By Lynn O’Rourke Hayes
FamilyTravel.com
Chill out with ice carvers, climbers, skiers and history-makers during festive celebrations of winter. Here are five gatherings to consider:
Tahoe City, California: Explore winter recreational opportunities during the nine-day Alpenglow Mountain Festival, organized for backcountry enthusiasts with little or intermediate experience. With nearly 100 events from which to choose, and most offered at no charge, it’s an opportunity to sample guided ski tours, snow-shoe outings and cross-country and skate-skiing clinics. Feb. 15-23, 2020.
St. Paul, Minnesota: Considered one of the oldest winter festivals in the U.S. (operating since 1885), this family-friendly event includes polar plunges, day and evening parades, ice horse-racing, bobsledding and ice carving, as well as a liberal serving of lore. Jan. 23 to Feb. 2, 2020.
Ouray, Colorado: This small southwestern Colorado mountain town, known for its picturesque jagged peaks, is home to one of the country’s premier ice festivals. Competitors of all levels, climbing companies and spectators gather for the event, now in its 25th year, and the opportunity to demo the latest ice tools, apparel and gear. Family members can access dozens of interactive and educational climbing clinics throughout the festival. Jan. 23-26, 2020.
Whitefish, Montana: The annual Whitefish Winter Carnival kicks off with the coronation of a king and queen, followed by the Penguin Plunge (a hole is cut into Whitefish Lake and participants take a dip to raise funds for charity). Visitors can check out the old-fashioned Main Street parade, an ice sculpting contest, a kids carnival, a torchlight ski parade, ski-joring, cross-country ski races and a figure skating demo. The festivities are open to the public, and most are free. Feb. 7-9, 2020.
Quebec City, Quebec: Visit the world’s “snow capital” to join in Quebec’s Winter Carnival, a 10-day celebration of all things icy cold. Launched in 1894, the winterfest includes a parade led by a cheery mascot called Bonhomme, and performances that combine technology, pyrotechnics, and circus arts. Sign up for an ice sculpture workshop, watch canoe races on the St. Lawrence River, or strap on skates for a spin. Feb. 7-16, 2020.
