5 McHenry County winter attractions worth bundling up for

Feeling a bit cooped up this winter?

Sure, it’s nice to cuddle inside for awhile, but perhaps you’re looking for a reason to venture out despite the freezing temperatures.

Well, bundle up.

We’ve got five of McHenry County’s winter attractions – from sporty outings and activities to winter farmers markets – ideal for those looking for the motivation to brave the weather.

1.) NORGE WINTER SKI JUMP TOURNAMENT

WHEN: Noon to 4 p.m. Jan. 30-31

WHERE: Norge Ski Club, 100 Ski Hill Road, Fox River Grove

Ski jumpers flying off a 70-meter hill and a festive atmosphere. It’s a perfect combo for a family outing, say those involved with the annual tournament hosted by the Norge Ski Club.

“Everybody’s kind of sequestered inside during the winter and the cold. Everybody can get together and socialize around a fun Olympic-type event in little ol’ Fox River Grove,” said Gene Brown, the club’s corresponding secretary.

The tournament typically draws crowds throughout the weekend because of the top ski jumpers it features, as well as the bonfire, brats, hot dogs, pizza, popcorn, pop, beer and wine. The event, which goes on with or without snow (the club makes its own snow if need be), will feature junior jumpers on Saturday competing on hills ranging in size from 5 to 40 meters.

The 70-meter jump on Saturday and Sunday will feature some of the best jumpers in the world, Brown said, with at least five jumpers from the United States Ski Jumping Team competing against international teams.

Part of the U.S. Cup Five Hills International Tournament, the Norge event helps determine the jumpers’ prize-winning status at the end of the season in March.

“It should be pretty entertaining” Brown said.

Gates open at 11 a.m. Admission buttons at a cost of $10 are good for Jan. 30 and Jan. 31 and can be bought at local merchants and at www.norgeskiclub.com. After Jan. 29, buttons cost $11 at www.norgeskiclub.com. Buttons bought at the gate cost $15. Information: www.norgeskiclub.com.

2.) CROSS-COUNTRY CANDLELIGHT SKI OR HIKE

WHEN: 5 to 9 p.m. Jan. 22-23

WHERE: Marengo Ridge Conservation Area, 2411 Route 23, Marengo

Along with the winter trails open at 11 McHenry County County Conservation District parks through winter are occasional candlelit trail experiences hosted by the district.

Hike, ski, snowshoe, your choice. Because of trail conditions, this weekend's event will be a hike.

Skiers of every experience level and age are welcome, but you must bring your own equipment. Gather around the campfire for refreshments after your time out on the trail. Trails will be groomed for skiing if there is 4 inches of snow or more. Not enough snow? Leave the skis at home and enjoy a hike, some hot refreshments around a campfire and the allure of the winter woods. Note: events are canceled if trails are icy/hazardous or the wind chill drops below -20 degrees.

The district also hosts solar lit trails every day through March 13 at a half-mile loop at Pleasant Valley in Woodstock and a 1.25-mile loop at Hickory Grove Highlands in Cary. Trails close at 9 p.m. When there is snow, hikers are asked to walk on the outside of the ski tracks.

Information: 815-479-5779 or www.mccdistrict.org. The district also has a snowmobile hotline at 815-207-5626.

3.) ICE FISHING DERBIES

30TH ANNUAL WONDER LAKE ICE FISHING DERBY

WHEN: 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 31

WHERE: On the ice at Wonder Woods Beach No. 4, Wonder Lake

Depending on the weather, Wonder Lake’s winter tradition typically draws about 250 people to the ice, said Marty James, a member of the Wonder Lake Sportsman & Conservation Club, which sponsors the event.

“We get all kinds,” he said. “We get people who’ve been coming for 10, 15 years, a lot of newcomers, a lot of kids. People are always asking, ‘Hey, is the derby on this year?’ ”

The club prefers at least about 8 inches of ice to host the event, though avid ice fishermen go with a minimum of 4 inches, some preferring a bit more.

