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Great Bear Chase wrap-up

Six inches of wet and unpredicted snow greeted 750 skiers at the 46th annual Great Bear Chase in Calumet, Michigan. After having rained the night before the race, the precipitation transitioned to snow just as the first wave of skiers started their treks on the Swedetown Trails race course. Fortunately, Swedetown had a three-foot base to start with.

The Great Bear Chase includes distances of 52, 24, and 10 kilometers, with skiers choosing either classic or freestyle technique. Para-Nordic skiers chose either 3 kilometer or 5 kilometer distances.

Caden Albrecht, who skis collegiately at Northern Michigan University, took the men’s title in the signature 52 kilometer skiathlon, while Erica Ohearn of Tranverse City paced the women. Mitchell Campbell (Minneapolis) and Lori Seele (Duluth) took the 52 freestyle title, and Ivan Dragerengen (Green Bay) and Macayla Scheidt (Steamboat Springs) won the 52 classic event. All of the results are available at GreatBearChase.com

“It was a tough day of skiing, with almost blizzard conditions at times,” said Race Director Angela Luskin. “And it all happened just as the races were starting.”

Fortunately skiers could warm up with a post-race pasty luncheon at the Calumet High School.

The Junior Bear Chase took place Saturday afternoon and the groomers had time to drag the course for the young skiers. More than 130 registered for the youth race.

Next year’s Great Bear Chase takes place March 13, 2027. Registration will open on March 15 of this year.