This Saturday is the 2017 Great Bear Chase Ski Race on the Swedetown Trails here in Calumet.
The Great Bear Chase was started in 1981 by Rick Oikarinen and Bob Gregg as a late-winter cross-country ski that would showcase Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula, and the plethora of snow it gets.
“We know how much snow we get up here, and we know how truly unique it is compared to places that are only three or four hours away,” said Oikarinen, who served as race director from 1982 until 2005. “Plus, we knew there was an opportunity to help our trails grow and maintain their pristine condition.”
The race was, and still is today, a major fundraiser for the Swedetown Trails Club. The club uses the money to maintain the Swedetown Trails, some of the finest in the Midwest.
Since then the race has grown into the community-wide event it is today. We are happy to support it and the awareness it brings to the Swedetown Trails.
If you are racing this weekend, stop by the store for our end of the season sale.
Race skis up to 60% off
Poles up to $100 off
Hats $16
All clothing 20-60% off
We will also have special race weekend hours. We will be open late Friday, March 10th from 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. and early Saturday, March 11th from 7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Photos were taken by Brockit Photography | www.brockit.com