Copper Country 100 relocates to Houghton for season finale

The Copper Country 100 is set to bring high-speed professional cross-country snowmobile racing to Houghton this Saturday, March 28, starting at 9 a.m.

Originally scheduled for White Pine, the event was relocated to the Keweenaw Peninsula to take advantage of superior trail conditions. With more than 335 inches of snowfall recorded this season, the Keweenaw offers a robust, late-season snowpack that provides an ideal surface for the grueling backcountry competition.

The race brings a new, high-energy snowmobile competition format to the Houghton area.

“Winter is winding down, so having an event like this is great for area businesses. We hope that race participants will stick around for the weekend to explore our winter trail systems and our local communities,” said Brad Barnett, executive director of Visit Keweenaw, one of the event’s supporters. 

What’s happening: The Copper Country 100 Snowmobile Race has been relocated to Houghton because of snow conditions. With abundant snowfall this season, conditions in theKeweenaw woods remain strong, creating an ideal race surface as temperatures hold steady heading into the weekend.

“This race was originally scheduled to take place in White Pine; however, the trail conditions deteriorated and the event organizers needed to find a new location. Local stakeholders in Houghton came together rapidly to pitch the idea of the race being hosted in the Keweenaw. Our trails are still in great shape after more than 330 inches of snow this year,” Barnett said.

About the race: The Copper Country 100 Snowmobile Race is a professional cross-country snowmobile race where riders will race up to 100 miles on a backcountry course. Saturday’s race is part of a season-long race circuit organized by Cor PowerSports and supported by industry partners.  “This is the last race of the season, which contributes to the overall race circuit championship totals. So we anticipate that racers will be working hard to finish out the year strong,” Barnett said.

Race details: Races begin at 9 a.m. and will run throughout the day as riders loop a course winding through wooded terrain and historic mining landscapes. The event features multiple race classes, including stock sleds and high-performance machines, with participants spanning a range of age groups and experience levels.

Race supporters: The race is supported by Moyle Racing, COR Powersports, Visit Keweenaw, Keweenaw Snowmobile Club, Pat’s Motorsports, South Range Snowmobile Club and Backcountry Village. The race came together rapidly thanks to Moyle Racing Group, the South Range Snowmobile Club, the Keweenaw Snowmobile Club and Visit Keweenaw. Dayton Moyle of the Moyle Racing Group and Jennifer Julien of The Vault Hotel in Houghton were instrumental in gathering support for the event to be held locally.

Where to watch: Spectators can catch the action from several vantage points, including Valley View Quarry or along designated sections of the posted race route. Access to the course is available near the Copper Country Mall, with snowmobile-friendly routes leading into the event area.  Attendees are encouraged to follow all posted safety guidance and respect designated viewing areas, as racers will be moving at high speeds throughout the course. Spectators also are encouraged to remember to Leave No Trace, packing out what they pack in on trails. Snowmobiler riders should remember to Ride Right and within their limits. Mercy EMS will be present at the event for safety purposes.

Impact: The event highlights the Keweenaw’s reputation for reliable late-season riding and offers one more reason to get outside and enjoy winter while it’s still going strong. A good spectator turnout is expected, given the area’s love for snowmobiling.  “This came together in less than 10 days, and we hope that it demonstrates to the organizers that our area is passionate about the snowmobile industry and this is a great location for end of season riding,” Barnett said. “Hopefully, we’ll be able to bring them back for years to come.”

Postscript: Volunteers are still needed, email jesse@visitkeweenaw.com or call (989) 551-3191.