Course conditions should be ideal for Black Mountain Classic
Unless snow blocks roads leading to the Black Mountain Forest Recreation Area in northwest Presque Isle County, weather shouldn’t be the main story of the Black Mountain Nordic Classic this year. It’ll all be about what the cross-country skiers do on the course. Ideal course conditions will be welcome this year, especially after last year, when rain, then freezing temperatures, made the course icy.
The second annual Black Mountain 30K Nordic Classic begins at 10 a.m. Saturday on Trout Lake in front of the Chateau North Restaurant. More than 70 skiers ranging from 18 to 75 are expected to participate in the rigorous 18.4-mile course. There were 61 participants last year. There also will be a 10K tour for those cross-country skier who don’t want to take part in the competition.
The Classic, which was developed by former Rogers City resident Denny Paull, is northeast lower Michigan’s only cross-country ski competition. The race is part of the Michigan Cup series.