Saturday, February 4, 2012
Thousands of ice luminaries, an ice pyramid and the Ice-Cropolis! Bon fires, hot cocoa and cookie stations. Post-Luminary Loppet Party for paid registrants. Non-competitive event with registration open to snowshoers, walkers* and skiers alike.
Paid participants can start and finish anywhere along the course. To alleviate congestion, participants register for a specific start time: 6, 6:30, 7, 7:30 or 8 p.m. Participants can either pre-register (suggested – pre-registration is less costly and it is more likely that the participant’s preferred start time will still be available) or register on-site on Saturday. Day-of registration and pick-up for the Luminary Loppet will be available at the Loppet Tent in the Lagoon area between Lake of the Isles and Lake Calhoun and at event headquarters in Calhoun Square from 1 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 4. Once participants have their official Luminary Loppet glow stick, they may start at any location around Lake of the Isles. The Luminary Loppet loop is approximately 5k, but shortcuts are an option.
Note that this year all participants will be required to wear an official Luminary Loppet glow stick throughout the event.
For those starting in Uptown, participants head down Lake Street, onto Lake Calhoun and then through the lagoon between Lake of the Isles and Lake Calhoun. Proceeding under two bridges, skiers emerge onto a luminary-lit trail around Lake of the Isles. With more than 1,000 luminaries, an ice pyramid, the Enchanted Forest, the Brock White Ice-Cropolis, four stations with fire pits and goodies including (at two of the stations) hot cocoa and even some fire-spinners, the Luminary Loppet can be enjoyed by anyone on skis or snowshoes, or even walking*.
New this year: Surly Brewing Sample Station. Each adult registrant for the Luminary Loppet will receive a token for a free Surly at the Surly Beer Garden at the refectory on Lake Calhoun. Bring photo ID – no one will be allowed in the beer garden without a valid ID.
*Note that walking on the trails without snowshoes or skis will destroy the ski trails. Paid participants can walk the Luminary Loppet course, but walkers and snowshoers must stay in the official walking and snowshoe lane.
Park Nicollet Luminary Loppet Day-of Registration and Packet Pickup
Day-of Luminary Loppet registration and glow stick pick-up for pre-registered participants runs 1 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Registration and pick-up locations will be set up in Calhoun Square and in the Loppet Tent in the Lagoon area between Calhoun Square and Lake of the Isles.
Entry Fee
| Entry Fee Paid By: | July 31 | Nov. 30 | Jan. 15 | Jan. 31 | Feb. 4 (in person only) |
| Luminary Loppet – Adult Rate | $13 | $15 | $17 | $20 | $25 |
| Luminary Loppet – Youth Rate (Skiers 16 and Under) | $7 | $8 | $9 | $11 | $15 |
Post-Luminary Party
Warm up after the Luminary Loppet at the Post-Luminary Loppet Party – featuring live music. Make a night of it and come tell stories, dance, and enjoy live music in Calhoun Square. Beer for sale, with complimentary hot cocoa for the kids. The Post-Luminary Party is free for registered Luminary Loppet participants and $10 for everyone else.
