Jan 1 – March 20, 2023

Get outdoors this winter to refresh your soul by joining Carpenter Nature Center’s Frosty 40 winter challenge. Research shows that even moderate exercise outdoors can improve your physical, mental, and emotional health. What started as a celebration of CNC’s 40th anniversary in 2021, has evolved into an annual event!

We challenge you to walk, run, cross-country ski, or snowshoe 40 miles in 40 days.

The 40 days do not need to be consecutive, the outdoor activities can be done at any location and you can mix up your activities as you like, just keep track of your mileage.

Registration is closed as of February 1, 2023.

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Choose your own schedule between

January 1st and March 20th, 2023.

Participants

Cost:

  • $40 per adult or $20 per student (K-12):  includes running belt
    (small fanny pack with Frosty 40 logo)
  • $50 per adult or $25 per student (K-12): includes long-sleeve shirt
  • $60 per adult or $30 per student (K-12): includes running belt AND long-sleeve shirt

If you want to forego the running belt or long-sleeve shirt, the entire registration fee is tax-deductible. Running belts and long-sleeve shirts will be available mid-February, to be picked up at CNC or will be mailed to you if you are not able to come to CNC.

The fee covers merchandise, shipping, and a $30/$10 donation. The $30/$10 donation is tax-deductible. Registrants will receive ‘Friends of CNC’ benefits for the next year. This includes receiving free snowshoe rentals to use onsite and free/reduced fees for programs.

All proceeds support environmental education programming and habitat conservation.

To register for the Frosty 40-

Complete the online registration and payment form

or

Frosty 40 Registration form 2022-23

Completed registrations forms should be mailed to:

Carpenter Nature Center
Attn: Tess Zahradka
12805 St. Croix Trail S.
Hastings, MN 55033

Sponsorships

Each year Carpenter Nature Center seeks financial and in-kind sponsors to make our events successful fundraisers. Sponsorships at all levels are greatly appreciated and allow us to further our mission of providing environmental education for visitors of all ages and abilities.

For the Frosty 40, we are seeking the following types of sponsorships:

  • *Event Sponsorships – As an event sponsor your financial contribution will help offset costs of the event, and ensures that more of the funds raised go directly to supporting Carpenter Nature Center. In return, you will receive name recognition on event materials.
  • Participant Sponsorships – Sponsor a friend or family member on their Frosty 40 journey. All proceeds raised by participant sponsorships will go towards supporting Carpenter Nature Center’s education and conservation programs.

*Sponsors at the $100 level and above will be listed on our event website. Sponsors at the $1,000 level and above can get their company logo on the Frosty 40 long-sleeve shirt.

To make a sponsorship gift:

Submit the Online Sponsorship Form

or

Frosty 40 Sponsorship Form 2022-23

Completed forms should be mailed to:

Carpenter Nature Center
Attn: Erika Jensen
12805 St. Croix Trail S.
Hastings, MN 55033

Questions? Contact Tess Zahradka, Event Coordinator, at
Tess@CarpenterNatureCenter.org
651-437-4359

Timeline and Important Dates

  • December 1 – Frosty 40 Registration Opens
  • January 1 – Frosty 40 Challenge Begins
  • January 5 – WI Frosty 40 Moonlight Hike Kick-Off
  • January 6 – MN Frosty 40 Moonlight Hike Kick-Off
  • January 14 – WI Frosty Hike
  • January 21 – MN Frosty Hike
  • January 28 – WI Frosty Hike
  • February 1 – Frosty 40 Registration Closes
  • February 4 – MN Frosty Hike
  • February 11 – WI Frosty Hike
  • Mid-February – Frosty 40 merch item pick-up
  • February 18 – MN Frosty Hike
  • February 25 – WI Frosty Hike
  • March 20 – Frosty 40 Challenge Ends

Read more about the Frosty Hikes below and be sure to check out our upcoming programs where you can earn some miles!

CNC trails are open and maintained year-round.  Your registration for Frosty 40 provides for the free use of CNC snowshoes on the MN and WI Campus during operating hours. A seasonal snowshoe trail and the Self-Guided trail are paved and plowed during the winter season. CNC does not have cross-country ski trails but you can check out other places in your area! You don’t need to earn your miles only at CNC. Afton State Park, Lake Elmo County Park Reserve, and Willow River State Park in Hudson usually have groomed ski trails. Turn this into a social activity with your family and friends for an extra benefit or make it one of your New Year’s Resolutions to get some exercise outdoors while supporting Carpenter Nature Center.

Minnesota Campus – Carpenter Nature Center is open 8:00 am – 4:30 pm

12805 St. Croix Trail South, Hastings MN, 55033

Click here for a Minnesota Campus Trail Map

Wisconsin Campus – Al & Laurie Hien Visitor Center is open 8:00 am – 4:30 pm

279 South Cove Road, Hudson WI, 54016

Click here for a Wisconsin Campus Trail Map

CNC’s Wisconsin Campus is open from dusk to dawn

300 East Cove Road, Hudson WI, 54016

Click here for a Wisconsin Campus Trail Map

Snowshoe rentals are available for use onsite when there is at least a 6 inch base of snow. Snowshoes are available for all visitors for a rental fee of $5 or free to Frosty 40 participants and ‘Friends of CNC’.

If there is no one at the greeter desk when you arrive,
please call 651-437-4359.