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Other stories in "Winter"

• Readers say Ely is the coolest town
  It's got wolves, it's got bears, it's got character.
• Next weekend
  Meet Father Christmas, Santa Lucia and Mr. Claus.
• This weekend
  Carouse with reindeer and carolers.
• Best bets for the weekend
  Watch for swans, eagles and Santa in a sleigh.
• The chocolate cure
  As winter drags on, drown your sorrows with sweets.
• Vacations for the brain
  Go to a summer school, and you'll come home with a skill.
• Counting birds
  At Christmas, birders go afield for the annual census.
• Volunteering on Lake Superior
  Be keeper of the light or a modern voyageur.
• The best of 2011 . . . and 2012
  Here are our revelations from the old year and resolutions for the new one.
• The best of 2010 . . . and 2011
  Here are our revelations from the old year and resolutions for the new one.
• Reserving for summer
  Nab your spot now in Minnesota and Michigan state parks.
• Following the Beargrease
  The 2011 North Shore sled-dog marathon was one of the most exciting in years.
• Walking on ice
  To stay safe and have fun, buy a pair of crampons.
• Skiing in the city
  On the trails of Duluth, a cappuccino never is far away.
• All eyes on eagles
  In winter, tourists and birds alike head for open water.

Magic under the moon

In winter, plan a trip around a candlelight ski or snowshoe.

On a dark winter night, there's nothing more magical than skiing or snowshoeing on a trail lined by candles.

I got hooked in Minnesota's Mille Lacs Kathio State Park. A fat blue moon hung in the sky, a thick coating of hoarfrost made tree branches look like reindeer antlers and more than 400 glowing bags gave the forest a fairy-tale aura.

I often plan winter trips around candlelight events. In Minnesota, you can stay right in the park if you reserve fast enough.

Here's our list of candlelight skiing and snowshoeing events in 2013.

Last updated on November 27, 2012