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		Points of View Jon Neufeld, President of the Copper Island Cross Country Ski Club March 30, 2002 Text © 2002 Jon Neufeld Photos © 2001 Jon Neufeld and © 2002 Patty Lins Published with Permission

Cross-country skiing winds up challenging year

CALUMET -- What an unusual season it's been at Swedetown: Trails open, closed, then open again in December; a Maasto Hiihto race held at Swedetown in January; just enough snow through February; then a series of storms which brought us terrific skiing, but blew down enough trees to force cancellation of the Great Bear Chase race in March.

The "Bear" joins participants in the March 9 Junior Bear Chase, held at Swedetown in spite of cold, windy weather. Winds increased later that night and blew down over 20 trees, causing cancellation of the adult Great Bear Chase scheduled for March 10. (Photo by Patty Lins)

Grooming will continue at its present level until we run out of snow or until all the skiers are out biking (early May?). And we will try to leave the bottom half of the chalet unlocked for use of the bathrooms, etc.

We will be working on a number of projects this summer to improve skiing: More tree planting this spring and trail brushing this fall; possibly a second small shed for grooming equipment; a small warming shelter with a fire ring somewhere on the trail; and some serious trail work on the swampy areas that were so difficult to ski in the early season. Hopefully skiers will volunteer to be part of one of these summer work crews.

Earlier this season we had a group of volunteers out every day, filling the wet areas with brush and pallets. With good mowing and brushing last fall and careful grooming, we have been able to make the most of what snow we have.

Next season, we hope to offer combined passes with MTU as well as with Maasto Hiihto. Michigan Tech has plans to seriously expand and improve its trail system and grooming. We welcome them as a valuable addition to Keweenaw Skiing.

Not only do the clubs provide the volunteers to maintain the trails, they also raise the money to pay for grooming. These costs include paying the wages of the groomer operators, purchase of grooming equipment and maintenance of the equipment. Many of these funds come from the sale of annual and daily ski passes.

Craig Hughes, President of Maasto Hiihto's Keweenaw Nordic Ski Club, has noted the clubs are trying to provide a top quality skiing experience for a very reasonable price.

"While we have not had much snow to groom, the conditions have been very hard on equipment," Hughes said.

Year 2000/2001 grooming costs at Swedetown were $24,181, while at Maasto Hiihto, grooming costs were $6,300.

Annual and day pass fees remain at the same low rate as last year at both Swedetown and Maasto Hiihto. Annual fees at Swedetown are $30 for individuals and $45 families. Daily fees are $6 for adults. Under 18 ski free. At Maasto Hiihto, individual fees are $20; $25 for families. Combined membership at both clubs is $45 for individuals and $65 for families. In order to keep skiing an affordable family activity, it is important that everyone pay their fair share.

Thanks to all the skiers who made Swedetown Ski Trails fun and successful this season.

Peace, Love, and Keweenaw Crust skiing.

Editor's Note: Craig Hughes of the Keweenaw Nordic Ski Club adds this March 27 message on Maasto Hiihto trails: "In an attempt to extend the season as long as possible, and help ensure quality grooming, the KNSC grooming committee has decided to reduce the number of kilometers groomed. During the typical freeze/thaw cycles that occur this time of year, reduced Ks will allow the groomer operators to concentrate on grooming fewer trails well, as opposed to grooming all the trails poorly. For the remainder of the season, Australia, Yooper and Wanderer will not be groomed. This leaves over 12 km of trails to enjoy."

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