Most Michigan Tech Trails to close Dec. 23; Luminary Ski at Maasto Hiihto Dec. 26

Photo of announcement courtesy Keweenaw Trails.

[UPDATE: The Michigan Tech Trails will remain closed on Thursday, Dec. 24, to preserve the snow for the upcoming U.S. championships.]

HOUGHTON -- Michigan Tech is closing most of the cross country ski trail system tomorrow, Wednesday, Dec. 23, based on the forecast for rain and the need to preserve snow for the U.S. championships coming Jan. 3-9. Please respect the signs and the trails.

The Pilgrim (Tolkein) Trails and the Isle Royale loop remain open.

For updates on trail conditions see the Keweenaw Trails Trail Reports page.

Luminary Ski Dec. 26 at Maasto Hiihto Trails

A family 2km luminary ski will be hosted on the Maasto Hiihto ski trail by the Keweenaw Nordic Ski Club (KNSC) from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday Dec. 26. The candlelit trail starts at the Four Seasons Chalet at the north end of the Houghton County Fairgrounds. All ages of skiers, snowshoers and snow bikers are welcome for this free event. Bring your extra Christmas cookies to share if you have them. For more information call 281-1486.

"We are betting conditions will recover from Wednesday's rain by Saturday evening," said John Diebel of KNSC. "But regardless the snow conditions the luminaries are the main attraction. Don't miss this once a year opportunity for a magical tour through the woods and fields with family and friends."

A few more people are needed to help with set up.  If you have a couple of hours Saturday afternoon to fill bags with sand, set out bags on the trail or light candles please contact John Diebel at john.diebel@sbcglobal.net or call him at 281-1486.

Hancock Chalet now open daily

HANCOCK -- The Hancock Chalet is now open on a daily basis for skier warmup, restroom use, etc. It is opened sometime in the morning and closed about dark.

Ski Club welcomes volunteers for trail work at Swedetown gorge Saturday, Oct. 11

During a break in trail work at Maasto Hiihto, Sandy Aronson and Gromit the Trail Dog admire the fall colors near Swedetown gorge. Volunteers are needed TOMORROW, Saturday, Oct. 11, to help on the trails. (Photo © and courtesy Arlyn and Sandy Aronson of Trail Mutt Reports)

HANCOCK -- Keweenaw Nordic Ski Club (KNSC) members invite more volunteers to help them work on the Maasto Hiihto trails this Saturday, Oct. 11, and get the trails ready for snow.

Some KNSC volunteers will be working on the Swedetown Creek gorge Saturday. If you can help, meet at 9 a.m. at the Tomasi Trailhead. Wear work or hiking boots and bring work gloves and safety glasses if you have them. KNSC will bring extra if you don't and will supply you with all necessary tools. You might also want to bring some water and snacks for yourself.

"Gromit will be so happy to see you, she'll feature you on her blog!" says Sandy Aronson.*

The work bee is scheduled approximately from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., but your help is welcome even if you can't stay for the whole time. Please RSVP to sandyaronsonpt@gmail.com if you can, but last minute additions are welcomed.

* See more photos of Gromit's recent trail adventures on Trail Mutt Reports.

Chain Drive mountain bike races, parade, highlight Bridgefest weekend

By Michele Bourdieu

Mountain bikers head across the Portage Lift Bridge this morning, June 14, on their way from Houghton to Hancock for the 16- and 30-mile Chain Drive Festival races at Maasto Hiihto. At left, spectators Lynette Potvin and her nephew, Jameson Manders, 4, watch for Jameson's Mom, Elise, of DePere, Wis., who is participating in the race. (Photos by Keweenaw Now)

HANCOCK -- Cooler than normal June weather didn't discourage the mountain bikers participating in the Chain Drive Festival races today at Maasto Hiihto or the many local residents who turned out for the Bridgefest Parade from Hancock to Houghton yesterday. Here are some videos and photos of the events:

They're off! Over and under the bridge ...

