Upper Michigan Ski Race Needs 600 Community Volunteers

When winter hits hard in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, hundreds of people don't hibernate. They come together to celebrate the season they love.

The Noquemanon Ski Marathon returns January 23 and 24, and organizers need 600 volunteers to make it happen. The event features races for everyone, from 50K marathons to junior competitions and adaptive races designed for athletes with disabilities.

Race Coordinator Nicole Swenson sees volunteering as more than just helping at a sporting event. It's about strengthening the bonds that hold communities together when temperatures drop below zero.

"It's a wonderful way of giving back to your community and supporting something that basically brings everybody together in January," Swenson said. Every volunteer receives a commemorative pint glass as a thank you for their time.

The race has become a winter tradition in the Upper Peninsula, turning what many consider the harshest month into a celebration. Hundreds of skiers travel to the region, supported by local volunteers who staff aid stations, manage logistics, and cheer on athletes.

The Ripple Effect

This volunteer effort shows how communities can transform challenges into opportunities. Instead of dreading winter, Upper Michigan residents have built an event that draws people together and puts their region on the map for winter sports.

The race couldn't exist without community support. Swenson emphasized that volunteers and sponsors make the entire weekend possible, creating an experience that benefits both athletes and the local economy.

Anyone interested in volunteering or competing can find more information on the Noquemanon website. Whether you're handing out water at mile 25 or cheering at the finish line, there's a role for everyone who wants to be part of this winter celebration.

When 600 neighbors show up to help, January becomes the best month of the year.