EVENTS
-- CANDLELIGHT SKI
The annual Candlelight Ski is held the last Saturday in January, from 6pm to 9pm. One mile of trail from the Little Turtle Trailhead to the old cabin is lit by candle luminaries. Participants either ski or snowshoe the trail to the cabin where there is a bonfire and wood-stove for warmth, along with hot chocolate or cider, cookies, and other goodies. A great time is usually had by all.
-- STORMY KROMER / IRON COUNTY PURSUIT
The Stormy Kromer / Iron County Pursuit was a two-day ski race held in early January. The first day was held in Montreal, in north Iron County. It was the Classic leg of the race. The second day was held on the MECCA trails, and was the Freestyle leg of the race. The race began in 2004 and was held annually for eight years.
2012.01.28 -- CANDLELIGHT SKI, UPDATED
The weather forecast for Saturday is cloudy, temps in the 20s, and a slight chance of snow... Perfect for skiing. We are getting some snow overnight. Trails were groomed today, and will prob'ly be groomed again tomorrow in preparation of the big event.
The eleventy-third Candlelight Ski will be held this coming Saturday... January 28th, 6-9pm. Follow the ice candles out from the US 51 & FF intersection to the Little Turtle Trailhead.
There will be a bonfire at the trailhead with a couple greeters waiting to answer any questions. One mile of trail will be lit by candle luminaries from the trailhead to the old cabin. Ski or snowshoe out to enjoy chili, popcorn, cookies, hot cider, and a roaring fire.
2012.01.05 -- SNOWSHOE EVENT
Somebody has scheduled a bunch of evening snowshoe events in the Mercer area. The first of this winter will be held at the MECCA trails on January 5th. Meet at the Little Turtle Flowage Trailhead at 6pm. The hikes take one to one-and-a-half hours and all levels of experience are welcome. Temperatures are predicted to be in the 20s, so dress in layers. You might also want to bring a headlamp or flashlight, though the moon should be pretty bright if it's not too cloudy.
Afterwards, the Sponsor will host the group at their establishment with free snacks and not-free drinks and dinners. This event is being sponsored by the Cranberry Inn. It is at the corner of 51 and FF, and nearly all of the participants will be driving past it to get to the trailhead. They have done a beautiful job remodeling the building, and serve great dinners.
If you miss this one, don't worry... There are more scheduled nearly every week of January and February. The plan is to come back to the MECCA trails on February 9th.
2010 STORMY KROMER PURSUIT PICTURES
Click <HERE> to see pictures from the 7th Annual Stormy Kromer Pursuit.
2009 CANDLELIGHT SKI PICTURES
Click <HERE> to see pictures from the 2009 Candlelight Ski.