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Come for the race. Stay for the wander. Celebrate it all at the après.
The Copper Harbor Trails Club is firing up something special: the East Bluff Melt Down — a full day celebration on Saturday, March 21, 2026, of everything we love about late-season winter in the Keweenaw.
The morning kicks off with a stout 20K freestyle Nordic ski race testing your lungs on the region’s newest and most challenging terrain, with big climbs, fast, flowy descents, and a sneaky view or two. Shift gears in the afternoon with a laid-back winter wander out to East Bluff, where a crackling fire and hot chili await. Then wrap it all up with a proper après celebration at The Mariner North—live music, awards, and a well-earned bevy or two.
Whether you're here to race your heart out, cruise the trails with friends, or just soak in a perfect March day in Copper Harbor, we hope it becomes your favorite end-of-season tradition.
The Race
10:00 AM Start | End Of The Road Trails
A brand new 20K freestyle nordic ski challenge that showcases the best of what Copper Harbor has to offer on the End of the Road trails. The climbs are no joke, and racing down our new trails—Winter Magic and Dream Factory—could get spicy. This is the kind of course you hate until you crest the bluff, then grin like a maniac all the way to the finish line.
We aim to set track on roughly 40% of the course for classic folks.
We're offering two waves so everyone can experience this course on their own terms:
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Race Wave: This is for competitors. You're chasing the clock, pushing your limits, and going after podium spots in your age class.
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Touring Wave: Same gnarly 20K course, zero pressure. You're here for the challenge and the experience, not the stopwatch.
Course Note: This race takes place on advanced terrain with sustained climbs and technical descents. It's a rewarding challenge for skiers comfortable on difficult trails in variable conditions. If you're looking to push yourself, this course delivers.
Parking: Available at the end of US-41. We'll send detailed logistics in pre-race communications. Carpool if you can.
Registration
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Early Registration: $40
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Day-of Registration: $50
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Bib Pick-Up: 8:00–9:30 AM at CHTC New HQ at 64 Gratiot St, Copper Harbor, MI 49918
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Choose Your Adventure: Race wave (go full send) or Touring wave (same course, your pace)
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Age Requirement: Participants must be 16 years or older.
The WANDER
2:00 PM | East Bluff Campground
Whether you just finished racing or you're showing up fresh for the afternoon, grab your skis, fat bike, or snowshoes and make the 1.5-mile journey to East Bluff Campground. There, you'll find a cozy fire and delicious chili from The Mariner North to warm you up.
No registration. No pressure. No agenda. Just fire, food, trails, and good people choosing to spend their Saturday on the snow.
Free and open to everyone.
6:00 PM | The Mariner North
The day ends where all great winter days should: with live music, awards, and celebration at The Mariner North. We'll hand out awards to our podium winners and celebrate the fact that we all chose to spend a late-winter Saturday embracing winter in Copper Harbor.
THE APRÈS
