Great Bear Chase Ski Marathon

Great Bear Chase Saturday, March 13, 2010

Forecast as of 8 a.m. Tues., March 9

No webcam at Swedetown, but you can check out the cam at Michigan Tech to see the condition of a similar trail, just 10 miles away.
The shot above is from 9:20 a.m. Tuesday, March 9.

Weather and Trail Update (March 9): The trails have been freezing at night, but are soft during the day. Skiers report that morning skis are fast and the trails are firm. As of Monday, groomers measured a 14" base on the Birch Loop, but some parts of the trail are thinner. We anticipate that the trail will hold up for Saturday's race. We will provide updates here at least daily.

Online registration available at active.com. Or, download, print and mail the form.

It is a great cross country ski event in a land of great amounts of snow. It is the Great Bear Chase, and it includes a 50km freestyle race and separate 26km classic and freestyle categories.

The course uses the varied and gently rolling terrain of the Swedetown ski trails, and features a finish in downtown Calumet. After the race, stick around for door prizes, raffles and the best free lunch you'll ever eat.

The 50 km freestyle is probably the most competitive race at the Great Bear Chase. Many master skiers use this as their last hurrah for the race season. Many racers from nearby college teams use this as a fitting end to their season.

The 26 km freestyle provides an excellent end-of-season goal for serious racers and mainstream recreational skiiers alike. Many master skiers use this as a season-ending endurance test. Recreational skiiers enjoy the 26km freestyle because of the relaxed Bear Chase atmosphere and the forgiving course.

The 26 km classic features lycra-clad racers who want the traditional experience of a half-marathon, as well as those who like to "tour" for a morning rather than race in packs with Gu stapled to their bibs.

Photos: See last year's photos - lower-resolution photos free to participants.