Wolverine Winter Challenge up next

IRONWOOD – February may be the shortest month of the year, but there’s no shortage of fun to be had for winter enthusiasts in the Ironwood area. The Wolverine Nordic Ski Club invites skiers and snowshoers to sign up for their third annual Winter Challenge to be held Feb. 4-26 on the Wolverine Nordic Ski Trails in Ironwood. Participants can snowshoe one or all 6 trails, and/or ski 10 km.

There is no timing and there is a registration fee for individuals and teams. (See wolverinenordic.com for details.) Snowshoe, ski or bike an entire trail, report the trails completed on-line and your name will be put into a drawing for a door prize. The entire trail loop must be completed in a single day, but different trails may be completed on different days. The 10 km ski may be done in parts and reported after all 10 km have been completed. A team challenge for five or more members can earn team points. Team and individual totals will be recognized.

About the trails

Wolverine Nordic Ski Trails offers 24 km of ski trails, including several loops for classic striding and skate skiing. There are 14 km of marked snowshoe trails and 7 km of snow bike trails. The rolling terrain offers trails for all levels of skiing, snowshoeing and snow biking.

Ski and snowshoe trails can be accessed at the chalet trailhead at 5851 Sunset Road. There is also a trailhead behind Apsirus Ironwood Hospital. The Summit Road trailhead provides access to snow bike trails as well as ski and snowshoe trails.

The warming chalet offers a view of the historic wooden ski jump structure that was part of the club’s original activities. Cookies and hot chocolate are available in the chalet, which is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the ski season. Volunteers with the Wolverine Nordic Ski Club maintain and groom the trail system.