Frozen Assets Festival

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Karin Swanson

A family enjoys frozen Lake Mendota at a past Frozen Assets Festival.

A family enjoys frozen Lake Mendota at a past Frozen Assets Festival.

media release: Clean Lakes Alliance is thrilled to announce the return of the Frozen Assets Festival, a beloved community event celebrating Madison’s lakes in their winter glory. The festival will take place February 3-9, 2025, at The Edgewater and on frozen Lake Mendota.

This family-friendly festival is free and open to the public. It offers a packed schedule of winter activities, including ice skating, snowshoeing, interactive educational opportunities, and the popular Frozen Assets 5K Run/Walk. New this year, the festival will host the World Ice and Snow Sailing Championships, a breathtaking spectacle in which athletes race across the ice using skis, snowboards, windsurfing rigs, kites, and sails.

“We launched this festival to help people celebrate our lakes during this magical time of year,” said James Tye, Executive Director of Clean Lakes Alliance. “In the winter, our lakes become our largest parks, offering incredible opportunities to connect with nature and our community.”

This year’s event marks the first time the Ice and Snow Sailing World Championships will be held in North America. Hosted by the International Kiteboarding Association (IKA) and the World Ice and Snow Sailing Association (WISSA), the championships will feature elite and recreational racers competing in categories such as course racing, marathon, speed, short-track slalom, and kite freestyle. Madison is proud to welcome these world-class athletes and their thrilling sport to our frozen lakes.

“This event is about more than just fun on the ice—it’s about coming together as a community to appreciate and protect our lakes year-round,” said Caitlin McAleavey, Watershed Programs  Manager at Clean Lakes Alliance. “Whether you’re racing, spectating, or just enjoying the view, you’re helping support a cause that keeps our waters clean and vibrant.”

Mark your calendars! Stay tuned for more details, including a live press event in early January to unveil the full schedule of activities.

About Clean Lakes Alliance

Clean Lakes Alliance is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and improving the lakes, streams, and wetlands in the Yahara Watershed of Greater Madison. Through community engagement, advocacy, and collaboration, Clean Lakes Alliance envisions a community renowned for its healthy lakes, lands, and waters.

For more information, visit www.cleanlakesalliance.org.