A large number of mountain bike enthusiasts turned out for today's Chain Drive Festival. As the 16- and 30-mile races begin, participants ride from Houghton to Hancock across the Portage Lift Bridge and then under it -- heading for the Maasto Hiihto Trails. (Videos by Keweenaw Now)

Lynette Potvin, U.S. Forest Service researcher at Michigan Tech, and her nephew, Jameson Manders, 4, of DePere, Wis., watched the mountain bikers cross the Lift Bridge so Jameson could see his Mom, Elise, ride by. Jameson is ready with his bike to head for the Junior Chain Drive, being held at Portage Health this afternoon. "He's excited about it," Potvin said. 

Bridgefest Parade ...

Musicians from the Houghton and Hancock High School bands play a lively tune as they march down Quincy Street in Hancock during the Bridgefest Parade, which attracted a large crowd of local residents.

A City of Houghton Fire Truck participates in the parade, with firefighters on the truck following the tradition of tossing candy to children watching the event.

Painesdale residents recall their mining history with a float that announces the Copper Country Historic Fair being held at Dee Stadium in Houghton from June through August 2014.

Houghton County Democrats, including State Rep. Scott Dianda (walking behind float) remind people to vote. The Michigan Primary Election will be held Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2014.

Members of the Copper Country Skating Academy proudly display their banner.

Roller skating enthusiasts head down Quincy Street in Hancock, looking forward to skating across the Portage Lift Bridge as the parade continues to Houghton.

Celebrations, a boutique specializing in wedding and formal dresses, reminds spectators that June is the month of weddings and proms.

More Bridgefest events ...

Bridgefest activities continue through the weekend with fireworks, sponsored by Portage Health, at dusk tonight, Saturday, June 14 (weather permitting) on the Portage Lake Waterway. Tomorrow, Sunday, June 15, helicopter rides will be offered from 10 a.m. to sunset at the Ramada Inn in Hancock. The Yooper Sprint Triathlon begins at 10 a.m. Sunday at Hancock Beach.

Click here to read more about Bridgefest.

Ski Club reports Maasto Hiihto Trails safe for moon-fire-ski TONIGHT, March 15

HANCOCK -- Keweenaw Nordic Ski Club’s monthly moon-fire-ski is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. TONIGHT, March 15, at Maasto Hiihto Trails.

"As promised, KNSC has checked the trail conditions at Maasto Hiihto to see if they would allow for a fun, safe moonlight ski to the fire by the creek tonight -- and yes, the trails are indeed safe and ski conditions are surprisingly good," says KNSC's Sandy Aronson.

The official/guided start is from the chalet, but skiers may start from Tomasi trailhead if they wish. The fire will be located at the Glide 'N Gorge soup station, which is between the bottom of Sisu hill and the Middle Bridge.

This morning the city side, gorge, and Australia/Mud Lake Loop trails were dragged and tracks reset. Churning Rapids will be left ungroomed, i.e., skier groomed.

"I skied this morning on ungroomed, dragged, and tracked trails and found that the ungroomed trails were just fine, dragged trails were great, and tracks only were ok as they were somewhat icy on the bottom so not such good grip," Aronson adds. "On a side note, ungroomed snow was silent while the groomed snow was noisy and abrasive. Also, wind was super cold yet the sun warm! Quite a study in contrast out on the trails today."

KNSC's John Diebel reports the Fairgrounds chalet will be open this weekend for people to use for lunch and changing, but the water lines remain frozen and the toilets are out of service.

"Due to the very high expense of thawing out such a long supply line and the limited time left in the season the water line is expected to remain out of service for the remainder of the ski season. Plan accordingly," Diebel notes.

