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.

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.