Skiers brave cold as frigid temps cause closures at Wirth Park

It will be so cold on Sunday that some Minnesotans will not be able to enjoy a few winter activities.

The Loppet Foundation at Theodore Wirth Park in Minneapolis will be closed, meaning cross country skis will not be rented and tubing passes won’t be sold.

“I think this is the coldest,” said Brandon Moore, who was cross country skiing on Saturday. “This probably takes the cake."

It’s been an interesting year for the Loppet Foundation. COVID-19 has created its own challenges, one being not allowing anyone inside — not an ideal situation on very cold days. Staff has adjusted to remain open with a walk-up ticket booth, bonfires to stay warm and a large pop-up igloo to shelter from the wind. But even the hardiest of Minnesotans can’t get a pass on Sunday because it’s closing because of the extreme cold.

They’ll be back open Monday, and then staff will prepare for the Mayor’s Cross Country Ski Challenge. That is set for the weekend of Feb. 20.