Keweenaw Nordic Ski Club to hold monthly meeting TONIGHT, Feb. 18

Keweenaw Nordic Ski Club members Gromit the Trail Mutt and Sandy Aronson pause for a photo on one of the bridges along the Maasto Hiihto River Trail. (Photo courtesy Trail Mutt Reports)*

HANCOCK -- Keweenaw Nordic Ski Club (KNSC) will hold its monthly meeting at 7 p.m. TONIGHT, Tuesday, Feb. 18, at the Hancock Chalet. All are welcome.

Questions?? Email Jay Green, KNSC president, at jbgreen45@charter.net or call Jay at 487-5411.

* Editor's Note: Click on our Feb. 10 article to see Gromit's photos of the Barneløpet children's ski race at Maasto Hiihto.

Barneløpet children's ski race to be Feb. 9 at Maasto Hiihto Trails

HANCOCK -- Keweenaw Nordic Ski Club (KNSC), Sons of Norway Ulseth Lodge and the City of Hancock will sponsor their annual Barneløpet children's classic cross-country ski race this Sunday, Feb. 9, at Maasto Hiihto Trails.

Sandy Aronson and Gromit the Ski Dog patrol the Maasto Hiihto River Trail during the 2013 Barneløpet children's ski race. See Gromit's Trail Mutt Reports for recent photos of last week's Retro Ski event at Maasto Hiihto and Churning Rapids. (Keweenaw Now file photo)

The Barneløpet (pronounced bar-NEE-lop-it) first began in 1987 and was modeled after the "Barnebirke," a children’s cross-county ski race held each year as a part of the world-famous American "Birkebeiner" held in Hayward, Wisconsin.

Registration is open for ages 3 through 17 years old; parents are encouraged to ski with their children if they wish -- to make it a family outing!

Parents ski with their children at a previous Barneløpet ski race at Maasto Hiihto Trails in Hancock. (Keweenaw Now file photo)

The Barneløpet start is at the Hancock Four Seasons Chalet trailhead on the Maasto Hiihto cross-country trail system with groomed and marked courses of 1, 2, 4, and 6 km, each for children of differing ages/abilities.

Registration is at 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 9, at the Four Seasons Chalet at the trailhead in Hancock (County Fair Grounds).

Start Times:  2 p.m. to 3 p.m. in age groups. Non-competitive. Ski for time or take your time!
 
Youth skiers who complete their chosen course receive a large, colorful enameled Participation Medallion and can enjoy the hot chocolate and cookie treats provided at the Chalet for everyone after they finish.

A suggested donation of $3 per child or $5 per family, to help defray the costs of the event, is welcome.

To download a registration form, click here.

Keweenaw Nordic Ski Club to host luminary ski Dec. 27 at Maasto Hiihto

Grooming Maasto Hiihto Trails on Christmas Eve, 2013. (Photos © Arlyn Aronson and courtesy Gromit's Trail Mutt Reports)

HANCOCK -- Keweenaw Nordic Ski Club (KNSC) will host a luminary ski from 6 p.m. to 8 or 9 p.m. TOMORROW, Friday, Dec. 27. Ski 1K or 2K, your choice, starting at the Hancock Chalet at the Houghton County Fairgrounds. Enjoy a bonfire with hot dogs outside and hot chocolate and sweets inside. IT'S FREE.

"The trails are really, really looking good!" says Gromit the Trail Mutt. Here is her view of the Maasto River Trail on Dec. 24.

If you have leftover holiday goodies your body doesn't need, bring them to share!

"Hope to see you and the family there,"says KNSC President Jay Green.

Questions?? Contact Jay at jbgreen45@charter.net or call 906-487-5411.

After grooming Maasto Hiihto, Gromit and her "pack" checked out the Nara Nature Park back country trail in Houghton. Here she is admiring the scenery. See more snow/ski photos on Gromit's blog, The Trail Mutt Reports.

