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.

Keweenaw Nordic Ski Club invites volunteers to trail brushing party Sept. 27

Gromit the Trail Dog supervises trail clearing on Maasto Hiihto Trails earlier this week. She invites Keweenaw Nordic Ski Club members and friends to help with trail brushing tomorrow, Saturday, Sept. 27. Visit Gromit's blog for more photos of her trail adventures (and photos of the Parade of Nations!). (Photo © and courtesy Arlyn and Sandy Aronson)*

HANCOCK -- Keweenaw Nordic Ski Club will hold a trail brushing party TOMORROW, Saturday, Sept. 27, on Maasto Hiihto/Churning Rapids ski trails. Meet at Tomasi trailhead at 9 a.m. Wear sturdy footwear and gloves, bring water and whatever food you need. Stay as long or as little as you like/can. Tools will be supplied or bring your own.

Please email Jay Green at jbgreen45@charter.net or call 906-487-5411 to let him know you are coming so enough tools will be brought to the trailhead. Questions? Call or email Jay.

* Editor's Note: 
Grant Fenner reports, "Gromit is featured on page RG17 in the November issue of Lake Superior Magazine in the magazine's Lake Superior Recreation section under the heading of "X-Country Skiing for Dogs. There you go, Gromit!"

Volunteers needed for trail trimming at Maasto Hiihto Oct. 6

In September, Gromit the Trail Dog supervises a trail crew of Finlandia students working on the river trail near Swedetown Creek at Maasto Hiihto. (Photo courtesy The Trail Mutt Reports.)

HANCOCK -- Keweenaw Nordic Ski Club (KNSC) will have a trail trimming work bee from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. this Sunday, Oct. 6. Meet at the Tomasi trailhead at 9 a.m. with sturdy boots and water. Tools provided. If you can't do the full time, come for part of the time. Questions?? Email Jay Green at jbgreen45@charter.net or call 906-487-5411. Moderate or heavy rain will cancel the event.

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."

Portage Library to host three family events Aug. 3

Gromit the Trail Dog gets special attention from Anna Gawboy of Trio Tumpelot during last week's "Music on the Menu" at Portage Library. Gromit liked it so much she will return to the library this Friday, Aug. 3, to help her owner Arlyn Aronson teach a dog training class for kids. Also pictured are Trio Tumpelot's Pasi Lautala (second from left) and Meghan Pachmayer. (Photos © and courtesy Arlyn and Sandy Aronson)

HOUGHTON -- The Portage Lake District Library will host three events on Friday, Aug.3 -- "Music on the Menu" with Trio Bibliothèque; "Dog Gone," a dog training class with Arlyn Aronson and Gromit the Trail Dog; and Cirque da UP, unicycling acrobatic jugglers.

Trio Bibliothèque returns to "Music on the Menu"

The Portage Lake District Library invites everyone to bring a lunch and enjoy "Music on the Menu," an outdoor series of events held on the dock outside the library.

"Trio Bibliotheque" returns for another wonderful performance from noon to 1 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 3. Libby Meyer on fiddle, Anna Gawboy on concertina, and Oren Tikkanen on guitar will play a lively and eclectic mix of folk music and other genres.

Everyone is invited to eat, relax, and enjoy the lunch hour while listening to some great music. In the event of bad weather, the program will be held in the community room.

This event is part of the library’s Summer Reading Program and is free and open to all. For more information, please call the library at 482-4570 or visit www.pldl.org.

"Dog Gone" dog training course for kids with Gromit the Trail Dog

Gromit the Trail Dog cools off in Swedetown Creek during a bike trip to Churning Rapids in Hancock. See more photos of Gromit on her blog.

The Portage Lake District Library will host a dog training class for kids from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 3.

Arlyn Aronson will present "Dog Gone!" and show kids why it’s important for puppies and dogs to listen to their owners. Kids will learn basic but important dog training tips that apply to all pet owners and all dog breeds. Aronson’s dog Gromit, who loves to do as she is told, will be on hand to demonstrate why she listens and why it’s good for her and all dogs to be trained. Gromit likes big people, too, so it’s okay if they come to the program and learn as well.

You can see Gromit on her blog: http://trailmuttreports.blogspot.com. For questions about the class, you may email Aronson at arlyn@superiortandems.com or call 370-2911.

Library programs are free and everyone is welcome. For more information, please call the library at 482-4570 or visit www.pldl.org.

Unicycling acrobatic jugglers return to Portage Library

The Portage Lake District Library will host the area’s increasingly more famous and dearly loved unicycling acrobatic jugglers for a performance at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 3. The show will be held outside the library.

