MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – While there may not be enough snow right now to enjoy skiing or snowboarding, there are still ways to enjoy the outdoors during this time.
For many of us winter brings skiing, snowmobiling, and many other snow centered activities. When a lack of snowfall leaves trails bare and ski hills full of grass some struggle to find fun. According to the Noquemanon trail network the unusual December weather presents a unique opportunity.
“The grounds are pretty frozen, normally people would switch to fat tire mountain biking because of the snow, but now you can just ride a regular mountain bike,” said Jeni Kilpela the Community Outreach Coordinator at the NTN.
The hard compact ground combined with mostly bare trails creates ideal conditions for mountain bikers. Although if you are going to embrace the outdoors this time of year its important to remember to take precautions to remain safe.
“Take some hydration, because even this time of year it might be longer, or you might go further than you thought, bundling up is important, make sure you layer because it is cold,” added Kilpela.
If hitting the trails isn’t your thing that’s ok, the woods aren’t the only place to take advantage of the mild winter we are experiencing. Travel Marquette says now is a good time to get holiday shopping done and check out what local businesses have to offer.
“It is easier to find parking places, easier to navigate with bags, you do not have to worry about slipping or being in a snow mound,” remarked Susan Estler, the CEO of Travel Marquette.
Townships around the upper peninsula are also hosting many indoor events this winter. Here in Marquette just this week there will be over 10 different art shows and concerts to enjoy.
“I think we’re really lucky to have that balance of arts and culture, along with the outdoor recreation,” added Estler.
According to Visit Keweenaw the unusual weather has left prime hiking locations like Mount Baldy much easier to climb then it normally is this time of the year. For those who are still waiting to hit the slopes it may seem like the snow is late but historically we are not too far behind schedule.
“Mount Ripley is usually open by the last two weeks of December so we are really on the this cusp, so people really need to hold on and this is going to start happening, Mount Bohemia is usually open the first or second week of January, these places are ready to go and this is going to start happening, people just need to hold on a little longer,” commented Jesse Wiederhold of Visit Keweenaw.
While it may seem like without snow winter just wasn’t the same. If you take advantage of what there is to do, you can still enjoy the cold.
