CALUMET, Mich. (WLUC) – People had the chance to try out a variety of winter sports for free on Sunday in Calumet.
On Swedetown Trails Day, trail passes are waived, allowing people to ski for free. Cross Country Sports brings out all their rental equipment for people to try at no charge, including cross-country skis, snow bikes, and snowshoes.
Cross Country Sports President Rick Oikarinen says the goal of the day is to get more people outside and active during the winter.
“Winter’s too long,” Oikarinen said. “If you think you’re stuck inside because winter’s so long, winter’s really long. You’ve got to get outside and do something. People expect me to say, because I’m a bike and ski shop, that you should go out and bike and ski. Go out for a walk, do anything, but get out of the house and do something.”
Gear rentals ran from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
Atomic Nordic Representative Kevin Johnson says the rentals allow people already familiar with the sport to try out some newer gear too.
“We want to try to get people out and skiing and trying it, but I think also we want to get the people who have been in the sport to come out and try some new stuff and see what the new equipment is like,” Johnson said. “They get a feel for it, and then they’ve got Cross Country Sports over here in Calumet that has all of it in stock if they need to buy something new.”
Johnson says people of all ages can try cross-country skiing.
“I think it’s a sport that’s pretty easy for a lot of people to do, especially if you live in the U.P. where there’s snow for six months of the year. It’s a great way to get outside and enjoy nature, get some exercise, and just have a good life,” Johnson said.
Swedetown Trails Day seemed to be a big success, with a crowded parking lot and plenty of people enjoying the sunshine on the trails.
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