Women's Winter Weekend in Porcupine Mountains

Wed, Dec  21, 2005 - By Ann Wilson DNR

A weekend packed with snow-related activities for women is planned for Feb. 11-12 at the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park in Michigan's western Upper Peninsula. Sponsored by the Department of Natural Resources' Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) program, with cooperation from park staff and Friends of the Porkies, the weekend's classes will be designed to acquaint women 18 and older with the delights of cross country, downhill and telemark skiing as well as snowshoeing.

"The Porkies is the perfect location for a weekend of fun," said Bob Wild, park interpreter. "We offer a 600-foot vertical drop at our downhill ski area, as well as 42 kilometers of groomed cross country ski trails encircling the alpine ski area, with numerous scenic loops."

The sessions will begin on Saturday with a brief meeting, followed by cross country ski lessons and gliding time on the groomed trails. After lunch, participants will have their choice of either downhill or telemark ski lessons for the remainder of the afternoon. That evening, cross country ski on a groomed trail lighted with old-fashioned oil lamps will be offered. Hot chocolate will be waiting at a trailside bonfire. Sunday morning, participants will explore the backwoods of the Porkies on a guided snowshoe hike.

The fee for the program is $75, which includes two lunches, Saturday evening dinner, snacks, lift tickets and trail passes. Participants will be responsible for lodging in nearby Silver City and breakfasts. Rental equipment will be available for an additional cost.

"Many women are familiar with the Becoming an Outdoors-Woman programs offered in Michigan, and this special weekend will focus on winter activities in one of the most beautiful places for snow-related recreation in the Midwest," said Ann Wilson, coordinator of the U.P. BOW programs.

To register for the Women's Winter Weekend, log on to www.michigan.gov/dnr and click on the "Learning Corner" icon. Registration materials can be mailed to the DNR, 1990 US 41 South, Marquette, MI 49855. Questions can be directed to Ann Wilson at 906-228-6561 or Bob Wild at 906-885-5275.