Cirque da UP features athlete-artists who give people a unique style of entertainment featuring a combination of world-class juggling, unicycling, and acrobatics in a family-friendly, interactive show.

MTU alumni Bob and Trish Evans will perform their new acrobalance routine with some surprise new stunts. They will also demonstrate joggling, which is running while juggling and is a sport in which they have earned several Guinness world records for their speedy times.

The Evans will also talk about their upcoming attempt to raise $20,000 for Special Olympics by completing a triathlon while juggling the entire time.

Everyone is invited to watch as they perform their amazing and gravity defying feats. After the show, the performers will help people learn how to juggle, spin a plate on a stick, and other fun circus skills.

This event is free and open to all. For more information, please call the library at 482-4570 or visit www.pldl.org.

Ride the Keweenaw weekend is May 25-29

COPPER HARBOR -- It's time for the third annual Ride the Keweenaw Weekend! Meant to highlight the great mountain bike trails in the Keweenaw, this event covers three days and four trail systems.

Cruising down the "Stairway to Heaven" in Copper Harbor, Mich. (Photo © Chuck Haney and courtesy Keweenaw Adventure Company)

Events start Friday, May 25, and continue through Sunday evening, May 27. The Ride the Keweenaw will offer guided rides throughout the weekend and also will feature the grand opening of the Copper Harbor IMBA (International Mountain Bicycling Association) Ride Center.

Pro riders Andrew Shandro and Tammy Donahue will join participants for a jumping clinic at the Michigan Tech Trails on Saturday, a women's clinic on Sunday and a freeride exhibition on Flying Squirrel Trail in Copper Harbor.

Riding "On the Edge" near Copper Harbor. (Photo © Aaron Peterson and courtesy Keweenaw Adventure Company)

Sunday of Ride the Keweenaw is the Ride Center Party in the Park fundraiser at 7 p.m. at Copper Harbor Park. For $25 you can get some good food, listen to some great music and contribute to the trails. Please help the organizers plan for attendance by registering for Sunday evening. Simply click here to register.

Please pay for your meals when you check in at Copper Harbor Park. BBQ and assorted beverages are on the menu. Pro Riders Andrew Shandro and Tammy Donahue will be there -- what about you?

Gromit the Trail Dog checks out the new Garden Brook Trail near Copper Harbor this past weekend. (Photo © and courtesy Arlyn and Sandy Aronson)

Currently there are only two IMBA Ride Centers in the Midwest and only seven world wide. So when you ride Copper Harbor you are literally riding world class trails. Your support made this happen and your continued support will only make these trails better!

Make sure to read on for the complete weekend schedule and plan to attend one, two or all of the weekend's events! Bring your friends, family and riding legs for a fun weekend of trails, food, good times, music and pro-riders.

"Ahhhh Garden Brook is my favorite stop!" Gromit notes. "Almost as good as seeing friendly bikers." (Photo © and courtesy Arlyn and Sandy Aronson)*

Here is the schedule:

Friday, May 25:
8 p.m. -- Mountain Bike Social at Keweenaw Brewing Co., downtown Houghton

Saturday, May 26:
9 a.m. -- Guided group ride at Michigan Tech Trails (post-ride food at trailhead)
10 a.m. -- Jumping clinic/demo – Michigan Tech Trails – Andrew Shandro and Tammy Donohugh
Noon -- Guided group ride at Churning Rapids Trails, Hancock (post-ride refreshments)
3 p.m. -- Guided group ride at Swedetown Trails, Calumet (post-ride grill-out at Swedetown)
9 p.m. -- Social gathering/music -- Mariner North in Copper Harbor

Sunday, May 27
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. -- Demo Day in Copper Harbor Park
10 a.m. -- Women’s MTB skill clinic and ride, Copper Harbor
10 a.m. -- Group rides at Copper Harbor trail, Copper Harbor Park
Noon - 5 p.m. -- Discounted shuttles up Brockway Mtn ($10 – Keweenaw Adventure Co., Copper Harbor
1 p.m. -- IMBA Ride Center dedication -- Top of Flow Trail on Brockway Mtn.
1:30 p.m. – Flying Squirrel Freeride Demo -- Andrew Shandro and Tammy Donahugh
7 p.m. -- Party in the Park (BBQ, beverages and music) -- Copper Harbor Park*

* Editor's Note: Thanks to Lori Hauswirth and the Copper Harbor Trails Club for this information and to Sam Raymond of Keweenaw Adventure Company and Gromit the Trail Mutt and her "pack" for photos.

