Warm Up to Winter

Month 2 of the new year has started and winter in the Great Lakes region is still in full swing.

According to Steve Fleegel, Meteorologist at the National Weather Service office in Negaunee, regional snowfall through the month of January is up 30% over normal. That means at 156.1 inches, we’re 51.8 inches above average.

And it’s not just snow that’s making this winter so memorable. Temperatures are also lower than normal, a whopping 5.3 degrees colder than typical for January.

“They work together,” explains Fleegel. “Those cooler temperatures create more lake effect snow off the Great Lakes.” He says traditionally February has the least snowfall of the winter months, but he expects a second snowfall peak in March.

Bottom line, winter isn’t going away any time soon but don't go burying your head under another blanket. I've got a better cure for your cabin fever.

Trust me, EVERYTHING gets better when you get outside.

Come out and play with Jesie Melchiori and me.

We're hosting the first “Warm Up To Winter,” three day women’s snowsport symposium beginning this Thursday, February 5, at Marquette Mountain Ski Area.

“The goal is to get women together, outside and having fun,” says Jesie, Guest Relations Manager at Marquette Mountain.

The package price is $179. Women can choose three classes ranging from beginner to advanced skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, or even telemark skiing. The package also includes lift tickets, equipment, meals, morning yoga sessions and a special dinner Friday night at Sam Behm's L’Attitude Café in downtown Marquette. Heather is cooking up a tasty apres ski party for us.

Gail Anthony at County Inn and Suites has also arranged for a special lodging rate for those who need a bunk for Thursday and Friday. . .heck, at Marquette prices, stay all weekend.

We’ll have all the tools to improve your skiing or try something new, plus sessions on how to dress for the cold, take care of your skin, and work out sore muscles.

If you've been to the Becoming an Outdoors Woman weekends in Big Bay you'll recognize the format. And if you've been paddling with Ladies of the Lake sea kayak symposium or pedaling with She Cycles bike symposium, you'll understand how much fun it is to bust out of your comfort zone in the company of women teaching you new skills.

Jesie says, “If you have been looking for a reason to start skiing or snowboarding, this is it.”

I've long believed that, when Mom skis, the whole family will ski (or snowboard) so if you want your family to get gliding, get Mom out there having fun.

Don't hibernate, Participate.

For details on Marquette Mountain’s Warm Up to Winter call 800-944-SNOW or visit http://www.marquettemountain.com/.