The UP Health System Great Bear Chase is set for Saturday, March 11, at the Calumet Swedetown Recreation Area trails.

This year’s event features seven races. Both classic and freestyle cross country divisions at distances of 10, 25, and 50 kilometers.

“The seven events are open to skiers of all abilities,” said Race Director Angela Luskin. “We also have the unique 50K Skiathlon, which involves both classic and freestyle techniques. About 80% of our participants come from outside our immediate area, which means more than 600 skiers and their families are renting hotel rooms, eating at restaurants and supporting our local economy.”

Over 40 years ago, the Great Bear Chase was started as an opportunity for skiers to embrace the late winter excess of snow that the Keweenaw is known for.

Registration will begin at Calumet High School Friday from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m.

The first race will take off at 8 a.m. Saturday, subsequent race starts will follow every 5 minutes until 9 a.m. The awards banquet will follow at Calumet High School from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.