Winter Trails Day returns with free gear and lessons

Winter Trails Day took place Saturday, Jan. 13, at Timber Ridge Resort, marking the 16th annual community event that opened Grand Traverse County’s groomed and multiuse trails to residents at little or no cost. The day combined free equipment rentals, guided outings and volunteer-led instruction to lower barriers to cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and fat-biking.

Organizers including TART Trails, the Record Eagle, Vasa Ski Club, Brick Wheels, Northern Michigan Mountain Bike Association and Suttons Bay Bikes Resort staged activities that began with equipment check-out at 10:30 a.m. Cross-country skis, snowshoes and fat bikes were available for free rental on a first-come, first-served basis; a driver’s license was required for check-out. People who brought their own gear were encouraged to use it. On-site registration opened at 10:30 a.m. and volunteers led guided snowshoe hikes that started at 11 a.m., while Vasa Ski Club members and TART Trails volunteers offered introductory ski lessons throughout the day.

Fat bike short-demo rides were run by the Northern Michigan Mountain Bike Association, providing a low-commitment way for riders to try wide-tire winter cycling on groomed trails. Timber Ridge provided a social hub with cookies and cocoa by the fire, and brats and beer available from an outdoor grill for a suggested donation. Organizers also encouraged donations to TART Trails to support trail maintenance and promotion, and noted that event updates and any cancellations would be posted on Timber Ridge and TART Trails web pages and social channels.

The event matters for local residents because it reduces cost and equipment barriers that often keep people from trying winter sports. Free rentals and lessons help introduce beginners to trail-based recreation, which can broaden the base of regular users and volunteers who maintain the network. For the local recreation economy, these introductory touchpoints are important: participation often leads to future spending at bike shops, outdoor outfitters and lodging when visitors bring friends or return for events, even if precise economic figures for this single event are not available.

Sustaining a 16-year tradition reflects steady community investment in winter trails and volunteer capacity in Grand Traverse County. Donations and volunteer hours are the operational backbone for trail upkeep, and modest fundraising at events like this reduces pressure on municipal budgets while supporting tourism and public health through outdoor access.

Our two cents? If you missed it, mark your calendar for next winter, bring a driver’s license and your own gear when you can, and consider chipping in to help keep our trails groomed for everyone.