Keweenaw Nordic Ski Club to hold monthly meeting Dec. 17; more photos from Gromit the Trail Mutt

Grooming at Maasto Hiihto Trails is underway. Gromit the Trail Mutt posted this photo on Thursday, Dec. 12. Since then Arlyn Aronson, groomer, reports trails have been rolled and some have been tracked where possible. (Photos © and courtesy Arlyn and Sandy Aronson)

HANCOCK -- Keweenaw Nordic Ski Club (KNSC) will hold its monthly meeting at 7 p.m. TOMORROW, Tuesday, Dec. 17, at the Hancock Chalet. All are welcome.

If you have questions, contact Jay Green, KNSC president, at 906-487-5411 or jbgreen45@charter.net.

Gromit and friends at KNSC's first moonlight ski Saturday, Dec. 14, at Maasto Hiihto.

Last Saturday was a full day of skiing for Gromit. Here she and Sandy Aronson enjoy skiing on Eagle Harbor trails.

Afterwards, Gromit and her "pack" skied some of the Copper Harbor trails. Click here to see more photos of her recent snow adventures on The Trail Mutt Reports.

Ski Club needs volunteers for Maasto trail reroute Nov. 16

HANCOCK -- Keweenaw Nordic Ski Club (KNSC) volunteers will be constructing a trail reroute tomorrow, Saturday, Nov. 16, behind the Old Apostolic Church due to a church expansion. Volunteers are needed to help brush, grub, trim, lop, cut and haul. Bring gloves, safety glasses, sturdy shoes and any water and food you need.

People will meet at Tomasi trailhead (adjacent to Hancock DPW on Tomasi drive) at 9:30 a.m. Show up at any time if you know where the trail is behind the church.

Questions?? Call Jay at 487-5411 or 370-1400 or Arlyn at 487-9229 or 370-2911.

Photos: Gromit the Trail Mutt reports on bridge work, autumn adventures ...

By Gromit the Trail Mutt
Posted on her blog, The Trail Mutt Reports 
Reprinted with permission

"Many of you already know that the bountiful melt we had this spring severely undermined the middle bridge in Swedetown Creek gorge," says Gromit the Trail Dog, left, on her blog, Trail Mutt Reports. "Fellow trail mutt Bella, Mark, my pack, and me came down to try and figure some way to make it last until next fall, when a new bridge could be rolled over it." Pictured here with Gromit are Mark Roberts, Bella and Sandy Aronson. (Photos © and courtesy TheTrail Mutt Reports)

HANCOCK -- Gromit the Trail Mutt, a member of the Keweenaw Nordic Ski Club, has been busy supervising the work at Maasto Hiihto Trails as volunteers prepare the trails for the cross country ski season.

During recent work on the middle bridge at Swedetown Creek gorge, Gromit the Trail Dog takes a pause with friends, from left, Andre Laplume and his son Nick and Mark Roberts.

Today, Oct. 19, is another Saturday of work on bridges along Swedetown Creek on the beautiful Maasto Hiihto river trail. Volunteers will also be whacking weeds on Sidewinder Hill. If you wish to volunteer for trail work, contact Arlyn Aronson at 906-370-2911.

Gromit has also posted on her blog some great photos of her recent adventures hiking at Bare Bluff, attending the blessing of the animals and more ...

"Up the fault we climbed. No problem for all paw drive!" Gromit writes about the recent Bare Bluff hike with her friends.

"The view from the top is what it's all about," Gromit adds.

Gromit was on her best behavior for the Blessing of the Animals at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, but couldn't help noticing a friendly participant behind her.

See Gromit's Trail Mutt Reports blog for more photos and news about her adventures in the Keweenaw and beyond!

Keweenaw Nordic Ski Club to hold meeting Aug. 26

HANCOCK -- The Keweenaw Nordic Ski Club (KNSC) will have a board meeting (open to all) at 7 p.m. Monday, Aug 26, at the Hancock Chalet. Agenda items include the middle bridge, a fall work schedule and a winter activities schedule.

Questions,  email Jay Green, KNSC president, at jbgreen45@charter.net or call him at 906-487-5411.

