JAYMIE DEPEW

While snowmobiling continues to be the most popular outdoor winter activity in the region, Alger County is home to some of the best trails used for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the Upper Peninsula.

From the novice to the more advanced adventurer, here are some trails worth checking out:

Hiawatha Slopes in Chatham

The Hiawatha Slopes – also referred to as the Chatham Ski Hill – offers free sledding on its eastern slope and a network of cross-country ski trails, while downhill skiing and snowboarding can be enjoyed on the western slope for a small towrope fee (seasonal and day-use passes are available).

To help offset capital improvements at the ski hill, a chili cook-off fundraiser will be held on Saturday, Feb. 4, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the Rock River Township Hall.

“This fundraiser will help offset the rest of the costs for a storage shed used to keep the groomer and other maintenance equipment (safe) from the elements, as well as any installation costs associated with it,” according to event organizers.

Entering a chili is free, but there’s a $10 general admission fee to taste and vote, $5 for seniors, students and veterans, and free for children 5 and under. For more information, visit the Facebook page “Chatham Chili Cook-off Fundraiser.”

Valley Spur

Valley Spur is another favored destination for cross-country skiers and snowshoers alike. The 27-mile trail system is groomed daily or as needed for both skate and classic ski from December through March.

The area consists of 10 loops, providing scenic views of the Hiawatha National Forest. The Snowman Snowshoe Trail at Valley Spur is a 1.8-mile loop of moderate

difficulty. Since the course can be challenging at times, it helps to have crampon style snowshoes, but it’s not mandatory.

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

There are two groomed and tracked cross-country ski trail areas in the PRNL. One is near Munising – which also has a snowshoe trail – on the park’s west end and the other is near Grand Marais to the east. The park’s trails wind through 20-plus miles of breathtaking landscapes. All lakeshore trails are designed for diagonal stride only – skating is not permitted.

Bruno’s Run

Bruno’s Run is a rustic 9-mile loop perfect for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing during the winter. Although the trail is not groomed, it allows skiers to travel a path less beaten while winding past a collection of small lakes through deep forests and valleys.

Other areas include the McKeever Hills Cross-Country Ski Trail, which has six miles of paths that run beside several lakes available for cross-country skiers of all skill level. Munising Bay Trail Network also offers snowshoe and snow bike trails that are groomed by a group of dedicated volunteers.

For more information, including directions to each trailhead, call (906) 387-2138.

If you’re looking for an indoor activity in the wintertime, the Alger Centennial Ice Arena offers open skating with limited hours on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Skating is free this year thanks to the Alger Regional Community Foundation and numerous businesses and individuals that donated funds. The ice arena is located at 120 E. Varnum St., Munising.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Jaymie Depew is the communications and special project assistant for the Alger County Chamber of Commerce/Greater Munising Bay Partnership for Commerce Development, Munising Downtown Development Authority and Munising Visitors Bureau.