What began as a looming crisis for the Valley Spur cross-country ski trails near Munising has blossomed into a heartwarming success story, thanks to a groundswell of support from the community and beyond.
Last winter, Valley Spur’s mostly volunteer-run operation faced a critical challenge: Its aging grooming equipment — two Jeeps — was failing and no longer up to the task of maintaining the 27 miles of diverse trails that wind through the hardwood forests, meadows and pine groves of the Lake Superior snowbelt.
With the cost of replacing them upwards of $200,000, combined with a lackluster snow season that brought in lower- than-usual trail pass sales and donations, funds were stretched thin.
But just as things seemed most dire, an outpouring of support helped turn the situation around.
The effort to replace the broken-down equipment with a new groomer started with a capital campaign. Local businesses, organizations and individuals from across the country came together to contribute, raising a total of $176,311. The campaign brought donations from states such as Florida, Montana and Illinois, as well as Michigan.
One donation came from a family in Florida who, instead of exchanging Christmas gifts, were asked by their children in Grand Rapids to contribute to the campaign.
Sharing a humorous anecdote, Valley Spur representative Denise Gerth said, “We received two $50 donations with a note that stated, ‘Anyone who cleans an outhouse deserves a donation!’” Gerth added, “Our biggest donation was a whopping $30,000 from an anonymous source. We cannot stress enough how grateful we are for all the support we’ve received. It really shows how much Valley Spur means to so many people, from locals to visitors.”
Additionally, a USDA small business grant brought in $99,950.
“The USDA office in Gladstone was excellent to work with, and there were tutorials on YouTube that helped us figure out how to complete the forms,” Gerth said. “We asked for and received letters of support from many area businesses that wrote about our important role in the silent sports community of Munising and also our importance in the local tourist economy.”
Another key to the groomer purchase was a $10,165 grant from the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians for new equipment, with the goal of continuing the promotion of healthy lifestyles, which is accomplished through the outreach programs Valley Spur has implemented. “Au Train Township was instrumental in assisting us with this grant,” Gerth said.
Hitting the trails for the first time on Jan. 15, the new equipment — a 100-horsepower Kubota tractor with special tracks designed to climb the steep hills of the trail system — has already begun to transform the grooming process.
“Grooming with the new tractor has vastly improved the trails at Valley Spur,” Gerth said. “This new equipment will last for many years and withstand the increasingly warmer, wetter snow that we have experienced during previous winters.”
Thanks to the support of 50 dedicated volunteers who collectively contribute more than 1,600 hours annually, Valley Spur has been able to maintain its trails through all seasons. These volunteers are the backbone of the organization, helping with everything from trail maintenance to staffing the lodge and organizing community events.
The community’s support isn’t just limited to financial contributions. Volunteers, locals and visitors have come together in meaningful ways to ensure Valley Spur remains a hub for outdoor activity in the region.
As Valley Spur’s leaders look to the future, they are not only focused on maintaining the newly improved trails but also expanding their offerings for year-round activities. The new grooming equipment will play a key role in keeping the trails accessible for skiing, snowshoeing, hiking and biking throughout the year.
“Our season pass memberships are up from previous years,” Gerth said. “Last year, we sold 1,017 day passes. We have just exceeded that number, and it is only January.”
Visitors can continue to support Valley Spur by purchasing trail passes, becoming members or making donations. These funds directly support trail maintenance, equipment purchases and community events. To learn more or to make a donation, visit valleyspur.org.
