Warming hut and garage buildings at Bluberry Ridge

Changes are coming to the Blueberry Ridge Ski area in Marquette County.

Skiers will be able to enjoy a new warming hut that is currently under construction at the ski area.

The warming hut is a joint venture between the Department of Natural Resources, Superiorland Ski Club, and Sands Township to help make Blueberry Ridge a destination for cross county skiers in the Upper Peninsula.

So far the Blueberry Ridge Warming Hut Committee has raised almost $96,000 to help built the hut.

“Anyone who knows winter and loves to enjoy the outdoors in winter knows that staying warm is a big part of it,” Blueberry Ridge Committee member Debby Muskovitch said.  “Blueberry Ridge Pathway is a state public land park here, and it’s one of the most popular (ski areas)–if not the most popular–in the state.”

“It’s nice to have a place to congregate, to change your clothes, to warm up, and to enjoy the beautiful trails of Blueberry.”

“Marquette County has so many great ski trails that we like to think we can make this a destination for cross country skiing, because there’s so many great trails in the area,” DNR Park and Recreation Supervisor Doug Barry said.

The warming hut is modeled after the one at Valley Spur in Munising, and is expected to be open by next winter.

The committee is still looking for funds for the warming hut.  To donate, an box with envelopes for donations is located at the warming hut site, and an account is set up with River Valley Bank in Marquette under the name ‘Blueberry Ridge Warming Hut’.  The Superiorland Ski Club’s website also has a link for donations.

A garage is also being built by the DNR at Blueberry Ridge to store ski trail grooming equipment.  The new garage will be completed this winter.