Whether you're a beginner or an expert, exciting ski trails await you at Valley Spur. Thrity-eight miles of trail pass alongside northern hardwoood forest, meadows, hemlock groves, 40-inch diameter white pine, red pine plantations, and several small lakes. Link to Valley Spur Ski and Bike Trail website.
The main trailhead is located six miles southwest of Munising on M-94 at the Valley Spur Day Lodge. Facilities include a parking area, trail head map and display, toilet and drinking water.
The Route is open daily during daylight hours from December to April. Parking fees are required. Trail loops are generally groomed, but conditions will vary with the weather and time of week. Trails segments are well-marked starting at the day lodge and are marked at each trail junction. Location maps are posted at all trail intersections.
Valley Spur also offers a dedicated snowshoe trail. The snowshoe trail offers five loops varying from easy to most difficult.
Valley Spur Ski Hotline: 906-387-4918
Ski Trail Loops:
Eleven loop trails have been marked with blue trail markers. Loops are identified by letter.
Trail A (.9 mi/1.5 km) - Gentle terrain with a few moderate slopes, appropriate for beginners or for a warm-up.
Trail B (2.3 mi/3.8 km) - Designed as a long scenic trail for the beginning skier. Terrain ranges from the long, straight "Locomotive Chase" to long, gentle downhill slopes.
Trail C (1.1 mi/1.8 km) - A short route designed for the expert skier. "Whoop-de-doo," a quick dip in the course, offers an experience befitting of the name.
Trail D (1.4 mi/2.4 km) - A short trail for the intermediate with an uphill stretch, "Stairway to Heaven," leading to the long, smooth downhill "Heaven."
Trail E (1.0 mi/1.6 km) - The expert or more experienced skier will meet the challenge of the steep "Boomer" downhill. Those who wish to bypass "Boomer" may do so on an alternate route.
Trail F (.9 mi/1.5 km) - Designed for the more experienced skier, this segment offers a quarter-mile downhill run, "Bigfoot's Revenge," and a gradual, scenic uphill.
Trail G (2.5 mi/3.9 km) - The most challenging of the Valley Spur loops, Segment G offers a downhill run, "Catapult Hill," "Slingshot" and other highlights.
Trail H (1.6 mi/2.7 km) - A challenging course designed for the intermediate skier. Exciting runs such as "Sit Down" and Fall Out" are featured.
Trails W (4.0 mi/6.0 km), X (2.1 mi/3 km), Y (7 mi/12 km) and Z (5.2 mi/8.5 km) W, X, and Y were designed with the intermediate skier in mind. Y feaures "Heart Attack Hill", a long steep uphill climb. Z, being very hilly with long downhills and steep uphills, will appeal to the expert skiers.
It was a perfect day to be out skiing, approximately 23 degrees and no wind. About 70% of the trails were groomed and the rest will probably be done this week.
