SILVER CITY — The idea of skiing at night may seem strange, but it’s something that has been popular at the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park for quite awhile, according to Bob Wild.

“We’ve been doing it for 20 years,” he said.

Wild, Porkies park interpreter, said the idea of placing lanterns along a ski trail came from his predecessor, who heard of something similar in Colorado.

At the Porkies, Wild said the 1.6-mile Superior Loop is lit from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturdays through February.

“It’s one of our easier trails,” he said. “Wednesday night I had about 80 people out there. Half of them were skiers.”

He has been involved with the night skiing at the park for 11 winters, Wild said. It’s popular with cross country skiers and snowshoers. Since the trail is groomed, it’s not good for walking.

In the 11 years he’s been involved with the night skiing and snowshoeing, Wild said there have been no injuries involving participants.

“Skiing or snowshoeing at night is much more challenging,” he said.

Despite that, Wild said people of all ages take part in the program, including families and older people.

“Some people bring babies out in carriers,” he said.

The trail starts across from the ski hill at the park, Wild said. There is no charge to participate.