STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK

With spring temperatures rising, it may soon be time to put away your Norwegian sweaters.

Before you do, give them one last fond shake and don them for the Galena Inga-Loppet on Sunday, March 16.

The free event invites Nordic skiers to don their favorite Norwegian dress in honor of the birthplace of Nordic skiing and join others in skiing around Galena trails while enjoying free beer and homemade donuts provided by the staff at Galena Lodge.

It starts at 10 a.m. outside the lodge, and those who are up to it are invited to ski the 25-kilometer perimeter of the Galena trails. Beer and doughnuts are expected to pop up at random.

Don’t feel like doing it all? That’s okay—do what you can.

Don’t have a Norwegian outfit? Dress in any other costumes. It’s all about being silly, having fun and sharing good company with like-minded Nordic enthusiasts as Galena Lodge prepares to close for the season on April 6.

The Lodge will stage another fan favorite on that day—the Ride, Stride, Glide, a fun race involving bicycle, skis and running shoes.