Winter innertubing

St. Joseph County (Ind.) Parks offer two innertubing hills.

“Innertubing is a safe alternative to sledding,” says Brooke Artley, manager of Leisure Services for St. Joseph County Parks. “The St. Joseph County Parks began offering innertubing in 1968, and we currently offer two man-made innertubing hills, complete with warming areas and concessions.”

Innertube hills are groomed and supervised by park staff. Snow conditions permitting, the innertubing hills open the day after Christmas.

Innertubing hills are located at St. Patrick’s County Park in South Bend and Ferrettie Baugo Creek County Park in Osceola. Innertubing hills are open and supervised daily, Dec. 26 to Jan. 3, and weekends only Jan.7 to Feb. 26, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., snow conditions permitting. The cost is $3 per person plus a vehicle gate fee. Innertubes are provided as available, and sleds and toboggans are not allowed.

Innertubing is not recommended for children 3 years or younger. Private tubing parties are available at both innertube hills Wednesday through Sunday.

Call St. Joseph County Parks at (574) 277-4828 or go to www.sjcparks.org.

Snowshoe rental

Ferrettie Baugo Creek County Park offers snowshoeing, one of the nation’s fastest-growing sports, daily Dec. 26 to Jan. 3 and weekends only Jan. 7 to Feb. 26.  Snow conditions permitting, rental is available from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Equipment can be rented at Baugo Station for $3 per person plus a vehicle gate fee. Parental signature required for renters age 16 and younger. Equipment is due in by 5 p.m.

The skis and boots available for rental are all new; equipment was purchased in 2010 and 2011. Trails are groomed throughout the week. St. Patrick’s and Madeline Bertrand County Parks are joining together to offer a uni-trail pass. Daily trail passes purchased at either park will be honored at both parks.

Cross-country skiing

Cross-country ski rental is available at St. Patrick’s County Park in South Bend, daily Dec. 26 to Jan. 3 and Wednesday through Sunday, Jan. 4 to Feb. 26 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. when snow conditions permit.

The cost is $4 per adult trail fee, $3 per youth trail fee (ages 15 and younger), plus a vehicle gate fee. The $10 ski equipment rental fee is good all day. Rental includes skis, boots and poles.

Parental signature required for renters age 16 and younger. All equipment is due in by 5 p.m. (additional fee applies for late return).

The skis and boots available for rental are all new, equipment was purchased in 2010 and 2011. Trails are groomed throughout the week. St. Patrick’s and Madeline Bertrand County Parks are joining together to offer a uni-trail pass. Daily trail passes purchased at either park will be honored at both parks.

Cocoa and Candlelight ski nights

St. Patrick’s County Park offers nighttime skiing by the light of glowing luminaries at the Cocoa and Candlelight Ski nights. Snow conditions permitting, Cocoa and Candlelight ski nights are scheduled for Jan. 13 and 27 and Feb. 10 from 6 to 9 p.m.

The program includes groomed trails with luminaries to the historic Manion Cabin, where a fireplace and beverages await. The cost for the program is $5 per person and includes one beverage. Ski rental is available at $10. Call St. Joseph County Parks at (574) 277-4828.