Calumet's Swedetown Trails ready for Great Bear Chase Ski Marathon March 8, Junior Bear Chase March 7

Skiers climb one of the more challenging hills at Swedetown Trails during a previous Great Bear Chase race. (File photo by Keweenaw Now)

CALUMET -- Skiers and organizers are hoping for warmer temperatures for the Great Bear Chase Ski Marathon this Saturday, March 8, and the Junior Bear Chase Friday, March 7, at Swedetown Trails in Calumet.

Cold temperatures and snow have been a challenge, but the Swedetown trails are well groomed and ready for the races. Saturday's races include 50 km Freestyle, 50 km Classic, 25 km Freestyle, 25 km Classic, 10 km Freestyle and 10 km Classic.

"This year’s high snowfall has required more grooming passes to keep the base packed nice and firm," Swedetown Trails Club President Cynthia MacDonald said. "Also, the snow load on the trees has required the groomers to clean up some downed trees and spend more time trimming overhanging limbs."

The groomers have been busy, and the reward is a base of snow that’s about as good as anyone could ask for. Groomer Pat Szubielak, who is also organizing Swedetown's third annual Snow Bike Race, said there’s no doubt the depth is at least three feet. MacDonald said in the woods it’s likely that it’s no less than four feet.

"All I keep hearing from people is that the base is terrific," MacDonald said. "This is one year where we certainly don’t have to worry about losing our base in March. We’ll be skiing all of March, and likely beyond."

Click here to register on line for the race.

Volunteers still needed

"We are still in need of about 40 volunteers for the Great Bear Chase this Saturday, March 8!" Angela Luskin of Portage Health announced early this week. "Please consider donating a few hours of your time to support a great local event."

Contact Luskin at aluskin@portagehealth.org if you have questions on positions. To volunteer, fill out the form at the following link: http://www.greatbearchase.com/volunteer/. Positions and shifts that may still be needed are below:

De-Chipper 12-3 p.m.
Bag Attendant 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Chipper 7 a.m.-10 a.m.
Back-up Timer 12-3 p.m.
Fire Tender 10 a.m.-1 p.m., 1 p.m.-3 p.m.
Registration Friday 2 p.m.-5 p.m., 5 p.m.-8 p.m.
Beer Server 11a.m.-3 p.m.
Banquet Set-up 8 a.m.-10 a.m.
Banquet Assistant 10 a.m.-1 p.m., 1 p.m.-4 p.m.
Result Printer 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Aid Stations 7:30 a.m.-9:45 a.m., 8 a.m.-9:45 a.m., 8:30 a.m.-11:15 a.m., 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
Ski Pole Attendant 7:45 a.m.-10 a.m.
Stadium Crew 6 a.m.-8 a.m., 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Parking Assistant 6:30 a.m.-9 a.m.
25K Forerunner on skis 7:15 a.m.
25K Sweep on skis 10 a.m.

Ski Tigers to host Junior Bear Chase March 7

The Copper Country Ski Tigers are once again hosting the Junior Bear Chase on Friday night, March 7. Registration for the event will run from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Swedetown Trails Chalet. Races will start shortly after 5 p.m.

Read all of the details on the Junior Bear Chase, including information on how to save 30 percent by registering ahead of time, by going to greatbearchase.com/juniorbearchase.

Great Bear Square Dance to be held at Laurium Ballroom March 8

The  5th Annual Great Bear Square Dance will be held from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, March 8, at the Laurium Ballroom, 310 Hecla Street in Laurium (across from Miller Lanes, above the Police Dept.)

The caller is Donn Christensen who comes from the Washburn, Wis., area to ski the race and then call squares, circles, contras, etc. This is a community dance open to all. $5 per dancer appreciated.

Read more about the Great Bear Chase at greatbearchase.com.

Ski for the Key at Swedetown Trails to benefit Trails and Omega House Feb. 8

CALUMET -- Come on out to Swedetown Trails for Ski for the Key (formerly Ski for the Heart) this Saturday, Feb. 8.

This is a fundraiser to support Omega House hospice and Swedetown Trails. Ski or snowshoe at your own pace and then come on in to enjoy some food and a nice social occasion. Snacks will include Co-op Chili, cornbread and much more.

Though the name has changed, the format of the event remains the same: participants will collect pledges in advance of the event for each kilometer skied or snow-shoed between 8:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 8. Participants raising more than $50 will receive a beautiful cotton long-sleeved t-shirt. Prizes will be awarded to participants who raise the most money and who ski the most kilometers.

Register in the Chalet any time after 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 8, and turn in your envelope before 2 p.m. Enter as a team or an individual. Many prizes.

