The first snowfall of the season always triggers for me fanciful visions of my favorite cross-country ski trail destinations. Clearly topping the list is Upper Michigan’s Valley Spur. There are many splendid trails in the upper Midwest. Many are grand, but none surpasses Valley Spur.

My introduction to this skier’s paradise was on a Nordic Ski Club of Milwaukee bus trip in 1998. Smitten on my very first ski there, I have been back yearly ever since.

The location of Valley Spur ensures its remarkableness. Most importantly, there is reliable and voluminous snow – about 230 inches annually. And where it’s situated, a few miles south of Lake Superior, Valley Spur’s snow sticks around from mid- to late November until mid-April usually.

Another outstanding feature of the area is the Hiawatha National Forest. The forest is huge, encompassing some 1 million acres of federally protected land. Valley Spur is nestled in the western section on a relatively small patch of land close to the small community of Munising and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

Reportedly, this was a major north-south rail route for logging up the valley until the highways were built. (State Hwy. 94 skirts the trails to the west.) In 1979, ski trails began to be developed under the direction of forestry staffer and skier Dave Worel. He was influenced by the great trails near Glidden, Wisconsin, with which he was familiar. He wanted to develop a trail system that would be appealing to a variety of skiers – from beginners to experts – and fitting for the natural setting.

The forest is the backdrop for the Valley Spur trails. It is an eclectic, beautiful mix of hardwood forests, hemlock, aged pine trees, a small winding stream and even a meadow. It is quiet except for the lively calling of chickadees, the knock, knock, knocking of woodpeckers, the shushing of other skiers, and, sometimes, the wind. Often I create the only sounds around with my pole plants, gliding skis, crinkling jacket, sniffling nose and heavy breathing. I appreciate the 27 miles of looped trails through the glacier-shaped region. The thoughtfully designed system allows skiers ample choices and creativity in combining sections for pleasant ski outings.

Innovation spilled over into the naming of trails, adjoining sites and landmarks. Each year I’m relieved when I see Beulah the Beech, Charley’s Cherry and Bertram the Birch – all stalwart trees. I want to know the stories behind the trail sections named Dan’s Way, Big Foot’s Revenge and Boomer. Self-explanatory are the challenging runs called The Luge, Slingshot and Catapult. One formidable hill requiring skiers to herringbone is none other than Heart Attack. I always try to ski my personal favorites: the undulating Double Dip and Single Dip with a long glide at the bottom. Realtime is a scenic cruise into a pine forest called Worel’s Woods. Stairway to Heaven and Heaven are also on the top of my list. It is a moderate slog to Heaven, the highest point in the area. The huge payoff is the expansive view almost to Lake Superior and down the winding hill ahead.

I plan to return to Valley Spur this winter. I’ve already signed up for the Nordic ski trip the first weekend in March when the annual Taste & Glide is scheduled to take place. The volunteers who maintain and manage Valley Spur, along with local Munising eating establishments, sponsor the fundraiser. It is a gala affair with tables of food and drink set up along the trails, as well as in the chalet. Oftentimes, there is a smooth singing folk singer to entertain us. I can’t imagine being any place else other than there with similarly minded people.

Jane Stoltz, a through hiker of the National Scenic Ice Age Trail, enjoys the quiet sports of biking, kayaking and cross-country skiing. She tutors English language learners and resides with her husband, John, in St. Francis, Wisconsin.

Valley Spur

The Valley Spur Trailhead is located about five miles from Munising, Michigan. Facilities include a parking lot, trailhead map and display, chalet with wood stove, toilet and drinking water. The lodge is staffed by Friends of Valley Spur. The trail system is groomed for skate and classic skiing, also by the friends group.

The daily trail fee is $8 for adults, $4 for young people 12 to 17 years old, and free for children under 12. Seasonal passes are also available.

For more information, call 906/387-4918 or go to www.valleyspur.org.

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