Candlelight Ski
Friday, February 13, 2026
Hidden Valley, Ely, MN
5-8 PM
Please join us for the umpteenth Candlelight Ski at Hidden Valley. This is a lighthearted, family-friendly, magical ski around 2 KM of gentle trails lit with ice luminaries. We hold it at night for the most magic; all ages, abilities, and adventurers welcome!
Schedule:
Luminaries lit by dusk (5:30 PM). Ski early if you like more light, come at dark for the adventure! Bring a friend and a headlamp in case you need to untangle your skiers out there~
We’ll have the Chalet open and bonfires lit outside. There will be music and hopefully dancing and hanging out. We’ll have cookies and need you to bring some to share! Byo bevvies (hot or cold) if you like.
Volunteer Opportunities:
We’ve got volunteer slots open! You could make luminaries (learn a fine Northern Skill), shovel some snow, carry luminaries around, tend some bonfires, make cookies, keep the music going! Something for everyone. Contact Ledoux by emailing
Costs:
This event is free, fun, and a pretty good time. Hope to see you out there!
Ely Nordic Ski and Bike Club Presents
Ely Nordic Loppet and Hot Cocoa Cup
A Loppet is a ski event plus a party, and the best Loppet in Minnesota is happening at Hidden Valley Recreation Area in Ely, MN on Saturday February 14th, 2026. There is something for everyone to enjoy on this fantastic day of skiing and partying!
Race Options:
20k Freestyle (You can ski Skate or Classic)
10k Freestyle (You can ski Skate or Classic)
5k Freestyle – Costumes encouraged
Race Schedule:
12:00 PM – Race Day On-Site Registration and bib pickup opens
12:45 PM – Race Day Registration and bib pickup closes
1:00 PM – Hot Cocoa Cup Kids race ~ ½ mile
1:20 PM – 20k Races Starts
1:30 PM – 10k Races Starts
1:40 PM – 5k Fun Race Starts (costumes encouraged)
3:00 PM - Awards
All afternoon: Walking tacos and snacks available in the Chalet, along with live music!
Costs:
∙ Pre-register for $45 for any race
∙ Hot Cocoa Cup is Free and designed for children 10 and under
∙ Race Day Registration is $60
∙ Registration covers the race, an event T-shirt, and a food voucher!
Location:
Hidden Valley Recreation Area, 1258 Hidden Valley Rd, Ely, MN 55731
Results will be posted online
Register for races here: https://www.webscorer.com/register?raceid=413608
Refund Policy
There will be no refunds for the Ely Nordic Loppet. In the event you are
unable to race for any reason, your entry fee will be considered a donation to
Hidden Valley trail maintenance and The Ely Nordic Ski and Bike Club.
Ely Nordic Ski and Bike Club Presents
5:00 PM – Race Day Registration opens
5:45 PM – Race Day Registration closes
6:00 PM – Short course race start
6:05 PM – Long course race start
Each race evening will have a 5-7 mile course with the option to do one or two laps.
Riders 12 and under on these courses will require a paid adult rider with them at all times.
- Adults: Pre-registered $15 per race, $20 for race day registration.
-
Under 18 years: $5 per race
-
Pre-register for the full series for a 25% discount on all races.
In the event of rain or other weather events where riding may damage trails, the course will be routed to mowed ski trails (still FUN!). Severe weather will result in race cancellation.