If you're not available Saturday, you can ski or snowshoe today, Feb. 6, or tomorrow, Feb. 7. Ski or snowshoe for up to 5 consecutive hours on a single day; record the date, time and distance on your collection envelope; and turn it in to your team captain.

Click here for more information.

Local Ski Clubs sponsor events Feb. 11, 16

HANCOCK -- Keweenaw Nordic Ski Club (KNSC) is sponsoring a pine tar clinic for wood ski enthusiasts from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. TONIGHT, Monday, Feb. 11, at the Hancock Chalet. Open to all. Bring your wood skis -- KNSC supplies the rest. If you have a small propane torch, please bring it. Questions?? Call Jay Green at 906-487-5411 or email jbgreen45@charter.net.

Retro Ski Fest at Churning Rapids Feb. 16

Keweenaw Nordic Ski Club and Keweenaw Land Trust (KLT) will sponsor the Retro Ski Fest (RSF) from noon to 3 p.m. this Saturday, Feb. 16, at the Triangle in Churning Rapids. It's just a fun gathering with chili, a fire, a lavvu and camaraderie. If skiers have wood skis, bamboo poles, knickers or wool clothing, they are encouraged to use them.

A back-country tour will start at 1:30 p.m. and will be adjusted to the group's fitness/ability level. It will be old-time touring, that is, breaking trail in da woods; but fear not -- the lead breaker will be rotated frequently. No fees but donations are welcome and will be split 50/50 between the Keweenaw Community Foundation's Cross Country Ski Endowment and KLT's Land Stewardship Fund.

A heads-up on numbers would be appreciated so there is enough chili for everyone. Please call Jay at 906.487-5411 or email him at jbgreen45@charter.net to let him know the number of skiers in your party. Click here for more information.

The Triangle is at the junction of trails 3, 4, and 10 on maps dated 12/12 or trails 3 and 10 on all other maps. The nearest trailhead is Tomasi Rd. about 3K from the Triangle and the next closest is Christensen Rd at about 4K (take trail 16 and turn right onto 10).

There is a pair of 1950 green army wool pants with lots of pockets at Goodwill; if you can't find them contact Jay Green and he can direct you.

Ski for the Key (formerly Ski for Heart) at Swedetown Trails Feb. 16

Just  a reminder SKI FOR THE KEY (formerly SKI FOR HEART) -- a fund raiser for Omega House and Swedetown Trails Club (formerly CICCSC)) will take place Saturday, Feb. 16, at Swedetown Trails.

"You should be able to do that in the AM - enjoy the KEWEENAW CO-OP chili and corn bread and still have lots of time for a nap before going to RSF at Churning Rapids," says Jay Green, KNSC president.

Ski for the Key will benefit two Keweenaw organizations: Omega House, which provides residential hospice care, and the Swedetown Trails Club, responsible for maintaining the Swedetown ski and mountain bike trails in Calumet. Though the name has changed, the format of the event remains the same: participants will collect pledges in advance of the event for each kilometer skied or snow-shoed between 8:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 16. Participants raising more than $50 will receive a beautiful cotton long-sleeved t-shirt. Prizes will be awarded to participants who raise the most money and who ski the most kilometers. Registration 8:30 a.m. Feb 16 at Swedetown Chalet. See the Ski for the Key website for registration forms and complete information.*

* Note: If you are not able to do Ski for the Key on Feb. 16, you may select this option:
• Choose one day during the week of February 11 - 15 to ski or snowshoe
• Ski or snowshoe for up to 5 consecutive hours on a single day
• Record the date, time and distance on your collection envelope and turn it into your team captain.

Cross Country Trails notice: Swedetown Trails re-opened; ice on Tech Trails

CALUMET -- After being closed for two days, Swedetown has received five inches of new snow overnight and trails are open. The new snow is rolled over the icy base. By now the groomers will have set tracks on the easy and intermediate trails near the Chalet. Less new snow on Papa Bear and towards M203 trail head.

January 13th (today) is Winter Trails Day sponsored by Swedetown Trails Club and Cross Country Sports of Calumet. Free all-day pass for skiing or snowshoeing. Free snowshoe or ski rentals, provided by Cross Country Sports of Calumet. First come, first served for rental equipment, as available from noon to 5 p.m. Come to the Swedetown Chalet to check out equipment. Trails Club members will be on hand to suggest what trails to try.

