Single-digit temps couldn't keep skiers — and partygoers — away from the Loppet Foundation's après ski party, which capped the City of Lakes Loppet. This year's event drew a sellout crowd of 7,000 registered skiers for a candlelit spin around Lake of the Isles in Minneapolis.
The Big Tent in the temporary Loppet Village on Lake Calhoun offered a break from the frigid outdoor air, homegrown music from Twin Cities band Orange Whip, craft beer from Surly and outdoor-lover raffle packages.
"It's my favorite race of the year," said Nate Ley, a St. John's University skier. "The atmosphere is great."
Elias, Maureen and William Ndegwa and Jason and Joan Hinricks. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
St. John’s University skiers Ian Fritz and Nate Ley. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Brittany Cullen and Tyler Johnson. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Monica Osterholm, Norman and Eloise Ratan. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Kurt and Laura Taken-Holtze. Kurt competed in the skate race. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Heidi Erickson and Laura Bolstad. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Shawn, Megan and Mike Binkowski. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Stuart Hemphill with his kids Timo and Hayley. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Snow sculptures near the finish line of the City of Lakes Loppet, which includes ski and skate races and other activities. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
![From left to right, Elias, Maureen and William Ndegwa, Jason and Joan Hinricks. ] (SPECIAL TO THE STAR TRIBUNE/BRE McGEE) **Elias Ndegwa (left), Maureen Ndegwa (second from left), William Ndegwa (held, center), Jason Hinricks (second from right), Joan Hinricks (right)](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/KBSTLOPGUSTLBVF25MAZ6QO4AQ.jpg?&w=1080)
![St. John's University skiers Ian Fritz and Nate Ley. ] (SPECIAL TO THE STAR TRIBUNE/BRE McGEE) **Ian Fritz (left, freshman skier), Nate Ley (right, junior skier)](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/BYB46BS7IMKUZM6S3X2BQKPTTI.jpg?&w=1080)
![From left to right, Brittany Cullen and Tyler Johnson. ] (SPECIAL TO THE STAR TRIBUNE/BRE McGEE) **Brittany Cullen (left), Tyler Johnson (right)](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/HGGO6FX3H5P7XPRTSPGLTTZOYE.jpg?&w=1080)
![Monica Osterholm (left), Norman (center) and Eloise Ratan in the Big Tent at the post-luminary party. ] (SPECIAL TO THE STAR TRIBUNE/BRE McGEE) **Monica Osterholm (left), Norman (center, dog), Eloise Taran (right)](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/Q2XR7VDA7RNM6RJLFCQB5WT7EM.jpg?&w=1080)
![Kurt and Laura Taken-Holtze hung out at the post-luminary party before Kurt competed in the 42k poppet skate race Sunday. ] (SPECIAL TO THE STAR TRIBUNE/BRE McGEE) **Kurt Taken-Holtze (left), Laura Taken-Holtze (right)](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/URLE3JR4UTWQ6ZGXKN7QTX5THE.jpg?&w=1080)
![Volunteers Heidi Erickson (left) and Laura Bolstad sold Loppet merchandise in the Big Tent. ] (SPECIAL TO THE STAR TRIBUNE/BRE McGEE) **Heidi Erickson (left), Laura Bolstad (right)](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/NCRNIBSUOO6SK2BZIHHK4OHIBA.jpg?&w=1080)
![Megan Binkowski (center) admires the snow sculptures with her parents Shawn (left) and Mike. ] (SPECIAL TO THE STAR TRIBUNE/BRE McGEE) **Shawn Binkowski (mom, left), Megan Binkowski (center), Mike Binkowski (dad, right)](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/AAWG3G7D3HPNIKWWVWTCMMSQNQ.jpg?&w=1080)
![Stuart Hemphill (center) repairs a problematic ski on Lake Calhoun with his kids Timo and Hayley. ] (SPECIAL TO THE STAR TRIBUNE/BRE McGEE) **Timo Hemphill (left), Stuart Hemphill (center, dad), Hayley Hemphill (right)](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/UCUGLU6QQPTFRV4YII3IVT2FVY.jpg?&w=1080)
![Snow sculptures sit near the loppet finish line. ] (SPECIAL TO THE STAR TRIBUNE/BRE McGEE)](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/HIL33G2TJA4G5QYNWZGLXQM7JU.jpg?&w=1080)
