Milwaukee skiers wind up Keweenaw weekend at Maasto Hiihto

HANCOCK -- On Sunday, Jan. 4, the Nordic Ski Club of Milwaukee wrapped up its traditional New Year's tour of Copper Country ski trails at the Maasto Hiihto trails in Hancock. This year over forty skiers from the Milwaukee area traveled by bus to enjoy the Michigan Tech trails, Swedetown and Maasto Hiihto.

An open gate at Churning Rapids, part of the Maasto Hiihto trail system, welcomes skiers. (Photo © 2008 and courtesy John Diebel)

The Keweenaw Nordic Ski Club (KNSC), with help from a number of volunteers, hosted a luncheon for the club at the Maasto Hiihto Chalet after their final ski on Sunday. The luncheon combined with daily trail passes raised over five hundred dollars to benefit the Maasto Hiihto trail system.

"Thanks for all of the excellent home-made food and goodies. KNSC hosted their most successful fundraiser luncheon ever," writes Sandy Aronson, chief chef at the KNSC chalet, in an email message to members. "Special thanks goes out to Jim Cortright of The Library Restaurant who donated two beautiful cheesecakes for the event. These decadent desserts added a special flair to our lunch offerings."

At the Maasto Hiihto Chalet on Sunday, Jan. 4, a hungry Milwaukee skier looks forward to sampling chocolate cheese cake donated by Jim Cortright of the The Library Bar and Restaurant. (Photo © 2008 and courtesy John Diebel)

Sandy Aronson noted the Milwaukee skiers had a wonderful three days in the Keweenaw. She reminded local skiers to be thankful for the many miles of wonderful cross-country trails we have so close to home.

"Pats on the back go to Swedetown and Tech Trails also," she said. "We heard several skiers comment that they wish they had time to ski at Chassell also (they hear so many of us raving about those trails too)."

Editor's Note: Future KNSC events:

On Sunday, Feb. 7, 2009, the Second Annual Barnelopet children's ski races will be held at the Maasto Hiihto ski trails. The races are non-competitive, and parents can ski with children if they wish. Co-sponsors are KNSC, the Keweenaw Community Foundation, Sons of Norway and Portage Health.

On Sunday, March 1, 2009, some of the finest food will be served to skiers as they descend the prettiest gorge in the Keweenaw! The Keweenaw Nordic Ski Club is hosting the First Annual Glide-N-Gorge on the Maasto Hiihto ski trail. Watch for details on these events, coming soon.

Visit the KNSC Web site for more information about the Maasto Hiihto/Churning Rapids trails.