With the lack of snow hurting winter recreation and tourism in most parts of the country, I decided take a ride around the area to see if there was enough snow for any of our popular spots.
Honestly, with our lower than average snowfall for 2011, I wasn’t sure my mission would be accomplished. We did have a small system come through a few days earlier though, which had dropped 8-12 inches in parts of Marquette County.
My first stop was Ishpeming and the Al Quaal Recreation area. In the parking area were cars and people getting they’re cross country ski’s on to ski the Teal Lake ski path. There are three trails to ski here. The easy trail for the beginner’s is 1.5K. For more advanced cross country skier’s there is the difficult trail which is 4K. There is also, a more difficult trail for the really advanced and adventurous that is 3.75 K.
While driving back through Negaunee on my way to the Blueberry Ridge Cross Country Ski Path, I noticed two people Parasailing on a frozen Teal Lake. I of course had to stop as this idea had not entered my mind until then. Lucky for me I got some photo’s and video footage. Then back in the car I went on my way to Sands Township.
Just before or after depending what direction your coming from on M553 is the parking lot for Blueberry Ridge Cross Country ski path. Managed by the DNR and funded by donations this area has 12 miles of trails. It contains seven loops of Easy, Intermediate, and Advanced trails. For a grooming report, click on the link above.
Downhill enthusiast can enjoy, north of Blueberry Ridge on M553 Marquette Mountain, which boasts 19 run’s with chair lifts, two big jumps, and eleven rails is fun for skier’s and snowboarder’s alike.
Last but not least is the road around Presque Isle in Marquette. For a slower pace with picturesque views of Lake Superior. During the summer the road is open to drive around with places to stop and exit vehicles to view the sights. During the winter it is closed off to vehicle’s but many people enjoy snow shoeing around the loop to see the magnificent sights.
Yes, like many other areas in the country our temperature’s have been warmer than usual and our snow totals less than normal. On the day I took this drive all trails were in use and even Marquette Mountain had enough snow to be skiing and snowboarding on. As I finish writing this there’s a winter storm warning in effect for Marquette County.
So, take a ride, remember your camera, and enjoy the winter scenery.