Ski Club, Sons of Norway to host 6th Annual Barneløpet cross-country ski race for kids, families Feb. 10

Young skiers take off for the 2012 non-competitive Barneløpet ski race at Maasto Hiihto Trails in Hancock. (File photo © and courtesy Arlyn Aronson)

HANCOCK -- The Keweenaw Nordic Ski Club and Sons of Norway will sponsor the 6th Annual Barneløpet cross-country ski race for youth ages 3 through 17 on Sunday, Feb. 10, at the Maasto Hiihto Trails. This is a non-competitive event, and parents are  encouraged to ski with children if they wish. Ski for time or take your time!

Gromit the Trail Dog loves getting attention from kids. Here she is at the 2012 Barneløpet ski event. (File photo © and courtesy Arlyn Aronson)

Registration is at 1 p.m. Start Times are 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. All ages line up to race by 2 p.m., beginning with the youngest at 2 p.m. The Start is at the trailhead north of Houghton County Arena. Go north on Birch Street, west on Henderson Drive, Hancock.

During the 2012 race, more adventurous Barneløpet skiers head down the Maasto Hiihto trails toward the gorge trail along Swedetown Creek. (Photo © and courtesy John Diebel)

Near the Trailhead, the Chalet/Warming Hut with restrooms will be open. Hot chocolate and cookies will be available at the Chalet for all skiers after they finish.

Thanks to volunteers, skiers and parents enjoy hot chocolate and cookies in the Hancock Chalet after the 2012 race. (File photo © and courtesy Arlyn Aronson)

Skiers who register and finish will receive a large enameled color medal for participation.

Click here for the registration form. Questions? Call Wayne Stordahl at (906) 482-0292.

Keweenaw Nordic Ski Club to host moonlight ski TONIGHT, Jan. 26

Gromit the snow dog invites everyone to join her for the moonlight ski at Maasto Hiihto Saturday, Jan. 26. Here she is enjoying some new snow on Maasto. (Photos courtesy Arlyn and Sandy Aronson and Gromit's Trail Mutt Reports.)

HANCOCK -- Keweenaw Nordic Ski Club (KNSC) will host a moonlight ski on Saturday, Jan. 26. Meet at Maasto Hiihto's Tomasi Trailhead at 6:30 p.m. and ski out to the "triangle." Bring a head lamp. It is just a short (1.5 miles) ski out. The bonfire will be roaring, brats will be roasting, stories will be told. All are welcome, including furry friends.

"We bumped into our ski friends Mark and Bella," Gromit writes. "This is the spot where we have our moonlight skis. Will we see YOU at the next one, on Saturday January 26th?"

Groomer Arlyn Aronson reported early on Friday, "Maasto and CR (Churning Rapids) trails are looking up with this recent snow.  They're still quite rough but we’ll be improving them with subsequent snow."

"I 'helped' while Arly scooped snow into the crevice above the National Guard bridge," Gromit writes on her blog.

For more information email Sandy Aronson at sandy@superiortandems.com or call her at 487-9229 or 370-2911. See more photos on Gromit's blog, The Trail Mutt Reports.

Keweenaw Nordic Ski Club to host moon fire ski Dec. 29

Gromit the Trail Dog spent Christmas in Ironwood. "We stayed at my favorite lodging, Wolverine Village," she said. "We've been here many times before so I must recommend them -- plus they are just across the road from the ski trails." Gromit is looking forward to the moon fire ski at Maasto Hiihto in Hancock this Saturday, Dec. 29. (Photos courtesy Gromit's Trail Mutt Reports, recently updated)

HANCOCK -- Keweenaw Nordic Ski Club’s moon fire ski will be held starting at 6:30 p.m. this Saturday, Dec. 29, at Maasto Hiihto Trails. Come on out for an evening of fun!

Start at Tomasi Trailhead at 6:30 p.m. This is just northwest of Portage Hospital. The trail will be skier-groomed. Ski approximately 3 K. Enjoy a bonfire, roasting sausages, telling truthful stories. Do wear a head lamp in case the clouds obscure the moon.

