Hygge Hike to go dark next weekend

By RICHARD JENKINS

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MONTREAL, Wis. — Things are going to be a little different for this year’s Hygge Hike at the Montreal Ski Trails as organizers have planned to go dark Saturday with a candle and moonlit night snowshoe hike.

The inspiration for the night-time event came after the group planning the hike, Northern Iron County Engaged Residents, had to cancel the chili cook-off as a precaution against COVID-19.

“We were trying to think of ways to make it more interesting than just a snowshoe walk and someone … came up with the idea of having a night hike, and it just worked out that it was going to be a full moon that night,” said Rebecca Holm, one of the hike’s organizers. “That’s why we decided to do the candlelight snowshoe walk instead, we just thought that would be something fun to do because we had to cancel the chili cook-off.”

Holm previously explained Hygge — pronounced “Hoo-ga” — is a Danish word meaning “the art of building sanctuary and community, of inviting closeness and paying attention to what makes us feel open-hearted and alive.”

The event runs from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday on the Montreal Trails behind the Rose Wreath Building off Wisconsin 77.

Candle luminaries are expected to line the 1.5-mile snowshoe trail and participants will be able to warm up at three bonfires along the path.

Holm said those taking part in the hike are encouraged to wear glowsticks, reflective clothing, LED lights or other fun ways to light up the night.

Due to the limited parking at the trailhead, and to ensure everyone’s safety in the dark, Holm said organizers are asking participants to park in front of the Rose Wreath building, with overflow parking planned on the right side of No. 4 Road.

“We just want people to avoid driving behind Rose Wreath to keep the volunteers and participants safe,” Holm said.

Although the event is free, Holm said they are encouraging a $10 donation per family, with the money going towards future NICER events and the Penokee Rangers group that maintains the trails.

More information on the hike is available on NICER’s website, NICER715.com