Try out equipment for free at the Down Wind Sports 8th annual Winter Sports Demo this weekend

UPPER PENINSULA — This weekend Down Wind Sports is hosting its 8th annual Winter Sports Demo. It’s a great opportunity to test out some new gear for free.

Down Wind Sports will be at the Marquette MTN Trailhead on Saturday, January 11, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. On Sunday, January 12, staff will be at the Houghton MTU Tech Trail from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Attendees can try out equipment such as fat bikes, snowshoes, and cross country and backcountry skis, all at no cost to them.

“The holidays are over and people are looking for ways to get out and enjoy the winter and be part of the weather,” says Jeff Stasser, co–owner of Down Wind Sports. “Instead of complaining about it, they can get out and have fun with the snow. We know the trails are going to be good this time of year, and there has been pretty consistently good snow, so we can ride on the bike trails without tearing them up and we can ski on really good snow and test out the gear more accurately.”

The Winter Sports Demo is the perfect chance to try out any equipment you’ve been thinking about purchasing before you buy it. Those who have never tried a certain sport before are also encouraged to come out and try something they’ve never done before. It could lead to a fun new winter hobby.

“That’s what it’s about,” says Strasser. “Because where else can you go and try fat biking and backcountry skiing or test a pair of snowshoes for free? It’s just a great opportunity to learn about some of these activities like skate skiing. You can take a pair of skate skis and go try it out. You can try the latest and greatest fat bikes on snow and not just in a parking lot; you can take them for a real ride. It’s just fun.”

An additional Winter Sports Demo will take place on Saturday, January 18th, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Munising Valley Spur Trailhead. For more details, click here.