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Chairlift speed dating returns to Afton Alps

A local matchmaker hopes love will be found on the slopes at Afton Alps.

HASTINGS, Minn. -- Valentine's Day may be over, but that doesn't mean your chance at love has escaped.

Chairlift speed dating returns to Afton Alps on Saturday, Feb. 17 for a second year. Singles are paired up with people in their age group and they'll ride on the same chairlift to the top of the hill.

April Davis, President of LUMA Luxury Matchmaking, will be pairing up couples at the base of the hill. Last year, about 80 people participated.

"We actually had two different couples that ended up dating long term after the event last year and we lost a couple over the hill, they never came back," she said.

"What a great way for singles to meet: doing something they love, being outside and skiing," said Pam Hoye, of Afton Alps. She said before last year, Afton Alps saw other resorts doing this kind of event, but nowhere else in the Midwest.

"This group of people, they're pre-identified as sharing a love for snow sports so right from the beginning, you're going to meet somebody that you could potentially just hang out with and ski and ride," said Hoye.

Each ride up the chairlift is about 40 seconds.

The resort is expecting more people to participate this year with about 100 people signed up so far.

After the event, the resort will host a social hour with drinks and a bonfire. Japa Salon will be on hand to do makeup and touch-up helmet hair.

Event information

Registration begins at 2:00 p.m. Saturday and the actual dating portion begins at 3:00 p.m.

The event costs $30 for non-Afton Alps pass holders and $10 for people will passes and non-skiers. Equipment rental is $21. Pre-registration is encouraged, but not required. More information can be found here.

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