Contact Information

Email: info@greatbearchase.com
Phone: (906) 483-1187

About the UP Health System Great Bear Chase

The Great Bear Chase was started in 1981 by Rick Oikarinen and Bob Gregg as a late-winter cross-country ski that would showcase Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula, and its plethora of snow.

“We know how much snow we get up here, and we know how truly unique it is compared to places that are only three or four hours away,” said Oikarinen, who served as race director from 1982 until 2005. “Plus, we knew there was an opportunity to help our trails grow and maintain their pristine condition.”

The race was, and still is today, a major fundraiser for the Swedetown Trails Club. The club uses the money to maintain the Swedetown Trails, some of the finest in the Midwest.

Evolution over the years...

From the very start it’s been a long race, allowing skiers to go on either a 25k or 50k course, but the exact route has changed many times through the years.

Originally it began by climbing Rope Tow Hill near the chalet. As the race got bigger (from 30 in year one to hundreds today), a bigger start area was needed. The race, for years, started and finished at what’s now the Calumet Colosseum. That was until the Mine Street Station was erected. The race start was then moved to the railroad bridge and even downtown Calumet, both of which offered picturesque starting scenes.

In 2012 the race moved to a new area, which offers a regular stadium and eliminated road crossings and use of a snowmobile trail.

The race still maintains a quality trail through the Swedetown system, including the signature Mama Bear, Papa Bear, and Baby Bear trails. In 2012 a 13k race (now 10k) was also added, giving even new skiers a chance to compete.

The culture...

The race features a unique culture with a small-town feel. Some racers just love the excellent trail conditions at a time when Minnesota, Wisconsin and the lower peninsula of Michigan are almost bare. Others just love the authenticity of this race - built by racers for racers.

Swedetown Trails

Proceeds from the Great Bear Chase support the Swedetown trails in Calumet, Michigan. With plenty of snow and great trail grooming the Swedetown has quality skiing conditions all winter long. There are more than 30 km of trails for every level of skier, and 5 km of lighted trails!

Calumet is in the center of Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula and averages more than 200 inches of snow annually. Ski season typically opens by the first part of December and runs through mid-to-late March. The latest trail conditions can be found at keweenawtrails.com.

The Swedetown Trails Club and Calumet Township maintain a chalet at the Swedetown Trailhead on Osceola Road. There are restrooms, a water-bottle filling fountain and a wax bench. The lower level of the chalet is open daily from 7 am - 8 pm. The upper level features an area for skiers to relax and a kitchen serving coffee, hot chocolate, snacks, and pasties.

The Swedetown Trails are groomed by a 2015 Prinoth Husky with power tilling and/or compactor bar, as conditions dictate. The groomer makes multiple passes through all trails for maximum trail width. Each year the trails are maintained well throughout the season, but special work and care goes into the trails to keep them in top shape for the Great Bear Chase (which helped to fund the purchase of the groomer.