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February 14, 2000
Skiers taketo trails atFlandrau ParkYear-round activitiesare emphasizedBy SARA SYVERSON Journal Staff Writer NEW ULM -- They take to the open trails and feel the winds. They see the scenery of nature and enjoy the day skiing on the eight miles of trails at Flandrau State Park. The warm weather of past three winters made it difficult for skiers to get out and enjoy their recreational activity, according to Tom Schmitz, Flandrau State Park Assistant Park Manager. "State parks are year-round facilities. ... Flandrau is a year-round, four-season recreational park," said Schmitz, "And I think a lot of people know that, but there are some people who think of it only as a summer campground, and they do not utilize it all four seasons." Ski trails become hiking trails in the spring, summer and fall months. Saturdays are usually busier than Sunday at Flandrau, and the weekdays are usually quieter than weekends. "A busy day would be about 100 people skiing," said Schmitz, "There might be about 200 people skiing on a gorgeous day." "Skiing is weather dependent," said Schmitz, "If the snow conditions are good and the weather is good -- we are busy." In order to have ski trails they must be "groomed" with special equipment, Schmitz said. A minimum of 6 inches of snow is needed to use the grooming equipment, which consists of a snowmobile pulling a track-setting sled. A good base of snow is also needed for cross country skiing. After the sled cuts two ski track grooves into the snow, the equipment operator will swing back and make two grooves the other way providing two-way traffic on the trails. "Skate skiing is becoming popular," said Schmitz, "We have a portion of trail for it, but Nehls City Park (located near Flandrau at 1200 Summit Ave.) has a large circle loop that's groomed for the skate skiing." Michael and JoAnn Huss of New Ulm have been skiing since they were married approximately 20 years ago. "We've skied for years and years," said JoAnn Huss. The Husses have two children who also ski with them, Franz, the oldest son, attends college now, and Karl is 10 years old. "It's good aerobic exercise, a good family activity, and a lot of our friends ski," said Michael Huss "I like getting out and getting exercise," said Karl. Michael Huss said the park does a good job of grooming the trails for skiers. "Most of the people are aware not to walk on the groomed trails, and most people are good about it," said Michael Huss. "This is a nice place to ski. It's really peaceful and quiet." Ski equipment (skis,boots and poles) can be rented for $7 per day through the Flandrau State Park office. Any person over 16 years old needs a ski pass. A daily pass is $3; an annual pass is $10 and a three-season (three year pass) is $25. All vehicles entering the park require an entrance permit adhered to the vehicle's windshield. A yearly vehicle permit is $20 per year and is valid at any Minnesota state park. A daily vehicle pass is $4. Park maps are available at the office, and park maps can be downloaded from a home computer at www.dnr.state.mn.us Upcoming events at Flandrau include A "Full Moon Fest" on Saturday, Feb. 19, 2000, from 6 p.m. -- 9 p.m. The event is organized through the Friends of Flandrau. Activities are horse drawn wagon rides for a nominal fee, candle lit trails for hiking; trails for skiing or snow shoeing depending on weather conditions; and bonfires and refreshments. The Bock Fest at Schell's Brewing Company is set for 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 4. The event features a bock hunt in which medallions are hidden in Flandrau State Park, and fest participants search for them. For more information, call the park office at (507) 233-9800.
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