Sandy Aronson and Gromit enjoy some lake snow coming down on the Big Powderhorn ski slopes.

Sandy, Arlyn and Gromit Aronson say, "We enjoy seeing all trail users attend."

Arlyn reports Maasto Hiihto's base is quite rough and not deep enough to groom, but skiers have been on them, so they are "skier-groomed."

Questions? Call 487-9229 or 370-2911.

Click here to visit Gromit's Trail Mutt Reports for more photos of her recent adventures.

Volunteers needed for trail work at Maasto Hiihto Nov. 10

Gromit the Trail Dog supervises young volunteers from a Health Careers class working on the River Trail at Maasto Hiihto Trails in October. "They had to clean out a trench on the side of the trail that keeps the water off it each winter," Gromit notes on her blog.* (Photo ©  and courtesy Trail Mutt Reports)

HANCOCK -- Keweenaw Nordic Ski Club (KNSC) invites volunteers to go back into Maasto Hiihto's Swedetown gorge to finish up ditch clearing TOMORROW, Saturday morning, Nov. 10. Meet at KNSC storage shed at 9 a.m. The shed is located near Hancock’s DPW (Department of Public Works) at the Tomasi trail head. Email               sandy@superiortandems.com to let Arlyn and Sandy Aronson know if you’re attending so they'll have treats and tools for you.

This will be on Sidewinder Hill this time and feel free to come later if you can’t do 9 a.m.  Wear hiking or work boots, work gloves and clothing appropriate for working in dirt. 

*Visit Gromit's blog, Trail Mutt Reports, to see more photos of Gromit and her trail crew friends and photos of her hiking adventures with her "pack."

Keweenaw Nordic Ski Club to hold board meeting Aug. 22

HANCOCK -- Keweenaw Nordic Ski Club will hold its fall board meeting at 7 p.m. TODAY, Wednesday, Aug. 22, at 616 Lake Ave. in Hancock. Look for the yellow house across the street from John Diebel's. The purpose of the meeting, which is open to the public, is to begin planning the fall work schedule.

Video: They're off! Keweenaw Chain Drive Bike races begin ...

HANCOCK -- Chain Drive bike racers crossed the Portage Lift Bridge this morning on their way to the Maasto Hiihto-Churning Rapids Trails in Hancock for the 2012 Portage Health Keweenaw Chain Drive 16- and 32-mile point-to-point cross-country distance races.

This morning, June 16, cyclists cross the Portage Lift Bridge from Houghton to Hancock on their way to the Maasto Hiihto-Churning Rapids Trails for the 2012 Portage Health Keweenaw Chain Drive races. (Video clip by Keweenaw Now)

The Chain Drive promotes the sport of mountain biking for the whole family and supports trail preservation efforts throughout the Keweenaw Peninsula. All funds raised by the festival will go to trail improvement, access and acquisition projects in Houghton and Keweenaw counties.

The Junior Chain Drive begins at 3:30 p.m. today at Portage Health. Using a single-track trail in a wooded area east of the hospital, the event includes timed races for youth ages 8-13 and non-timed races for those ages 7 and under. Registration is from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Portage Health.

Fourth annual Glide 'N Gorge to be Mar. 4 at Maasto Hiihto

Skiers stop for a hearty soup along the gorge trail at Maasto Hiihto during the Keweenaw Nordic Ski Club's 2011 Glide 'N Gorge. This year the event will be held Sunday, Mar. 4. (Keweenaw Now file photo © and courtesy Keren Tischler)

HANCOCK -- The Keweenaw Nordic Ski Club (KNSC) will host the 4th Annual Glide 'N Gorge from noon to 3 p.m. this coming Sunday, March 4, at the Maasto Hiihto ski trails in Hancock. The starting point is at the ski chalet at the Houghton County Fair Grounds in Hancock.

