gneese@mininggazette.com
Garrett Neese/Daily Mining Gazette
Skiers including Benjamin Hiller of Houghton and Sage Resh Chimner of Houghton climb the hill at the start of the 10K freestyle race during the Great Bear Chase at the Swedetown Ski Trails Saturday.
CALUMET TOWNSHIP Though scaled down for COVID safety, this year’s Great Bear Chase was still a highlight for skiers from across the Midwest.
The annual ski race at the Swedetown Ski Trails in Calumet Township was capped at 550 racers this year, versus nearly 900 last year, said race director Angela Luskin.
Skiers set off in 25-person groups to reduce crowding, and were asked to wear masks until the races started. Bib pickup was done via drive-through; so was the customary post-race pasty and cinnamon roll.