November Through March

Winter in Alexandria is real winter — snow on the ground from November through March, temperatures that dip well below zero, and short days that make you rethink your relationship with sunlight. But nobody here hibernates. The lakes freeze over and become a second playground, the trails turn into ski tracks, and the town keeps moving.

Ice Fishing

Once the lakes freeze — usually by mid-December — ice houses start appearing like a second town on the water. Lake Carlos draws the biggest crowds, but smaller lakes offer excellent fishing with more solitude. Walleye, crappie, and panfish are the main targets. If you’ve never tried it, rent a heated fish house and give it a shot — it’s more comfortable than it sounds.

Skiing & Snowboarding

Andes Tower Hills is 20 minutes from Alexandria and offers downhill skiing, snowboarding, and tubing. It’s not the Rockies, but it’s genuine hill terrain with a good variety of runs. Lake Carlos State Park grooms cross-country ski trails that are excellent for all skill levels.

Snowmobiling

Douglas County has hundreds of miles of groomed snowmobile trails connecting to the statewide system. You can ride from Alexandria to neighboring towns and beyond without ever touching a highway. Trail conditions are posted regularly by local snowmobile clubs.

Indoor Options

Shenanigans has bowling, laser tag, and arcade games. The movie theatre runs current releases. Restaurants and breweries stay open year-round. Community education classes pick up in winter. And sometimes the best winter activity is a book, a blanket, and not going outside.

Survival Tips

Dress in layers. Plug in your car’s block heater. Keep a winter kit in your vehicle. Wind chill is the real enemy — a calm 10-degree day feels completely different from a windy minus-10 day. And invest in good boots. Your feet will thank you from October to April.