Keweenaw Nordic Ski Club to meet May 16 at Hancock Chalet

Gromit the Trail Dog says don't forget this is the last meeting of the season for the Keweenaw Nordic Ski Club (of which she is an honorary member): 7 p.m. TONIGHT, Wednesday, May 16.

HANCOCK -- The Keweenaw Nordic Ski Club (KNSC) will hold its regular monthly meeting (the last for this season) at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 16, at the Hancock Chalet. Questions, call Jay Green at 487-5411.

* Check out Gromit's latest trail adventures on her blog, The Trail Mutt Reports.

Snow dog Gromit offers trail snow update

Keweenaw Nordic Ski Club groomer at work along Gromit's favorite Swedetown Creek gorge on Maasto Hiihto Ski Trails. (Photos courtesy Arlyn and Sandy Aronson)

HANCOCK -- Gromit the snow dog reports grooming is taking place on Maasto Hiihto trails but cautions humans to take care and use rock skis.

Grooming goes on at night, too.

"With some white gold falling here yesterday, I sent a pack member out to roll it down," Gromit writes. "He found the trails definitely improved with the modest amount that came. Although they'd still recommend using rock skis out on Keweenaw Nordic's trails."

On Christmas Eve, Gromit reports, "the lake hadn't dumped all that much snow around here so we headed to the North Country Trail near Rockland and brought snowshoes with us in case it was too shallow for skis."

Gromit with Sandy Aronson enjoying a five-hour snowshoe and the view from the North Country Trail near Rockand on Christmas Eve, 2011.

On Dec. 12, Gromit, Sandy and Arlyn took a short drive north of Hancock to do a three-mile hike to the top of a Lookout ridge. "All-paw drive" was needed to get to the top for a view, she says.

Sandy and Arlyn Aronson and Gromit enjoy a view of Lake Superior from their Lookout hike in early December.

Gromit in her element!

See more photos of hiking, skiing and snowshoeing with Gromit in our "low snow" season on Gromit's blog, The Trail Mutt Reports.

Keweenaw Nordic Ski Club to hold moonlight ski and bonfire Dec. 3

Gromit the Trail Dog posted this 2010 photo of the KNSC moonlight ski and bonfire. "I'm in my glory...in the middle of all the kids!" she says. The event will happen again this Saturday, Dec. 3, despite lack of snow. (Photo courtesy Gromit, from her Trail Mutt Reports blog)

HANCOCK -- Keweenaw Nordic Ski Club's moonlight ski and bonfire will take place as scheduled at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3. Because of lack of snow, the event will be moved to the Chalet, located at the Houghton County Fair Grounds/Hancock Driving Park. KNSC will provide refreshments and a light meal to say "thanks" to the numerous trail supporters and volunteers.

For the evening's special entertainment, all skiers will perform the Heikki Lunta dance so trail grooming and skiing can commence soon. And, of course, a fire will be going.

"Woof!" says Gromit. "We had so much fun (last year), we're doing it again!"

If anyone would care to see how to train your very own trail mutt, a quick demonstration will precede the dancing. This event is open to the public, but RSVP by email or phone is required. You can RSVP or ask questions by emailing arlyn@superiortandem.com or by calling Arlyn and Sandy Aronson at 906-370-2911 (work) or 906-487-9229 (home).

Gromit did most photos from past moonlight bonfires on her adventure blog. She also reports on trail work and improvements and fun in the snow. See her trail mutt reports at http://trailmuttreports.blogspot.com/.

Gromit the Trail Dog posts more photos of Maasto Hiihto trail work

Gromit the Trail Dog supervises volunteers building a temporary fence to separate the Maasto Hiihto ski trail from the snowmobile trail. See Gromit's posting with more photos of Sunday's trail work in Hancock, organized by John Diebel of the Keweenaw Nordic Ski Club. (Photo courtesy Arlyn and Sandy Aronson)

Trail Dog Gromit: Can you help build this?

Gromit’s been working on the storage shed this week at the Maasto Hiihto Tomasi trail head and could use some help. She says, "You don’t need any carpentry skills, maybe just some gloves and a 'go for it' attitude, like me! We just need some help with the large parts. Please get a-hold of my pack if you’d like to help with the fun." You can call Arlyn Aronson at work 906-370-2911 or home 487-9229. Check out Gromit's trail blog: http:/trailmuttreports.blogspot.com/. (Photo © and courtesy Arlyn and Sandy Aronson)