When Winter Comes…
It’s fun up here in the winter! Take four months of great snow, mix well with with hundreds of miles of snowmobile trails and the result is a winter getaway that’s hard to beat! Accommodations and restaurants are plentiful, rates are economical, and you’ll find plenty of outlets for snowmobile rentals, accessories and service, winter sports clothing and all necessary items that guarantee a great vacation.
Hiking and Skiing Trails in Sault Ste. Marie watch this YouTube Video
The biggest event in the U.P. – and in the entire snowmobile racing world – has to be the annual I-500 Snowmobile Race, held the first weekend in February. Be sure to check our calendar of events for the latest on other great wintertime events!
Snowmobiling and Winter Weather Prevention
The most fast-paced excitement available in the Sault has to be snowmobiling. Sault Ste. Marie has many established snowmobile trails where anyone can enjoy riding along on their machines. With hundreds of miles of trails, the Soo is truly a snowmobiling heaven.
Preparing for Outdoor Winter Weather: Always make sure you are prepared for our winter weather. It can be dangerous if your not prepared for the sudden weather changes we experience here in Sault Ste. Marie.
Preparing for Safe Winter Travel: Michigan State Police offers safety tips for winter driving and preparing for inclement weather
Skiing
Downhill skiers head for Canada’s Searchmont Ski Resort, as the only Midwest Ski resort actually located on a mountain, we’re quite proud to say that we have the most diverse terrain, the longest runs (all 18 of them) and the biggest vertical (750 feet!) around. Located just 30 miles North of the border city of Sault Ste. Marie, this is the place to be. See you on the slopes!
Hockey
Living in snowy weather for nearly half of the year means our residents become very proficient at winter sports. The most popular of these sports is, without a doubt, hockey. Whether it’s playing or just watching, the Soo is home to some of the finest hockey excitement anywhere.
Winter Activities
Sledding
Brady Park
Waters St. Sledding – No Schedule no lights.
Sault Seal Recreation Area-2601 Minneapolis St. (east of M-129)
Telephone: Chalet Phone: (906) 635-6961
Parks & Recreation Office: (906) 632-5768
Season: Varies due to snowfall
A heated chalet on premises with concessions.
Schedule: Tuesday-Friday 3:00pm – 9:00pm, Saturday & Sunday 12:00pm – 9:00pm
Group Rates: Please call two weeks prior to book the hill.
Sledding: 60 foot vertical drop sledding no lift hill not lighted.
Skiing/Snowboarding: 80 foot vertical 1,000 foot shoot with lift lighted for night use. Cross Country Ski Trail – not lighted.
Tubing: 7 runs with two lifts lighted for night use.
ICE SKATING
Pullar Stadium – 435 East Portage Avenue
Telephone: 906-635-5341
Pro Shop: 906-322-1015
Call for skating hours.
Big Bear Arena & Fitness Center – 2 Ice Circles, across from Kewadin Casino
Telephone: 906-635-7465 Skate Rentals available.
Schedule:
Monday – Public Skate 12:00 p.m. – 1:20 p.m.
Tuesday & Thursday – Toddler & Adult Skate 12:15 p.m. – 1:35 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday – Public Skate 2:30 p.m. – 4:20 p.m.
Lake Superior State University, Taffy Abel Arena –Telephone: 906-635-2602
Open Hockey: Monday through Friday 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Open Skate: Monday through Friday 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
No skating on Friday Home Games for Laker Hockey, please call ahead.
CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING:
Algonquin Ski Trail: Located in the city limits of Sault Ste. Marie on W. 16th Avenue. Approximately nine miles of groomed trail that is lighted for night use. For more information and conditions please click here.
SNOWSHOEING:
The Big Bear Arena offers snowshoe rental and the opportunity to traverse the 1.4 mile trail through the woods at the arena. Call (906) 635-7465 or email mhemming@saulttribe.net for rental reservations and details.
SWIMMING:
Lake Superior State University, Norris Center Pool – Telephone: 906-635-2602
Family Swim Schedule:
Monday-Thursday 6:15 a.m. – 7:45 a.m., 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., and 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Friday 6:15 a.m. – 7:45 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Sat & Sun 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
FITNESS & WEIGHT TRAINING
2 Ice Circle, across from Kewadin Casino
Telephone: 906-635-7465
Schedule:
Monday – Friday 5:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Sunday 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Weight training & workout facilities available daily, call ahead for day pass.
Aerobic workout available call ahead for dates and times, Indoor walking track free of charge.
Lake Superior State University, Norris Center – 2601 Minneapolis Street
Telephone: 906-635-2602
Weight training and workout facilities available, day pass
Racquetball courts available by calling ahead.
Call for times and dates during School Breaks & Holidays, 906-635-6961.