Events
Return to Keweenaw Trails!
The Keweenaw Nordic Ski Club
The Keweenaw Nordic Ski Club grooms the Maasto Hiihto and Churning Rapids trail systems in Hancock Michigan. These ski trails are operated and maintained through a joint agreement between the club and the city of Hancock.
KNSC was founded in 1997 and promotes the sport of cross country skiing in the Keweenaw Peninsula of Michigan for both youth and adults.
Maasto Hiihto Trail
Maasto Hiihto, which means “cross country skiing” in Finnish, is a striding-only trail system that offers kilometer after kilometer of unsurpassed skiing on varied and scenic trails. The trail system connects with the Churning Rapids trails. The two systems contain about 25 kilometers of groomed trails (see the trail map for details)
Snowshoeing is encouraged; there are many single track trails to follow, or on the side of the ski trails, as long as snowshoes do not step on set ski tracks.
The scenery on these trails is exceptionally varied and often breathtaking. Highlights include vistas of Portage Lake, Ruby Marsh, Swedetown Creek, mature forests, and pleasant meadows.
Two trailheads provide access to Maasto Hiihto: one at the Chalet on the Houghton County fairgrounds, and the other at Tomasi Road near the Hancock city garage, north of Portage Health.
Churning Rapids Trail
Churning Rapids provides a true backcountry experience, with striding-only trails accessed from Maasto Hiihto or from a trailhead at Christensen Road at M-203, north of Hancock. Trails wind through the John Christensen wildlife preserve. A 15-foot high observation tower provides wonderful views of Lake Superior; a scenic meadow trail leads to the beaver pond, and more trails wind thru the diverse woodlands.
This Season’s KNSC Events!
Pine tar clinic, Saturday, 11/19/11, Hancock Chalet, 10 am – Noon, Jay Green.487-5411 (how to apply pine tar to wood ski bases as a moisture barrier and in very cold weather as a “wax”)
December Moonlight Event; Saturday 12/03/11 Keweenaw Nordic Ski Club’s moonlight ski and bonfire will take place as scheduled on Saturday, December 3 at 6:30 PM. Because of lack of snow, the event will meet at the Chalet located at the Houghton County Fair Grounds/Hancock Driving Park. KNSC will provide refreshments and a light meal to say “thanks” to its many trail supporters and volunteers. For the evening’s entertainment, all skiers will perform the Heikki Lunta dance so trail grooming and skiing can commence afterwards. Questions, contact Arlyn at 370-2911.
Monthly moon/fire ski; Saturdays: 12/03/11, 1/7/12, 2/4/12 & 3/3/12, Tomasi trailhead, 6:30 pm, fire @ 7 pm, Arlyn Aronson.487-9229
Candle luminary ski, Saturday, 1/14/12, Hancock Chalet, 6 – 8 pm, Glen Archer.482-4957
Barnelopet, Sunday, 2/12/12, Hancock Chalet, 1 pm registration, 2 – 3 pm race, Wayne Stordahl.482-0292
click here for: Barnelopet_registration_2012
Retro SkiFest, Saturday, 2/25/12, Churning Rapids, Jay Green.487-5411
Join Keweenaw Nordic Ski Club (KNSC) and Keweenaw Land Trust (KLT) at Churning Rapids for some old time skiing. On the afternoon of Saturday February 25th between Noon and 3 PM skiers will gather near the Lookout Landing Observation Tower along the #10 Thoroughfare Trail (trail map available at http://www.keweenawnordic.org/trail-map/). There will be a fire and chili to warm you and a lavvu will be set up (What’s a lavvu? check out lavvu.com). Knickers, wool sweaters, wood skis and bamboo poles are not required but skiers are encouraged to use them if they have them. Skiing too will be the old way – breaking trail in the woods! Don’t let that discourage you, bring a friend or two – the more the merrier and less trail breaking to do! No fee but donations are appreciated and will be split evenly between the Keweenaw Cross Country Ski Endowment at the Keweenaw Community Foundation 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 487-5411 to let him know the number of skiers in your party.
Glide ‘n Gorge, Sunday, 3/4/12, Hancock Chalet, Noon – 3 pm, Candi Silvola.482-4578
NEW!!! NEW!!!
Have our Keweenaw Nordic Ski Club LOGO put on your duds!!
NEW!!!
Have our Keweenaw Nordic Ski Club LOGO put on your duds!!
The KNSC has made our beautiful LOGO available at Superior Monogramming in Ripley for you to have embroidered onto any item you take into them! Check out their webpage to see all the color and size and material options for the KNSC Logo! So bring your garments, caps, hats, scarf or whatever to Superior Monogramming at 49112 Arcadian Street in Ripley to have the KNSC logo added; cost depending on the size of the logo, for under $14.00