At the Chalet, free hot chocolate and apple juice from noon to 5 p.m.*

Warning: Ice at Tech Trails

HOUGHTON -- Just a warning to potential skiers at Michigan Tech Trails. In the parking lot, stadium, and trailhead area there is absolute glare ice under the snow. Wherever the water from the thaw couldn't drain well there is a significant risk of falling and parking lot auto accidents. Grooming snowmobiles have gotten stuck on flat ground and groomers are falling like nine pins. Use caution or wait until the new snow (yay!) bonds with the ice.*

* Editor's Note: Sorry for late posting of these Sunday morning announcements.

Gromit the Trail Mutt posts photos of her bike trail adventures

HANCOCK -- Gromit the Trail Mutt has posted photos of her latest adventures on the bike trails. Here are a few samples ...

On Saturday, Apr. 28, Gromit writes, "Today we headed to Churning Rapids for a great little run... but the rest of the pack rode their bike. Why don't they run??" (Photos © 2012 and courtesy Arlyn and Sandy Aronson)

"A water dog can appreciate a cool stop in Swedetown creek!" Gromit says. "We saw a friendly fisherman here."

Last week (Apr. 21) Gromit had a great run on Swedetown Trails in Calumet. Here she takes a break next to Sandy and Arlyn's tandem bike.

On Apr. 20 Gromit and her pack took a trip to Hungarian Falls. "I lean close for security," Gromit notes. "You can't see this but these are over 100 ft tall."

Gromit and Sandy at the Michigan Tech Trails. "We didn't do the Dork screw," Gromit says. "Personally I don't care for the decking with the big spacing; it's not good for all-paw drive."

See more photos of Gromit's adventures on her blog, The Trail Mutt Reports.

Updated: Volunteers needed for Great Bear Chase cross country ski race

Great Bear Chase mascot and friends cheer for skiers as they climb Flamingo Hill during the 2011 Great Bear Chase at Swedetown Trails in Calumet. (Photo by Keweenaw Now)

CALUMET -- Volunteers are needed for the Great Bear Chase cross country ski race to be held Saturday, March 10, at Swedetown Trails.

"We've got the snow, two additional races, a new and improved start/finish area, and racers coming from all over the upper Midwest," says Emily Dekker-Fiala, Great Bear Chase volunteer coordinator. "Now we just need more volunteers to make the 32nd Great Bear Chase another fantastic Copper Country event."

Volunteers are asked to give 2-3 hours of time. A variety of shifts are available between 6:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. both indoors and outdoors.

A few more people are also needed for setting up fencing from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. this Saturday, March 3rd, at the new start/finish area for the Great Bear Chase off Spruce St. -- the next road north of the access road to the Chalet. (Stop by after the Copper Dog snowbike races).

Please consider volunteering for this great event -- the last big race of the season. Invite your friends and family to work with you (responsible teens are welcome.) It's easy to sign up. Just click here. If you can help with setup on March 3rd, please note this on the sign-up form.

Visit bearchase.org for information about the race.

Updated: Volunteers needed for Great Bear Chase ski race; Swedetown conditions; Michigan Tech trail closings for race

CALUMET -- The 32nd Annual Great Bear Chase is set for Saturday, March 10. Volunteers are needed for aid stations, registration, parking, timing and many other areas. Please consider donating 2-4 hours of your time for this great community event.

Visit http://www.bearchase.org/volunteer.htm to select your volunteer time and preference. The volunteer coordinator will be in touch with you shortly after you complete the form.

Swedetown Trails skiing conditions great!

Swedetown groomer Dave Toczydlowski reports great conditions now on Swedetown Trails in Calumet.

"Tilled and tracked all trails on 2/10. Back country striding trail last groomed on 1/29, and in very nice condition with new powder. Snow shoe trails are packed in," he reports. "Come try our new changing room!"

In addition, Swedetown offers a groomed, lighted sledding hill and 5 k of ski trails lighted until 10 p.m.

Swedetown's heated chalet offers pasties and other food, hot cocoa, and restrooms equipped with flush toilets.

You can still participate in the Ski for Heart to help support Omega House hospice and Swedetown Trails on Saturday, Feb. 11. Click here for info.

Tech Trails closed Feb. 11, partially closed Feb. 12

From Dean Woodbeck of Keweenaw Trails:

Michigan Tech will host the Central Collegiate Ski Association championships this weekend, meaning the main Tech Trails will be closed on Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 11-12.

The softball field trailhead, along with Isle Royale and Superior loops, will remain open throughout the weekend. The Tolkien trails, accessed from Pilgrim Road, will also remain open.

Saturday’s races will use both the competition trails and the Nara trails. All trails will be closed except the 1 km Nara Loop (from the Nara trailhead), Isle Royale and Superior, and the Tolkien trails.

