Registration and Bib Pickup

Print a registration form.

Friday, March 9, registration and bib pick-up, 4 p.m. - 9 p.m., Calumet High School gym (see map - note click on the map for a larger version).

Saturday, March 10, bib pickup only, 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., Calumet High School gym. No race day registration.

The Great Bear Chase has earned a reputation as a laid-back, skier-oriented weekend. Choose among 14-km, 26-km and 50-km distances, including a separate category for 26-km and 50-km classic skiers. Results will be generated by chip timing.

Friday, March 9, young skiers can take part in the Junior Bear Chase under the lights at the Swedetown trails.

On Saturday morning, March 10, skiers will line up for the Great Bear Chase. All of our courses will be well-groomed by a 2001 model Pisten Bully with power tilling and/or compactor bar, as conditions dictate. The groomer makes multiple passes for maximum trail width.

Entry Fees

Age Divisions

26-km Classic: 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 and over

26-km Freestyle: 14 and under, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70 and over

50 km Classic: 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 and over

50 km Freestyle: 18-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70 and over

14 km Freestyle: 14 and under, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 and over

Starting Times

NOTE: New start/finish location at Spruce Street in Calumet

Race Details.

NOTE: New start/finish location at Spruce Street in Calumet

Trail markings will be clear, with markers every 2 km.

Aid Stations will be located at 7 km, 12 km, 18 km, 25 km, 31 km, 37 km, 41 km. They will provide warm water and energy drink, bananas, and energy gel.

Spectators are encouraged to shout encouragement! Near the chalet is an excellent place as the skiers come near it several times.

Road Crossings: No road crossings this year!

Safety personnel will be on hand and in radio contact with check points and ambulance service.

Free lunch! Before the awards enjoy a free lunch for racers at the Calumet High School Gym, parking lot at 57070 Mine Street. As always, while waiting for the awards ceremony to start, enjoy pasties, bakery, refreshments, and music. Also, enjoy the use of the locker rooms for changing and free showers. The school will be open continuously from 10 a.m. until the close of ceremonies.

Results and photos will be available right here at bearchase.org

Awards

The awards ceremony will take place in the Calumet High School Gym. Awards are given for each age category in each race, as listed above. Unique awards will be presented to the overall fastest man and woman in each race, and skating trophies to the top 20 male and top 10 female skiers in the 50 km race.

Several other prizes will be awarded by random drawing, donated by Cross Country Sports and several companies. You must be present to win.

Questions? Email info@bearchase.org, or call 906-369-2460.

Parking the day of the race can be found near the new Spruce Street start/finish area.

Spaghetti Supper: Friday, March 9,, 5 - 8:30 p.m., the CLK Rotary Club will host a spaghetti supper at the Irish Times Restaurant and Pub in Laurium. Ticket prices: $8 and are available at the door.