While the system is designed with competition in mind, the general public should find an excellent recreational system.

‘The terrain on both trails is mostly rolling and John (Morton, trail designer) has made maximum use of this to create a winding, flowing trail that has a mix of everything,’ says Bob Mahaney of the Noquemanon. ‘The climbs are not terrible and are usually followed by a nice downhill run or scenic overlook. The grade was contoured to allow for banked turns on downhills... Most of the forest is old growth- oaks, white and red pines- or a balsam/birch forest mix. The whole system is fully wooded. There are no signs of civilization once on the trails. It’s really a beautiful, unspoiled area.’

John Korhonen, Ishpeming’s city manager says keeping the area in a natural state was a driving force behind the design.

‘It’s outstanding with aesthetic beauty. There’s been minimal bulldozing; clearing is being kept to a minimum. large oak and pine have not been disturbed. For the most part we’re cleariing smaller brush and trees.’

There will be two primary loops-Deer lake and Teal Lake-discribed by designer Morton as ‘fingers of a glove.’

...’The Deer Lake loop is on a mile-long peninsula so you get lots of nice views,’ adds Mahaney. ‘The total trail network (with existing trails in the Al Quaal) will be about 18-20K.’...

‘I am undoubtedly biased, but I think this trail system is going to be among the best I’ve ever skied when its done,’ adds Mahaney. ‘The combination of terrain, scenery and John’s trail design have created something very unique.’

Having Morton in to design the system pretty much assures its quality. A two-time Olympic biathlon team member, former Dartmouth coach and consistent high-ranking National Masters skier throughout the 1990’s, the Vermont-based Morton has used his worldwide ski experience to design ski trails... He has consulted on or designed trails from Maine to South Korea.

‘It’s a very exciting location,’ Morton says...’There’s wonderful terrain from the standpoint of trail construction; it’s challenging with lots of rock and ledge. We’ve tried to be very conscientious about wetlands and stream crossing. Michigan has very strict environmental regulations and we’ve worked hard to comply with all of their recommendations.’

Morton is excited about the project primarily because of the rugged U.P.
countryside.

‘I think it’s going to be tremendous. In terms of topography, it’s one of the most exciting places I’ve designed trails. There’s unbelievable scenic beauty between Teal and Deer Lakes. The scenic vistas are incredible.’...

Morton’s approach to trail design begins with conversation.

‘The first thing I do is talk with the clients to get a sense of what they want. The tendency is to look at the maximum the terrain will permit for racing but some don’t want or need a World Cup caliber course.’

‘Then I get the best maps... I get a sense of the property, then go out and start cruising... With the primary purpose being competition, I wanted to bring the skiers back through the stadium so spectators could see them.’

From his time spent in Alaska, Morton learned a unique approach to setting up a course.

‘Often you hear of Eskimo carvers determining what will be carved from a piece of soapstone or ivory by waiting until they get a sense of what kind of animal wants to come out of it. It’s the same with a ski trail. You have to study the land and wait to see what kind of trail can come out of it.’...