Fireworks light up the sky at Marquette Mountain Resort during the opening ceremonies of the 2022 Meijer State Games of Michigan. The event returns this February. (Photo courtesy of Meijer and Marquette Mountain Resort)

By Journal Staff

MARQUETTE — For the second consecutive year, Marquette Mountain Resort is hosting the 2023 Meijer State Games of Michigan ski and snowboarding competition.

The event will begin with opening ceremonies on Feb. 10 and continue through Feb. 12.

The annual Olympic-style event features snowsport athletes from throughout the Midwest. It is open to skiers and snowboarders of all ages and skill levels. Those wishing to compete can register at https://event.racereach.com/sgom-wg-mqt-skisnow/register.

“We’re very proud to again host the Meijer State Games of Michigan and we look forward to some truly great performances, acrobatics and athleticism,” said Kaet Johnson, Marquette Mountain Resort general manager, in a news release. “This year’s games should be even more exciting on our championship-caliber runs with newly installed snowmaking infrastructure — the most modern technology in use in the Upper Peninsula.”

Participants compete in a variety of races, including:

≤ Rail Jam; participants complete as many runs as they can in 30 minutes.

≤ Slopestyle; two timed runs per athlete.

≤ Slalom / Giant Slalom; timed-race competition, with bibs to be assigned.

≤ Boarder-Cross / Ski – Heat-style races with top times advancing to next competition.

Medals are awarded for first, second and third place in each event. For a complete schedule, visit https://stategamesofmichigan.com/events/marquette/ski-snowboard2023.

Johnson said admission to the games is free but spectators who want to watch from Marquette Mountain must purchase a lift ticket at the resort’s chalet.

Now celebrating its 65th season, Marquette Mountain Resort is a privately owned, year-round resort where visitors can slide, ride, climb, fish and hike on over 300 acres of forested and rugged Precambrian bedrock formations with views of Lake Superior. Access to the mountain is available with a day or season pass.

Marquette Mountain Resort also provides full-suspension mountain bikes for rent and hosts guided historical tours of Marquette by kayak. Tours, rentals, day and season passes can be purchased online at marquettemountain.com.