On Sunday, the Nara trails will be open, along with Isle Royale, Superior, and the Tolkien trails. All other trails (e.g. those accessed from the main trailhead and Core Loop) will be closed until 2 p.m.

Groomers have started preparing for the races and are setting "best line" tracks today, Friday, in preparation for the Saturday classic races. This means that the classic tracks will be in the middle of trails. Skaters are asked to respect the tracks on Friday.

Thanks to all Keweenaw skiers for their cooperation. Remember that grooming continues at Swedetown, Chassell, and Maasto Hiihto/Churning Rapids, so you have these other skiing opportunities while the Tech trails are closed.

Update: On Thursday, Feb. 9, Becky Darling wrote this about the Chassell (classic) trails: "Fresh snow here in Chassell tonight, so the conditions may just be perfect on the trails here tomorrow while the races go on at Tech."

Ski for Heart fundraiser for Omega House, Swedetown Trails is Feb. 11

CALUMET -- Ski for Heart is Saturday, Feb. 11, at Swedetown Trails in Calumet. This is a fundraiser for Omega House and Swedetown Trails. Ski or snowshoe from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Register starting at 8:30 a.m. Come on out for good causes and a nice active day. Enjoy food and door prizes at the Chalet too!

Flyers and pledge envelopes are available at Aspirus Keweenaw, Portage Health, Omega House and Swedetown Chalet. Not available on the 11th? You can still choose Thursday, Feb. 9, or Fri., Feb. 10, to ski or snowshoe. Pick up a pledge envelope and record the date, time and distance.

Questions? Call 337-5700.

Copper Island Cross Country Ski Club welcomes volunteers

CALUMET -- The Copper Island Cross Country Ski Club, in conjunction with Calumet Township, supports Swedetown Trails by maintaining trails, coordinating volunteers and carrying out fundraising for maintenance and improvements. Goals are great trails, helpful trail maps and signs, friendly informative Chalet hosts and a comfortable warm-up area with waxing, restrooms and snacks. Major winter events are Ski for Heart on Saturday, Feb. 11, and the Great Bear Chase on Saturday, March 10.

The Ski Club Board meets monthly during ski/snowshoe season. Upcoming meeting dates are at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 7, and Tuesday, March 13, in the Chalet. Anyone interested is welcome. If you would just like more information about planning or more info about volunteering in general, send email to info@swedetowntrails.org.

Great Bear Chase committee invites community members to Jan. 31 meeting

Skiers climb one of the more challenging hills at Swedetown Trails during the 2011 Great Bear Chase race. (Photo by Keweenaw Now)

CALUMET -- The Great Bear Chase committee will meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 31, at the Swedetown Chalet. Community members are invited to get involved in this 32-year tradition. If you are interested in any way, please attend this meeting -- no commitment necessary -- just see what it's all about!

The 32nd Annual Great Bear Chase cross country ski race will be held Saturday, March 10. Two new races are being added this year, plus a new stadium area for the start and finish.

Five events are schedule to take place on the Swedetown Trails in Calumet:
50km Classic
50km Freestyle
26km Classic
26km Freestyle
14km Freestyle

Registration is only $55 ($25 for the 14 km) for skiers who register by Wednesday, Feb. 8. To learn more or to register, visit www.bearchase.org.

2012 is turning out to be a great snow year and the trails are in excellent shape. Don't hesitate -- register today!

Swedetown Trails to host free skiing, snowshoeing Jan. 22

A skier heads down one of Swedetown's picturesque, well groomed cross-country trails. Everyone is invited to enjoy them for free on Sunday, Jan. 22, during the Winter Trails Day event. (Keweenaw Now file photo)

CALUMET -- Swedetown Ski and Snowshoe Trails invites everyone to a Winter Trails Day on Sunday, Jan. 22. Free all-day trail pass for skiing or snowshoeing. Pick up your pass at the Chalet any time after 10 a.m. If you have a trail pass to other areas, this will be a great time to visit Swedetown and try all the great trails. Lights are on until 10 p.m. At the Chalet, free hot chocolate and apple juice from noon to 5 p.m. Stop in and say hi!

Free hot chocolate and apple juice will be served from noon to 5 p.m. during Winter Trails Day, Sunday, Jan. 22, here at the Swedetown Chalet. (Keweenaw Now file photo)

For anyone wanting to try skiing, Cross Country Sports of Calumet, co-sponsor of this event, will provide free snowshoe or ski rentals. First come, first served for rental equipment, as available from noon to 5 p.m. Come to the Swedetown Chalet to check out equipment. Copper Island Ski Club members will be on hand to suggest trails for beginners and to guide hourly snowshoe hikes.

For more info on Swedetown Trails, visit their Web site.