SNOWSHOE cross-country skiing
People of all ages and levels of
ability can enjoy this fun sport.
For those who love to hike or jog,
it provides a fun winter alternative
to these two activities. Snowshoes
are a reasonably priced type of
equipment ranging from beginning
styles, to specific terrain models.
Just strap the snowshoes over your
regular winter boots and you’re off!
Snowshoeing offers a communal
experience with nature allowing
you to go at your own pace to take in
the beauty of the winter landscape.
No grooming of trails is necessary
for this activity as it is more fun to
walk over large amounts of snow.
Try it out at: Rockport State
Recreation Area
Snowshoe Smiles Skiing Norway Ridge; Courtesy Andy White
SNOwMOBILING Ice Fishing
The adrenaline rush of speeding
over crystalline snow has drawn
snowmobile enthusiasts away
from the warmth of home and
into the wilds for generations.
Able to cover great distances
in short amounts of time;
snowmobiling adventures are
a popular draw through heavy
snowfall months. Northeast
Michigan offers a number of
trails groomed for the sport, and
a few places within the Alpena
city limits where snowmobilers
can even drive to restaurants.
Don’t forget to drive responsibly!
Try it out at: NEST Trail,
Devils Lake trail
8 WAYS TO
GET OUT AND PLAY IN
Northeast Michigan is a perfect crosscountry
ski destination with elevation
levels that are just right. The flat trails
with an occasional soft rolling ridge
provides just enough change in pace
to make for a thoroughly enjoyable
outing. Gliding through the forests
is a great winter exercise option
and gets you outside soaking up the
benefits of spending time in nature.
Try it out at: Trails are groomed at
Norway Ridge Pathway, Chippewa
Hills Pathway, and the Alpena City
Golf Course
Fishing is one of the few activities
Northeast Michigan residents
enjoy all year round. When the
lakes freeze over, the boats are put
away and the ice augers and fishing
shanties come out of storage. Many
find the serenity of ice fishing to
be the draw, while others enjoy the
camaraderie of fishing together. Ice
fishing tournaments keep the fun
going until spring arrives. Species
to be on the lookout for include
pike, perch, and walleye to name
just a few.
Try it out at: Long Lake,
Grand Lake, Hubbard Lake,
Fletcher’s Pond (Floodwaters)
Rockport; Courtesy Brian Mayes Ice Fishing; Courtesy Anna Skowronek
And there you have it, 8 simple and fun ways to
6 Sanctuary of the Great Lakes