RAPID RIVER, Mich. (WZMQ) – On Saturday, February 7, the Hiawatha National Forest is hosting its annual Winter Trails Day event.
“We provide free ski rentals for children and adults,” said Melissa Buzzard, the West Zone Recreation Planner for the Hiawatha National Forest. “We have our partners there to provide ski instruction if you’re just fresh out of the gate. If you just want to come out and enjoy the day with other folks on the trails, we’ll have light refreshments, a warming fire. We’ll also have snowshoe rentals if you want to get out.”
Running from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., the event is a partnership between the Hiawatha National Forest, Delta County Non-Motorized Trails (DCNT), and Brampton Bike & Ski.
“It’s a chance for people to get outside and see what the Rapid River Ski Trail and the Hiawatha Forest really have to showcase,” Brampton Bike & Ski owner Mike Williams said. “There’s great cross-country skiing there, an exceptional snowshoe loop. People just need to give me a call if they need equipment. It’s a good family fun event.”
The last few winters were mild, leading to cancellations and postponements of the event. Thankfully, this winter is shaping up to be much better.
“The conditions have been great since, gosh, I think November,” said Buzzard. “It’s looking wonderful for this event this Saturday.”
The true winter weather has also been beneficial for businesses that sell outdoor sports gear.
“This has been the best year it’s been in quite a while,” Williams said. “Obviously, we’ve been starved for snow. I was looking forward to next week, and the snow’s not going away, people. We’ve got great skiing around, so yeah, it’s been a great season. No question about it.”
While the public enjoys skiing and snowshoeing in the winter months, Buzzard says grooming the trails is a year-round job.
“DCNT is out there always maintaining, limbing, working with our trails crew,” she explained. “During the winter, we have our partners grooming frequently. As soon as there’s fresh snow, they are out there taking care of our trails, getting it ready for folks.”
Williams says Winter Trails Day highlights the results of their dedication.
“What makes Rapid River really nice is that it’s south in the snow belt,” he said. “The snow comes earlier; it sticks around longer. The volunteers that take care of that trail are actually avid skiers, so it’s maintained very, very nice. For those that have equipment, if they haven’t ever skied Rapid, it won’t disappoint—both skating and classic.”
This Saturday, the Hiawatha National Forest encourages the public to dress in plenty of layers, remember to “leave no trace,” and appreciate the recreational resources in their own backyard.
“So many folks don’t know what’s out there, and we just have these beautiful trails,” Buzzard said. “It’s a perfect opportunity to try skiing or showshoeing for the first time, meet with the foresters, meet with our trail partners, and enjoy the beautiful fresh air and woods.”
To reserve a ski gear rental, visit Brampton Bike & Ski at 910 Delta Avenue in Gladstone or call (906) 428-2135. For full event details, click here.
