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FAMILY FUN There’s plenty at Bottineau Winter Park, nestled in the Turtle Mountains 10 minutes from Bottineau, to keep the whole family busy. Try eight downhill tracks, whiz down seven tubing runs or snowshoe along scenic trails. An adaptive program makes activities acces-sible for those with disabilities. skibwp.com

DRAMATIC VISTAS Near the Pembina Gorge in the Rendezvous Region near Walhalla, Frost Fire Ski and Snowboard Area draws visitors with its spectacular forest scenery. The ski runs should reopen for the 2018–2019 season, but three tubing chutes and a terrain park for snow-boarders offer thrills now. frostfireskiarea.com

BEST FOR BEGINNERS At Huff Hills Ski Area near the Missouri River south of Bismarck/Mandan, several of the 16 runs are appropriate for beginners, and Ski Patrol volunteers can offer free lessons. More difficult slopes challenge experienced skiers and snowboarders and draw downhill enthusiasts from nearby states. huffhills.com

Ski ND North Dakota isn’t known for its altitude, but it still serves up plenty of downhill thrills.

On the slopes at Huff Hills Ski Area.

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Celebrate 2018 March 20–24 Fargo Film Festival Five days of films from around the world, panel discussions and hobnobbing with industry insiders. fargofilmfestival.org

July 19–21 Downtown Fargo Street Fair One of North Dakota’s largest free events, with thousands of people sampling street food and shopping artisans’ booths. downtownfargo.com

July 20–28 North Dakota State FairNine days of rides, music and more in Minot, plus more than 40,000 exhibits from North Dakota farmers, ranchers, craftspeople and artists. ndstatefair.com

June 22–July 4 Roughrider Days Fair and ExpoPRCA rodeo action in Dickinson, with a demolition derby, carnival rides and fireworks thrown in for fun. roughriderdaysfair.com

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Sept. 26–29 Norsk Høstfest A celebration of all things Scandinavian, bringing music, food and art from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden to Minot. hostfest.com

Sept. 18–22 Potato BowlA Grand Forks must for spud lovers, featuring the World’s Largest French Fry Feed, which served up more than 4 tons of fries in 2017. potatobowl.org

Mark your calendar for a year’s worth of North Dakota festivals.

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�� It’s non-invasive � Simply breathe in the salt-infused air, rich in ben-eficial minerals. They’re said to clear impurities, boost immunity, reduce allergies, and improve the appearance of skin and hair.

�� It’s cool �Salt cave temperatures are in the low 70s, which appeals to those who can’t tolerate heat. Blankets are available.

�� It’s relaxing �Salt cave etiquette bans electronic devices and encourages silence and deep breathing. Soft lighting and comfort-able chairs deepen the meditative atmosphere.

Try it: � Visit the Salt Cave

Wellness Relaxation Center in Bismarck, the only salt cave in North Dakota. saltcavend.com

Soothing SaltThree things to know about the salt cave trend:

Hargrove’s viewing tips

Embrace the darkness. Seek total darkness, away from city lights, streetlights and even

headlights on the highway. Then look north.

(Theodore Roosevelt National Park is a good

place to try.)

Mind the moon. Avoid full or even half

moons. “The moonlight will drown out most of

the interesting features,” explains Hargrove.

Try often. Scientists can predict if conditions are right one

to three days out, but they can’t guarantee the phenomenon will occur.

So be patient and try multiple times.

It’s tough to describe the colorful night-sky phenomenon known as the aurora borealis, or northern lights. The words “captivating,” “jaw-dropping” and “eerie” come to mind—“reliable” does not. But the lights’ elusiveness only boosts their appeal for stargazers like Zachary Hargrove, a photographer and meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Bismarck. He says viewing nature’s light show can be emotional. “I’m usually jumping up and down and screaming at the top of my lungs,” he says. “I think I’ve even cried tears of joy during some of the more dramatic shows.”

Sky’s the LimitGet tips from an expert on catching the elusive aurora borealis in North Dakota.

Northern lights just north of Bismarck.

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On Stage Bring your sweetheart to the

Dakota Heritage Center for Sweets for the Sweet: Love Songs and Romance, a special Valentine’s

Day performance by The Bismarck-Mandan Civic Chorus on Feb. 14.

Don’t MissThe Kiwanis Pancake Karnivalis a carb fest of epic proportions,

drawing thousands to the Fargodome for sausage and all-you-can-eat

buttermilk or buckwheat pancakes. The charity fundraiser celebrates

60 years on Feb. 10.

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The Price Is Right Live brings classic games like Plinko and the

promise of big cash and prize packages to the Chester Fritz

Auditorium in Grand Forks on Feb. 8.

Skating RinksFARGO Practice your figure eights at Downtown on Ice. Warm up with coffee, tea or cocoa from dozens of shops and restaurants near the rink. fargoparks.com

GRAND FORKS Located near a bend in the Red River, Lincoln Drive Park is a scenic skating spot. A sledding hill, cross-country skiing trail and warming house maximize winter fun. gfparks.org

BISMARCK A central location sheltered by mature trees in one of the capital’s oldest parks makes the Lions Park ice rink and warming house an accessible and cozy go-to for skaters. bisparks.org

Ways to enjoy North Dakota this season.

Get Up and Go!

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MADE IN NORTH DAKOTA

All-natural dog treats Farmer Tillie’s Homemade Dog Treats (named, ironically, for a favorite cat) have rewarded four-legged friends for 14 years. Cheryl Woodcock’s natural, preservative-free dog treats are handcrafted with North Dakota products, including ingredients from her farm near Baldwin. “We grind our own wheat, the eggs are from my chickens, and there’s nothing in the treats you couldn’t eat yourself,” Woodcock says. farmertillies.com

3 OF THE BEST

TICKET TO FUN: Earn 2% in AAA Dollars when you buy tickets at AAA.com/TicketMonster.

Icy fun in downtown Fargo.

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