2024 Sisu cancelled

IRONWOOD — The lack of seasonal snow has forced Sisu Ski Race organizers to cancel this year’s races. It would have been the 15th annual event.

The news came Friday in a post on the Sisu Ski Fest facebook page.

“With one week to go we have absolutely no snow on the ground, wet trails, and warm temps. There is only minor snow in the forecast with temps predicted to hover around freezing. Even if we receive more snow than predicted, we could not turn that snow into a safe race course. Therefore, we are canceling the Sisu ski race,” said race director Jackie Powers in the post.

Organizers still plan to host the annual Ski Fest Expo at the Ironwood Memorial Building on Saturday, Jan. 6, from noon to 4 p.m. They’re calling it a party.

Powers expressed appreciation for continued support of the community, in particular the volunteers, for the cross country ski race founded in 2010, annually beginning at ABR Trails in Erwin Township and finishing in downtown Ironwood.

“Thank you all for your support. It has enabled us to produce what was to be the best, most organized event yet, with our customary great hospitality and many new amenities that racers are looking for,” said Powers in her facebook post. “As testament to our stellar reputation, the race filled to capacity on Nov. 8th with a new record high of 940 participants. We will try again next year.”

Saturday’s Ski Fest Expo party will include a number of vendors in the Memorial Building’s auditorium.

Sisu Ski Fest volunteer coordinator Kris Darrow said they have also cancelled the Volunteer and Sponsor Dinner set for Jan. 9, but instead Saturday’s Sisu expo party will double as their volunteer and sponsor recognition event.

Darrow said she will have a table at Saturday’s expo, where people can sign in to receive their volunteer and sponsor gifts. Volunteer gifts include a 2024 knit hat, pin and decal.

Saturday’s even will also include a free lunch, including pasty, fruit and homemade cookies; as well as music. Organizers are asking the public to RSVP.

The Sisu Ski Fest annually offers a series of races, including 30K Sisu and 15K Heikii Lunta races, 5K Hauska Hiihto fun ski and Depot Dash for kids.

For more information, visit sisuskifest.com.