For those seeking a reason to venture into the outdoors, the City of Lakes Loppet offers a little something for everyone. From professional skiiers to artisan ice sculptures, the Loppet incorporates a little something for everyone. And for all those looking for a way to help their community, all proceeds help the Loppet foundation promote various youth programs in schools across the Twin Cities.

The festival offers cross country ski races spanning various levels of ability from beginner to advanced. The festival also includes events such as snow sculpting and snowshoeing competitions as well as the Loppet Village over the three day festival. The popular dog sled races also will be featured.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Luminary Loppet, an event held at Lake of the Isles as soon as the sun goes down. Participation is open to everyone, those interested simply need to register at the Comcast registration tent located by the lake and pick up a official Comcast Luminary Loppet glow stick before beginning their adventure. From there they are free to ski, snowshoe or simply explore the various booths set up around the lake. Festivities include hot chocolate stands, ice pyramids, fire dancers and much more. All Loppet events are geared towards participants of all ages. The night ends with the post-luminary party, featuring live music and, for the first time ever, a fireworks display show.

Freshman Annie VanPilsum-Johnson said she is a regular at the Luminary Loppet.

“I do it every year,” she said. “It’s great because it’s at a slow enjoyable pace and there are a lot of families there. You get hot chocolate and cookies and you get to see the lake all lit up which is the prettiest part,” she said.

However, one of the main focuses of the festival is raising awareness of everything the Loppet Foundation does. According to Kristen Spargo, the director for advancement for the Loppet Foundation, the festival is just one part of what the Loppet Foundation does. It also sponsors youth programs, such as the Minnie-Loppet. The Minnie- Loppet is a growing program which teaches kids how to cross country ski in five middle schools across the Twin Cities. The program incorporates ski instruction during gym classes.

“The Minne-Loppet gives kids the great opportunity to learn how to ski, work closely with coaches and learn a great life skill,” Spargo said. “The best part is having the kids ski at the Loppet race and having their families come out and cheer them on.”

The Minne-Loppet is just one of the many school year programs sponsored by the foundation which also holds youth camps in the spring, summer and fall, all of which teach kids outdoor recreation activities such as biking, running and canoeing.

Freshman Caroline Green said she participated in the Minnie Loppet race in the past and very much enjoyed the experience. She also said she supports the foundation and believes these programs are a great resource for the community.

“It’s great that programs like this help kids to go and learn healthy exercise habits outdoors when they otherwise wouldn’t have that opportunity,” Green said. “It’s a way for them to stay healthy throughout their life.”

To raise awareness about the various programs the Loppet supports, Spargo said a social media campaign is in the works.

“We’re partnering with Padilla Crt, a communications firm, and they are working with us to help us raise awareness of all that the Loppet foundation does, particularly around the City of Lakes Festival,” Spargo said.

The City of Lakes Loppet Ski festival is happening from Jan. 30 to Feb. 1 and those interested in signing up for events and races can do so at http://www.loppet.org/cityoflakesloppet/.