The 2016 Michigan Backcountry Ski Series line-up is taking shape!
I note that this is a bunch of ski outings that emphasize downstate Michigan, usually short drives, adventure, epicness, drama, scenic value, trail gorgeousness, technical skiing skills, true classic ski technique, optional freestylin’ in the original sense (jumps, turns), partying, picnics, any skis work, beer sponsorship, good food, bonfires, cheapness (free). Our events aren’t redundant to anything else out there for hundreds of miles around that we know of. They’re worth the drive every time!
And don’t worry bout no El Nino: the groomers and the industry might be concerned but all we need is a frozen base with a lil sumpin sumpin on top. Bases love scratches. Give us a little slush on top of ice and the party still goes to 11.
May well be a few date shuffles but here’s what we’re looking at right now…
*Potto Raid 1/17, 10am, Sun. (18 mile Potowatomi Trail singletrack, expert)
*Brighton Snow Flow 1/31, Sun. (hours of the Brighton flow trails)
*Fire’n’Ice 2/6, Sat. (Brighton Huron Meadows, bonfire relay party picnic, set tracks, any skill level, rentals)
*Stinchfield Loppet 2/28 (a couple hours of ski touring with on-trail picnic and parking lot party; no-drop w a few challenge uphills; intermediate-expert)
*B2B 3/6 (Brighton Back-to-Back) (a couple hours; 5 mi ski tour intermediate followed by a 5 mi ski race as you like; followed by bonfire potluck party)
*Jordan Jam 3/12 or 19 (18 miles BC technical expert big watersheds, lots of up, down, and water; herringbone and corn)
***This schedule has 3 open weekends. 1/23, 2/13, 2/21. We’d love to include the Waterloo Epic (36 mile BC trail, expert) and a Chandler Hills Powder Fest (up north highland tele glades). We could even wander over to Yankee Springs sometime when they get a dump and we’re dry. We’ll jump on them as the right conditions show up.
