Winter recreation in Marquette County

MARQUETTE COUNTY — Now that temperatures are dropping and snow is flying, outdoor sports and activities are looking a little bit different. Instead of staying indoors all winter and waiting out the cold, there are plenty of ways you can take advantage of all this snow and have some fun while you’re at it.

From skiing to ice climbing to snowshoeing, there’s something for everyone to do in Marquette County during the winter months. Down Wind Sports is one location where you can find everything you’ll need to enjoy your favorite winter activity or to try out a new one.

“We’re very excited for the snowfall because that opens up a wide variety of options for going outside and playing,” said Down Wind Sports co-owner Bill Thompson. “There’s fat biking, because they’re starting to groom the trails, so people can continue their bike riding but with fat bikes. The snowshoeing is amazing right now, and all of the cross-country skiing trails are being groomed. So it’s an opportunity for everyone to get out and enjoy the snow that’s coming.”

Thompson says that the amount of snowfall the Marquette area has already gotten this year is great news for winter sports enthusiasts. More snow now means more time to enjoy these activities.

“We always encourage having more snow to play in, so for this time of year we have a really great base to get out there,” said Thompson. “So that means it’s going to be a long season for getting out and enjoying these winter activities.”

Down Wind Sports offers equipment rentals for outdoor winter recreation. The staff participates in all the sports they sell equipment for themselves, so stopping by the store to ask questions is a great way to learn more about a sport you’re thinking of trying.

Down Wind Sports also has an ice climbing guide service, and they will be offering free cross-country skiing lessons every Monday night in January. To learn more about Down Wind Sports, you can visit their website or Facebook page.