Minnesotans get outdoors to enjoy milder winter temps

Temperatures in Minnesota feel a world away from a week ago, when dangerously cold conditions kept Minnesotans inside.

Over in Theodore Wirth Park in Minneapolis, it was some much-needed sunshine.

“This event is obviously a lot warmer than it’s been in the earlier parts of the year. Unfortunately we had some changes to the Loppet Festival, so it’s nice to get everyone out here in the bright sunshine and warm weather. People are excited to be out here skiing, especially after such a long cold snap,” said Heidi Ledermann with the Loppet Foundation.

“It’s kind of nice to be out this weekend. It’s actually warm, you’re not cold standing outside,” said Shelly Petersen. “With the warmer weather we wanted to get out and do something, make up for last weekend.”

Groups of friends are finally giving up their hibernation indoors and putting on some cross-country skis — an outdoor activity perfect for a pandemic.

“I’m with my girls, and we are going skiing, and we’ve never done this before and we’re excited to try it out,” Megan Russell said.

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With warmer weather ahead, winter recreation is ready to go

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Meanwhile in Maple Grove, it’s a day for the kids. CycleHealth is hosting its seventh annual “kidarod” at Fish Lake Regional Park.

“We’re trying to remind the whole country, and especially the Twin Cities, that in the winter, we get outside. And we don’t hibernate. The idea is the kids do the work, we do have the huskies with us,” event director Tony Schiller said.

Families were happy to let the kids out to blow off some steam.

“It’s nice to get outside,” said Nick Pelton, a father. “They’ve been cooped up for several weeks because of the cold.”

The event includes trail running, hill-climbing, hiking, obstacles, and sliding. Luckily, without as much wind-chill as the weekend before.