Craig Daily Press / Beat the ‘winter blues’ at Moonlight ski, skate event

Skaters take a spin on a pond near the Yampa River State Park Visitors’ Center building during the Moonlight Ski, Skate and Open House last year. The annual event, scheduled for Saturday, runs from 1 to 9 p.m. and typically draws about 150 people, Park Manager Ron Dellacroce said. Enlarge photo File photo

By Bridget Manley

February 19, 2008

What: Third annual Moonlight Ski, Skate and Open House

When: 1 to 9 p.m. Saturday

Where: Yampa River State Park, 6183 W. Highway 40

Cost: Free

Craig — Ron Dellacroce, Yampa River State Park manager, can see it in people’s faces.

The malady is cabin fever, he said — a natural accompaniment to winter weather that keeps many people sheltered in their houses until the snow melts.

Dellacroce’s cure: Outdoor recreation.

“We want people to break up those winter blues and get outside,” he said.

The third annual Moonlight Ski, Skate and Open House at the Yampa River State Park, 6183 W. Highway 40, was designed for that purpose.

The event, scheduled for Saturday, runs from 1 to 9 p.m. at the State Park Visitors’ Center 15 miles east of Craig. The event is free and open to the public.

“That’s why we live here — to be outdoors,” Dellacroce said. “We have such a beautiful place to live and play.”

Moonlight Ski and Skate began as a staff function for State Park employees. Three years ago, it became a “fun-for-all kind of function” open to Craig, Hayden and Steamboat Springs residents, Dellacroce said.

Several cold-weather activities will be on hand next Saturday, including skiing on a 1 1/2-mile groomed trail and skating on a pond kept clear for the occasion.

“Snowshoers are welcome, as well,” Dellacroce said.

If past years’ weather patterns hold true, the day should bode well for an event outdoors.

“The past three years, we’ve been very lucky, and the weather’s been wonderful,” Dellacroce said.

Regardless of what the weather is like, State Park employees also will serve hot chocolate, coffee and hot dogs.

The State Park also will open its Visitors’ Center in an open house Saturday afternoon during which skiers and skaters can purchase educational children’s books and wildlife.

“We hope we can have a good turnout,” Dellacroce said. “We sure have had in the past.”

More than 150 people have attended the event the past three years.

Dellacroce is hoping for the same this year.

“If it all falls into place, we’ll have a good showing,” he said.

Still, keeping the attendance numbers up isn’t the park manager’s ultimate goal.

“As long as we get some folks out — those that want to come out and enjoy the day — any number is a good number,” he said.

Bridget Manley can be reached at 824-7031, ext. 207 or bmanley@craigdailypress.com