Ski Brule
About 15 kilometers of groomed trail on the ski hill's own ground, tracked for classic skiing and flat-groomed for skating.
Ski Brule trails906-214-2308
906-265-9100
40 E Adams St
Iron River, MI 49935
Snowshoeing in Iron County, Michigan
Iron County • Michigan
On a cold morning after fresh grooming, the only sound in the birches is the hiss of your skis in the track. Iron County has three groomed trail systems within about 20 minutes of Iron River, and here's where they are, what they cost and when the snow is good.
3 TRAILS
Groomed systems within about 20 minutes of Iron River
DEC.–MAR.
Ski-depth snow in most winters, best in January and February
KIDS FREE
Trails and rental skis for kids at Young's in Gaastra
RENTALS
At all three trails, so you can come without skis
Start With The Trails
Where Can You Cross-Country Ski in Iron County?
Three places groom for skiing here, and each one suits a different day. Ski Brule has the most trail and the easiest access. Young's in Gaastra is the bargain, and the place to bring the kids. The Ge-Che Trail is the quiet one, a long classic track through national forest.
All three rent skis, so you can come up without any gear and be on the snow the same morning.
Young's
More than 9 miles groomed for both classic and skate at the George Young Recreational Complex, with trails sized for kids.
Young's ski trailsGe-Che Trail
About 15 kilometers of classic track through the forest near Lake Ottawa, groomed by Covenant Point Bible Camp with the Forest Service.
Covenant Point ski trailPick Your Trail
The Three Trails Side by Side
Skate skiers have two choices here. Classic skiers have all three.
| Trail | Length | Style | Day fee | Rentals | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ski Brule | About 15 km | Classic and skate | Trail pass, or with a lift ticket | Yes | Mixing skiing with the hill |
| Young's | 9+ miles | Classic and skate | $7 ($5 residents) | $10, kids free | Families and first-timers |
| Ge-Che | About 15 km | Classic only | Free, donations welcome | $10 | A long, quiet ski in the forest |
Prices are the most recent each trail has posted. Call or check their pages before you go.
When To Go
When Is the Snow Good for Skiing?
Plan on January and February. Most winters there's enough snow on the ground to groom by about the second week of December, and it lasts until late March. Some winters run thin, so check the trail before you drive.
Ski Brule's hill gets a good deal more snow than town does, so it's often the first place skiing and the last to quit.
How Often There's Ski-Depth Snow, Month by Month
Share of days with 6 inches or more of snow on the ground near Iron River, winters 1996–97 through 2025–26.
Beyond The Big Three
Ungroomed Trails and Day Trips
If you like breaking your own trail, there's room for that here too. And a few good groomed trails sit within an easy drive.
Lake Mary Plains
A state pathway through pine and lake country that isn't groomed, so plan on breaking trail. One 1.8-mile stretch is closed because its bridges aren't safe. Ski the other loops.
Lake Mary Plains PathwaySylvania
Groomed classic trails at the edge of the Sylvania Wilderness, about an hour northwest. Old-growth woods and very few people.
Ottawa National Forest winter trailsCity Park and Lauterman
Iron Mountain's City Park has a short groomed loop kept by the local ski club. Just over the line in Wisconsin, the Lauterman Trail has about 9 miles of classic track for a $5 parking fee.
Lauterman TrailBefore You Go
Tips for Your First Time on Cross-Country Skis
- Start with classic. You walk and glide in the set tracks, and most people get the feel of it in an hour. Skating is faster but takes practice.
- Rent before you buy. Young's is the cheapest place to try it, and kids ski there free.
- Dress like you're going to work hard. Thin layers, a light shell, a hat and gloves. You warm up fast, and a heavy parka will cook you.
- Keep the tracks for skiing. If you're walking or snowshoeing, stay to the side so the classic track stays clean.
- Ask before you bring the dog. Groomed trails set their own rules. On state land, keep dogs on a 6-foot leash.
Questions
Cross-Country Skiing in Iron County: Common Questions
Where can I cross-country ski near Iron River, Michigan?
Ski Brule, Young's in Gaastra and the Ge-Che Trail all groom for skiing, and all three are within about 20 minutes of Iron River.
Are the trails groomed?
Yes, at those three. Ski Brule and Young's groom for classic and skate. Ge-Che is classic only. Lake Mary Plains near Crystal Falls is not groomed.
Do I need a trail pass?
At two of them. Ski Brule sells a trail pass, and it's included with a lift ticket. Young's charges $7 ($5 for county residents). Ge-Che is free, with donations welcome.
Where can I rent cross-country skis?
At all three trails. Young's is $10, Covenant Point rents for Ge-Che at $10 a day, and Ski Brule rents at the lodge. Kids rent free at Young's.
When does cross-country ski season start in Iron County?
Usually mid-December, once about 6 inches are on the ground. January and February are the most reliable months, and good snow often holds into late March.
Can I bring my dog?
Ask the trail first, since groomed trails set their own rules. On state land, dogs must be on a 6-foot leash.
Start Planning
Plan a Ski Weekend in Iron County
Pick a weekend in January or February, check the grooming the night before, and book a warm place close to the trails. The tracks are best early, before anyone else is out.
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Iron County Michigan Visitors Guide
Iron County is one of the Upper Peninsula’s best kept secrets. From camping to fishing, hunting to canoeing, mountain biking to forest bathing – no matter your interests, the great outdoors and clear crisp air await you here.