Braving the Cold at Hoofers Winter Carnival

Posted By terraceviews-admin on Feb 12, 2014 |

By Nancy Payne x’16

The Hoofers Winter Carnival featured a long-standing tradition of the Rail Jam on Observatory Hill on Saturday, February 8th, calling on skiers and snowboarders alike to show off their skills.

While most of us face this fierce Wisconsin winter weather by staying indoors as much as possible, Hoofers challenged us to embrace the cold. With cross-country skiing or snowshoeing to Picnic Point, snow kiting, mountaineer gear racing and soaring down a hill with skiis or snowboards, students and community members of all ages participated in the Wisconsin Union‘s beloved Hoofers Winter Carnival. Fostering events both old and new, the annual weeklong winter wonderland included a mix of winter-themed activities such as crafts, sports and socializing indoors and out. Here are some of the highlights of the week:

Monday kicked off the week with an information session about all six Hoofers clubs.

Tuesday featured a Picnic Point Bonfire where participators could walk, cross-country ski or snowshoe to free hot chocolate and s’mores.

Friday Hoofers teamed up with Craftshop by having a valentine-themed Free Art Friday.

Saturday was the Carnival’s biggest and boldest day with free hot chocolate, ice sculpting, snow kiting, carriage rides, the Rail Jam and the Snow Ball–Hoofers pulled out all the stocks Saturday. Snow kiting featured the Hoofers sailing club gliding along the Lake Mendota ice, enticing spectators as they participated in ice sculpting or snowman building on the Terrace. The Rail Jam was hosted on Observatory Hill showcasing skiing and snowboarding tricksters alike in the Carnival’s most recognizable and long-standing tradition.

Ice hockey and broomball tournaments on Lake Mendota led the Carnival week to a close and capped off the event in success on Sunday.

Here are some of the highlights of the event:

Check out a Winter Carnival slideshow on the Union’s Facebook page for more information!

Nancy Payne is a UW sophomore majoring in Strategic Communication frequently seen in Der Rathskeller eating a bag of Stiftskeller popcorn with a bowl of Chocolate Peanut Butter Babcock ice cream on the side.