As of Tuesday, Wonder Lake had 8 inches, James said.

“It should be no problem [to host the derby],” he said.

Along with the fishing, of course, people come simply to be part of the event, with club members bringing chili, hot dogs, even some fresh tuna, to hand out, he said. Those interested can sign up on the day of the event or pre-register at Smitty’s Bait & Tackle, 6507 McCullom Lake Road, Wonder Lake.

Prizes will be awarded at 2:30 p.m. The derby proceeds will be used for lake conservation. Entry fee: $10 ages 13 and older, free for ages 12 and younger. Event flyer available online at www.wonderlake.org. Information: Marty, 815-790-0832; Tony, 815-345-8724; Jerry, 815-728-0144.

CRYSTAL LAKE ANGLERS’ 42ND ANNUAL ICE FISHING DERBY

WHEN: 7 a.m. Jan. 30

WHERE: Crystal Lake West Beach, 2330 Lake Ave., Crystal Lake

Featuring raffles, food, prizes and big fish cash. Gate entry is $10. Tickets may be bought in advance at the Park District Administrative Office, 1 E. Crystal Lake Ave., Crystal Lake. The reschedule date is Feb. 13. Information: www.crystallakeparks.org.

4.) WINTER SPORTING EVENTS

4 ON 4 POND HOCKEY TOURNAMENT

WHEN: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 23

WHERE: Woods Creek Lake, 228 Indian Trail, Lake in the Hills.

This year's tournament has attracted 10 teams set to compete in the double elimination tournament. The games will include two, 15-minute halves with halftimes. A warming tent will be available for spectators looking to enjoy the action. Information: 847-960-7460, recreation@lith.org or www.lith.org.

SNOWBIRD SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT

WHEN: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 6

WHERE: Boncosky Softball Complex at Lippold Park, Routes 176 and 14, Crystal Lake

There's still time to get a team together to enter the 16-inch softball tournament. Weather permitting, games will be played on the softball fields. A single elimination with consolation division guarantees all teams a minimum of two games. Roster forms and rule sheet are available at the Park District office or online at www.crystallakeparks.org. The registration deadline is Jan. 30. Cost: $185 a team. Information: Joe Davison at 815-459-0680, ext. 1228, or jdavison@crystallakeparks.org.

5.) WINTER FARMERS MARKETS

WOODSTOCK WINTER MARKET

WHEN: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. first and third Saturdays through April

WHERE: McHenry County Fairgrounds, Building D, 11900 Country Club Road, Woodstock

In its sixth year, the Woodstock market expanded this year and moved into the fairgrounds to feature about 40 vendors, nearly double the amount.

Some fresh fruits and vegetables remain, such as carrots, beets, onions, potatoes, blueberries and apples, remain, along with other products, including cheese, eggs, meat, honey, hand-crafted goods, knit items, jam, cider and more, market manager Keith Johnson said.

“It’s a way for people to get farm products [during the winter]. They’re not going to get the full choice of sweet corn, tomatoes, those type of things, but there are some farm products carried over into the winter,” Johnson said.

“It’s helped our farmers to have a cash flow in the winter,” he said.

Along with the products, the markets often feature music and storytelling.

CARY WINTER MARKET

WHEN: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. first and third Sundays through May

WHERE: 3702 Route 14, Building 6, Cary

Featuring eggs, meats, cheese, fish, dog treats, greens, soaps, baked goods, olive oil, granola and more. Information: 847-639-2800.

HUNTLEY INDOOR MARKET

WHEN: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. the first Saturdays of the month through May

WHERE: Legion Hall, 11712 Coral St., Huntley

Featuring soaps, handmade socks and gloves, candles, eggs, meat, baked goods, pet products, granola, knife sharpening, coffee, honey, fruits and vegetables and more. Information: 847-515-5262.