Enjoy one of the Mount Van Hoevenberg’s Full Moon Ski Parties and apre ski at the Mountain Pass Lodge. (Provided photo — Diane Chase)

Is it ironic or a self-fulfilling prophecy that the upcoming Feb. 1 full moon is called the Snow Moon? After roof raking our way out of the most recent snowmageddon, I want to enjoy the snow without having to fear my pipes will freeze or that my furnace will pull a no-show. Dripping water from a faucet is against every instinct I have, except when the windchill is -40 degrees. We were lucky and now hope to enjoy the winter weather instead of cursing it.

There are many ways to remind myself that snow is meant to be enjoyed, such as making snow angels, tossing snowballs, skiing or snowshoeing, and even eating snow. I also look forward to those clear, crisp full moon nights that let me stay out late to safely enjoy more snow.

There is something magical about a full moon. My family has used those bright nights to hike mountains or ski trails. To plan your own full moon excursions, here are all the 2026 full moon dates:

¯ Feb. 1: Snow Moon,

¯ March 3: Worm Moon (also a total Lunar Eclipse or Blood Moon)

¯ April 1: Pink Moon

¯ May 1: Flower Moon

¯ May 31: Blue Moon

¯ June 29: Strawberry Moon

¯ July 29: Buck Moon

¯ Aug. 28: Sturgeon Moon (Partial Lunar Eclipse)

¯ Sept. 26: Harvest Moon (Corn Moon)

¯ Oct. 26: Hunter’s Moon

¯ Nov. 24: Beaver Moon (Supermoon)

¯ Dec. 23: Cold Moon (Supermoon).

There are plenty of ways to enjoy these beautiful full moons, but an easy, inexpensive winter option is to head directly to Mount Van Hoevenberg for another one of their ski parties. The remaining dates of the Van Ho Full Moon parties are Jan. 31, coinciding with the upcoming Snow Moon, Feb. 28 to welcome the Worm/Blood Moon, and March 28 to celebrate the Pink Moon. Each evening event offers skiing or snowshoeing from 5 to 9 p.m. with an optional 6:30 p.m. instructor-led group ski. Bonfires and drinks (for purchase) will be available for a quick warm up. The Mountain Pass Lodge will be open to purchase soup and beverages while enjoying live music from 7 to 9:30 p.m. The cost is $6 per person, which includes one MP Lodge drink ticket. Ski and snowshoe rentals are also available.

I hope to see you there. I’ve decided I need to get out of the house and stop worrying about things I can’t control, like the weather and the effects of a full moon. Enjoy the snow!