FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Registration Open for 2026 UP Health System Great Bear Chase

With 75 inches of snow recorded already this season, and 20 inches on the ground, planning is in full swing for the 2026 UP Health System Great Bear Chase, taking place March 7 at the Swedetown Trails in Calumet, Michigan.

The Great Bear Chase offers ten separate races, including two skiathlon distances, where skiers complete half using classic technique and half freestyle, and two adaptive distances. Races include:

• 53km and 20km skiathlon
• 10km, 24km, and 53km classic
• 10km, 24km, and 53km freestyle
• 3km and 5km adaptive

Registration includes a post-race pasty luncheon, a Great Bear Chase hat, free photo downloads, many age group awards, door prizes, and other swag. Major support this year comes from the Great Lakes Sports Commission.

The 53km freestyle is part of this year’s Tour de Finn, sponsored by the Finn Sisu ski shop in St. Paul. This free individual and team competition encourages participation in local Midwest races. Teams must register at the Tour de Finn website by January 6,
2026. Individuals need do nothing but ski; the Tour de Finn scores every individual in every participating race.

Thanks to an anonymous donor, the 2026 Junior Bear Chase has no fee, but pre- registration is required. The junior race has options of 1km classic, 2km classic, 2km freestyle, and 4km freestyle. Register at the Great Bear Chase website.