What is new for Northwoods Drifter in 2026
After two frustrating winters of cancellations, the MECCA Trails Winterfest came roaring back to life in Mercer with something cross-country skiers dream about — maybe a little too much of it. Ten inches of fresh powder blanketed the trails the night before the January 17 event, transforming the historic race into a true Northwoods test of endurance. Race director Rodney Silvis, watching skiers power through the deep snow, couldn’t help but joke: “I just want to thank everybody who’s been praying for snow, but you can probably stop praying now.”
The return proved worth the wait. A record 77 skiers showed up to compete, making this the biggest Winterfest in the event’s history. Among them was Steve Elmore, tackling his very first cross-country ski race after driving up from downstate to his place on Long Lake. “It was my first race ever, and conditions were good,” Elmore said, grinning despite the challenging snow. For a region that’s watched climate unpredictability threaten winter traditions, this turnout felt like more than just a race — it was a statement that the Northwoods skiing community isn’t going anywhere.
That ten-inch snowfall created what serious skiers call “hero snow” — beautiful to look at, brutal to ski through. Silvis compared the experience to running on sand versus pavement, explaining how energy dissipates into soft snow rather than propelling you forward efficiently. The Flowage 15K course, winding 15.3 kilometers through hardwood forests, pine stands, wetlands, and along the Little Turtle River Flowage, became an even greater physical challenge than usual.
But here’s the thing about Northwoods winter enthusiasts — they don’t show up expecting easy. The skiers who traveled from Milwaukee, Madison, and points beyond knew they were coming to tackle genuine Wisconsin terrain, shaped by ancient glaciers into eskers, drumlins, and kettle formations. The MECCA trails traverse hemlock-pine forests and maple-oak uplands, crossing through black spruce-cedar-tamarack wetlands with views that make you forget your burning quads. One section even crosses a beaver dam, because why not add a little wildlife infrastructure to your race course?
What makes MECCA Trails special isn’t just the 21 kilometers of groomed cross-country trails and three miles of snowshoe paths — it’s the volunteer spirit keeping them maintained. Since 1973, this 501(c)(3) nonprofit has operated through donor funding and the dedicated work of the MECCA Ski Club, partnering with the Town of Mercer, Iron County Parks and Forestry, and Wisconsin DNR to keep these trails world-class.
The system serves the community year-round, welcoming hikers, runners, and wildlife viewers when the snow melts. This multi-season approach reflects the evolving reality of Northwoods recreation, where trail systems need to justify their existence beyond just the skiing months. The Winterfest fundraiser, presented alongside the Gogebic Range Health Foundation, directly supports trail maintenance, expansion projects, and the MECCA Experience outreach program that introduces more people to silent sports.
Let’s talk about the elephant in the warming room: those two consecutive cancellations weren’t just bad luck. Winter is changing up here, and events that depend entirely on natural snowfall face an uncertain future. The 2025 cancellation forced organizers to pivot entirely to virtual racing, a creative solution that kept engagement alive but couldn’t replace the community gathering that defines Winterfest.
The record turnout in 2026 shows something important about our region, though. When conditions align, people show up — and they come from far beyond Iron County. Drawing skiers from Milwaukee and Madison means tourism dollars flowing into Mercer’s restaurants, gas stations, and lodging businesses during a season when many Northwoods towns go quiet. For a snow-dependent economy, events like this prove that investing in winter recreation infrastructure pays dividends, even when Mother Nature doesn’t always cooperate.
Steve Elmore’s first-race experience captures what makes the Northwoods special. Despite living downstate, he maintains ties to Long Lake and jumped at the chance to race when conditions finally came together. “Obviously, it’s a little hard these days with the snow — you know, whether there’s gonna be good snow for it — but, perfect snow here today,” he said. “So, yeah, I’d do it again.”
That “I’d do it again” attitude drives everything happening in Mercer. New buildings are going up to support trail operations, with local contractors from Iron Belt, Presque Isle, and Mercer contributing to infrastructure that’ll serve generations of skiers. The steady growth in registrations over previous seasons before the cancellations shows demand exists — we just need the snow gods to cooperate more often than not.
The MECCA Trails system remains open for skiing, snowshoeing, and exploring throughout the season, with trail conditions posted regularly. Whether you’re a first-timer like Steve or a veteran racer chasing personal records, these trails offer exactly what people drive hours to find: genuine Northwoods winter, complete with challenging terrain, stunning scenery, and a community that still believes in the magic of snow.
Written by
Mike has been coming up or living in the Northwoods since his childhood. He is also an avid outdoorsman, writer and supper club aficionado.
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