppet Foundation on Facebook. If you need gear, REI is a great source for winter sports outfitting. And if you're spectating, be sure you bring everything you need to stay warm!

Do you plan on attending any of the events at the City of Lakes Loppet Winter Festival this year? Have you attended this winter sports festival in Minnesota in the past? Let us know in the comments!