Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Keweenaw Nordic Festival?

The Festival is a celebration of Nordic skiing and includes the Copper Loppet (13 km and 26 km races), the TalviTohinat Skijor races, and the Copper Island Classic 5 km and 10 km races. It also includes The Paradise Pursuit, a combination of times from the 13km Copper Loppet and the 10 km Copper Island Classic. The KNF also features two days of qualifying for junior skiers attempting to make the Great Lakes Junior Olympics team.

What is the Copper Loppet?.

The Copper Loppet is a 13 km and 26 km race at the Michigan Tech Trails, starting at the main trailhead and using all of the Tech Trails -- from the upper loops to the Nara loops and back again.

What is the Copper Island Classic?

The Copper Island Classic is a classic-only 2 km (youth), 5 km and 10 km race at the Chassell Trails. This year it will also include those wishing to participte in the Paradise Pursuit, in addition to the traditional youth race and guess-your-time races. There will also be a a JO qualifier.

What is the Paradise Pursuit?

The Paradise Pursuit is a challenge for those wanting to race for two consecutive days. We will combine the racer's time from the 13 km Copper Loppet and the 10 km Copper Island Classic. Skiers participating in the 26 km Copper Loppet and the 5 km Copper Island Classic are not eligible for the Paradise Pursuit.

What is the TalviTohinat Skijor?

The TalviTohinat is a 4 km and 11 km skijor race that starts at the Michigan Tech softball fields and uses the "dog loops" at the Tech Trails. One-dog skijorers will ski the Isle Royale and Superior loops. Two-doggers will add some of the Pilgrim Road Trails. See the Talvi website for complete details.

What is a "JO Qualifier?"

Junior skiers trying to make the Great Lakes Division Junior Olympic team participate in a series of qualifer races throughout the season. The goal: participate in the 2010 Junior Olympics (also known as the Junior Nationals) in Fort Kent, Maine.

When and where is bib pick-up?

Registration/bib pick-up opens at 8 a.m. on Saturday (warming hut) and closes at 8:30 for the JOQ and 11 a.m. for the Copper Loppet.

Registration/bib pick-up for Sunday is open 8:30-9:30 for the JOQ and 10:30-noon for the Copper Island Classic (Chassell Heritage Center).

What's up with the feed?

The Library Restaurant will provide a feed for all racers at the facility at the Nara trailhead just east of Houghton on US-41.