Tickets are available at Down Wind Sports in Houghton and Cross Country Sports in Calumet until Friday, Mar. 2, for $15.

After that, they will be $25 at the chalet the day of the event. No refunds. All proceeds go for trail improvements. Kids 12 and under ski free with an adult, and families are encouraged to come out and have a fun ski/eat/snowshoe together!

The well-marked course will first guide you to tasty hors d'oeuvres. Kids of all ages can roast marshmallows by the fire. After this "warm-up," you'll descend along the Swedetown Creek on one of the prettiest trails in the Keweenaw! Next up is the main dish -- piping hot chili and soups galore at a scenic spot along the creek. You'll then continue down the creek and finally cruise up Sisu hill.

A sign marks the trail up Sisu hill for the return to the chalet -- and dessert! (Keweenaw Now file photo © and courtesy Keren Tischler)

Once back to the chalet, you can celebrate the circumnavigation of the gorge! To get you in the celebrating mood, you'll be rewarded for your effort with treats for your tongue and your ears: delectable desserts and live music!

KNSC could use some more bread and rolls for Sunday if anyone out there would like to contribute. Just e-mail Candi Silvola, KNSC Board Member and Event Organizer, at cjsilvola@chartermi.net or phone 482-4578 if you can help.

Sons of Norway announce Barneløpet family ski event Feb. 12

They're off! Parents accompany children during the 2011 Barneløpet, a non-competitive family ski event at Maasto Hiihto Trails in Hancock. (Keweenaw Now file photo)

HANCOCK -- The fifth annual Barneløpet, a fun ski event for children ages 3-17, will take place Sunday, Feb. 12, at the Maasto Hiihto ski trails in Hancock. Registration is at 1 p.m. at the Hancock Chalet, north of the Houghton County Arena, on Birch Street in Hancock. Skiing, by ages, begins at 2 p.m. Hot chocolate and cookies will be available at the Chalet.

Young skiers of all ages attended last year's successful Barneløpet event. (Keweenaw Now file photo)*

The Sons of Norway Ulseth Lodge and the Keweenaw Nordic Ski Club sponsor this non-competitive family ski event. Skiers who register and finish will receive a large enameled color medal. Volunteers are needed to bring baked goods, help with the race, and inside the Chalet for this 5th Annual event. Contact the Stordahls at 492-0292 if you can help or if you need more information.

During the 2011 Barneløpet, Sons of Norway volunteer Eileen Stordahl prepares the medals to be given to all who finish the non-competitive ski event. (Keweenaw Now file photo)

Click here for a registration form for the 2012 Barneløpet on the Sons of Norway Web site.

The registration form is also available here on the Keweenaw Nordic Ski Club Web site.

More Sons of Norway events:

All are welcome to attend the Norwegian Book Club meeting at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 15, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 1100 College Ave, Houghton. The group will be discussing the February book, Cod, by Mark Kurlansky. You can find it, or order it, at North Wind Books in Hancock or at other book stores on line.

Volunteers are needed to bring cookies in advance of the Barnebirkie race, to be held Thursday, Feb 23, near Hayward, Wis. This is a race for over 1,000 children during the famous annual Birkebeiner cross country ski race in nearby Hayward/Cable. It is a tribute to the original Birkebeiner ski marathon in Norway to save the infant future King of Norway in 1206. The Sons of Norway, District 5, sponsors the cookie tent at the children's race. The local Ulseth Lodge is asked to send cookies to give to the children as they finish the race.

If you can donate some cookies to this event, please package your cookies in a box or ice cream bucket (not wrapped individually) and label the container Ulseth Lodge cookies and the amount of cookies enclosed (Nancy Imm has containers you can use). Bring the cookies to the kitchen of Gloria Dei Lutheran church in Hancock by 4 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21, and place them in the refrigerator. Local member Nancy Imm volunteers at the race and will deliver the cookies again this year.

*Editor's Note: Click here to see more photos in Keweenaw Now's slide show of last year's Barneløpet.