Daily Mining Gazette file photo Diana Munger of Minneapolis and Anna Vanderhoef of Waunakee, Wis., near the end of the 50K freestyle race during 2021’s Great Bear Chase. This year’s race will be held Saturday at the Swedetown Ski Trails.

CALUMET — Around 800 skiers are expected to hit the trails this Saturday for the annual Great Bear Chase.

Put on each year by UP Health System – Portage, the Great Bear Chase is held at the Swedetown Ski Trails. The race has gained renown as a place for skiers to finish out their season. About 80% of the skiers come from out of the area for the race, said race director Angela Luskin.

“I actually just got an email from a racer that’s never done the Great Bear Chase, never been to the Upper Peninsula,” Luskin said.

Trail conditions are looking good for Saturday, Luskin said.

“The groomers at Swedetown Trails do a fantastic job,” she said. “The course will be in excellent condition. Temperatures are a little chilly, but conditions will be great.”

Spots are still open in the seven categories: freestyle and classic races for 50 km, 25 km and 10 km, as well as the 50 km skiathlon, which combines freestyle and classic.

Registration will be available at greatbearchase.com through 11:59 p.m. Thursday. After that, last-minute registration and bib pickup will be available from 4 to 8:30 p.m. Friday at Calumet High School.

The number of racers had been set at a lower cap last year as a COVID precaution; that has been lifted this year, Luskin said. However, bib pickup and the post-race pasty luncheon will again be drive-up only.

Awards will be given out for the overall winners, as well as the top three in each category. Competitors also have a shot at numerous raffle prizes, including Salomon backpacks.

Skiers will again have the option for a virtual Great Bear Chase by donation. When they confirm they have completed a 10, 25 or 50k ski on any ski trail at any time between March 1 and March 13, they can be entered for a prize.

Luskin thanked the sponsors and the community for their support. Both racers and volunteers have a great time each year, she said.

“On the racer side, the Great Bear Chase is typically the last race of the season,” she said. “We are one of the few areas that still has snow this late into the year. And then on the volunteer side, because the racers are very appreciative. It’s fun, it’s exciting. It’s really just a great atmosphere on Saturday.”

Volunteers also are still needed for about a dozen critical spots, Luskin said.

To register or sign up as a volunteer, go to greatbearchase.com.