1 Beginner ice fishing
Silverwood Park, Jan. 25, 9-11 a.m.
Attend a short lesson on the basics of ice fishing, including primers on equipment, ice safety and dressing for the cold. Then head to Silver Lake for a first-timer's taste of this classic sport. $8. All equipment provided. Children must be accompanied by adult. Reservations required; 763-694-7707 or www.threeriversparks.org.
2 CCC tour by snowshoe
Whitewater State Park, Jan. 25, 10 a.m.-noon.
Franklin Roosevelt's Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) brought hundreds of young men to the forests and fields of Whitewater State Park during the Great Depression. Join a naturalist to tour the park's finest CCC-built structures. Bring your own snowshoes or borrow the park's. More information: 1-507-932-3007 or www.mndnr.gov.
3 New 5K ski trail
Hyland Lake Park Reserve, Jan. 25, 3-6 p.m.
Help inaugurate the metro's newest cross-country ski trail, featuring snow-making as well as lights for night skiing. The celebration includes free ski rentals from 3 to 6 p.m. and free lessons from 3 to 4 p.m. More information: www.threerivers parks.org
4 Snowshoe lacing 101
Afton State Park, Jan. 25 and Jan. 26, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Learn to lace a pair of traditional Ojibwe-style snowshoes at this two-day workshop. Lessons cover everything from knotting to weaving the decking onto the frame. Ages 10-plus. Reservations required; 651-231-6968. More information: www.mndnr.gov.
5 Marine/O'Brien ski race
William O'Brien State Park, Jan. 26, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Skiers of all abilities are invited to watch or even participate in the 43rd annual Marine/O'Brien ski race. The festivities begin with a wooden ski tour of the park. Adult races start at 10:30 a.m. and children's at 1 p.m. $8-$40. Registration required; everett@fruitshare.com. More information: www.mndnr.gov.