Wednesday, April 23, 2025
Mike Shouldice
Three snowstorms in the past three weeks put down 27 inches of snow allowing the grooming team to create a 12-15 inch compacted base across the 21Kilometer trail system. Groomers have been out daily putting the trails in great conditions. The snowshoe trails have been enjoyed as well.
Live Winterfest events will be held on Saturday, January 28, 2022, at MECCA Trails in Mercer. Live events will include the Claire d’Loon 5k, the Flowage 15k with classic and skate divisions, and an exciting new event for 2023: the MECCA 30k. Commemorative awards will be given for all competitive events according to age categories and gender. Following the race, skiers and volunteers will enjoy a pasty lunch while winners receive their awards
For those who prefer to participate on their own schedule, there are very popular virtual options for all the race events. Winterfest virtual options for skiers and snowshoers are offered through February 19th. The virtual events are self-timed, so skiers may ski the course as many times as desired and record their fastest time. In addition to the events mentioned above, skiers can also choose the virtual Turtle River Pursuit, which combines an 11k classic loop and an 11k skate loop and may be completed individually or as a team. As with the live races, commemorative awards will be given for all virtual competitive events according to age categories and gender.
“Shoers” can register for the virtual Mercer Springs Snowshoe Tour, a non-competitive event allowing participants to enjoy MECCA’s snowshoe trails, which meander through the wonderfully scenic forest and wetlands surrounding the chalet. The 1-mile Klondike Trail and 2-mile Mercer Springs Trail show off the beauty of the pines, hardwoods, spruce, tamaracks, and cedars.
The community is also invited to a Candlelight Ski-Shoe-Hike beginning at dusk on January 28, 2023. It features a 1-mile candlelit trail open to all for skiing, snowshoeing, or hiking.
MECCA has hosted this candlelit event for decades, offering community members a great way to enjoy the trails, bonfires, hot chocolate, and cookies. The event is family- and dog-friendly and is free for the community. Registration is not required, but those who register in advance will have the option to buy a commemorative and stylish Winterfest hat.
Winterfest is an annual winter celebration that showcases the beauty of the MECCA trails and is sponsored by the Gogebic Range Health Foundation. The event serves as MECCA’s fundraiser, and proceeds are used to promote, enhance, and maintain the trails, equipment, and facilities. Winterfest also supports the MECCA Experience Fund, which provides funding for students and other groups to visit MECCA Trails throughout the year.
For more information and to register, visit:
Calendar of Events listings
Event: MECCA Trails Winterfest Live Races
Date: Saturday, January 28, 2023 beginning at 9:00 a.m.
Location: MECCA Ski Trails, 4686 Fierick Road, Mercer, WI
Description: The annual MECCA Trails Winterfest will be held on Saturday, January 28, 2023, at MECCA Trails in Mercer. Live ski events include the Claire d’Loon 5K, Flowage 15K skate or classic divisions, and MECCA 30K. Prizes will be offered in divisions based on age and gender.
Registration is open now at:
Event: MECCA Trails Winterfest Candlelight Ski-Shoe-Hike
Date: Saturday, January 28, 2023 beginning at 5:00 p.m.
Location: MECCA Ski Trails, 4686 Fierick Road, Mercer, WI
Description: The annual MECCA Candlelight Ski-Shoe-Hike will be held at dusk on Saturday, January 28 at MECCA Trails in Mercer. This event is family- and dog-friendly and is free and open to the community. Enjoy a 1-mile candlelit trail, bonfires, hot chocolate, and cookies. No registration is required, but those who register in advance will have the option to purchase a commemorative Winterfest Nordic ski hat. For more information and registration, visit:
Event: MECCA Trails Winterfest Virtual Races
Date: December through February 19, 2023
Location: MECCA Ski Trails, 4686 Fierick Road, Mercer, WI
Description: Winterfest Virtual events will be open on Mercer’s MECCA Trails from December 17 through February 19. Participants can choose from the non-competitive Mercer Springs Snowshoe Tour and several competitive virtual ski races: the Claire d’Loon 5K, Flowage 15K skate or classic divisions, and the Turtle River Pursuit with an 11K classic and 11K skate combined event open to individuals or teams. Prizes for competitive events will be offered in divisions based on age and gender. Registration is open now at:
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