Updated August 17, 2024
If you are a Nordic skier looking for a blend of challenging terrain, picturesque landscapes, and a strong sense of tradition, the Noquemanon Ski Marathon, affectionately known as the “Noque,” ticks all those boxes and more. This race is held annually and has earned its place as one of the most iconic point-to-point cross-country ski marathons in the United States. For those who revel in the endurance and skill that Nordic skiing demands, the Noquemanon presents a unique opportunity to test oneself against the rugged wilderness of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The Noque, organized by Noquemanon Trail Network, has earned a place on the Birkebeiner Qualifier Series for those who want to compete. Strambecco rates the Noquemanon Ski Marathon as one of the Best Nordic Ski Races in the Midwest and takes place annually in Marquette County, Michigan.
Event & Course Info
The Noquemanon Ski Marathon's full marathon, a 50K journey, begins at the Al Quaal Recreation Area in Ishpeming, MI—a town steeped in skiing history as the birthplace of organized skiing in the U.S. The race concludes at the NMU Superior Dome in Marquette, a city that boasts the world’s largest wooden dome, a fittingly grand finish line for such an epic event. Along with the Birkebeiner, the Noque is also part of the American Ski Marathon Series and the CXC Marathon Cup Series, making it a significant event on the competitive ski calendar. In addition to the main marathon, the weekend also includes the Half Noque, a 24K race, as well as 12K, snowshoe, and Junior ski events, ensuring there's something for everyone.
The Noquemanon Ski Marathon is as much a mental challenge as it is a physical one, with the varied terrain of the Upper Peninsula offering both breathtaking beauty and formidable obstacles. The 50K full marathon route begins at an elevation of approximately 1,400 feet and gradually descends toward Marquette at about 600 feet above sea level. However, this overall descent is far from a smooth downhill glide; the course is peppered with rolling hills, sharp inclines, and technical descents that will keep even the most seasoned skier on their toes. For those opting for the Half Noque, the 24K route offers a similarly challenging but shorter course that covers a diverse range of terrain, including forested trails, open fields, and frozen wetlands. The elevation gain is approximately 800 feet, with much of the climbing concentrated in the first half of the race. The 12K event provides an excellent option for skiers looking for a shorter challenge or for those new to the sport. With an elevation gain of about 400 feet, this course offers a taste of the area's rugged terrain but in a more condensed format.
The Noque is not just about the race itself—it's also about the camaraderie and celebration that follows. The finish line at the NMU Superior Dome is the site of an energetic post-race party, complete with awards for top finishers, age-group recognition, and a warm meal to help participants refuel and relax. In short, the Noquemanon Ski Marathon offers an unparalleled Nordic skiing experience. It's not just a race; it's a journey through terrain in the Midwest, a true test of endurance, skill, and passion for the sport.
Area Accommodations & Things to Do
Marquette County offers a variety of lodging options, including hotels, and vacation rentals including Superior Stay Hotel, the Staybridge Suites, and Nestledown Bed & Breakfast. Alternatively, if you enjoy cooking your own meals in a kitchen, there are also a plethora of vacation rentals, from modern cabins to well-equipped cottages.
In the summer, there are also plenty of camping options - for rustic camping, the Forestville Campground has 18 campsites available for reservation. Another option is the Marquette Tourist Park, which offers modern campsites with electricity, showers, trail access, and beach access. Additionally, the Michigan DNR maintains six rustic cabins around Harlow Lake, located about 13 miles from the Start/Finish area, and close to the race course and Harlow Lake Aid Stations. These cabins provide a convenient and rustic lodging option for those participating in or attending the Marquette Trail 50. More camping options include Heritage Hills or this private Northern Oasis.
In regards to food, visitors will be pleasantly surprised with the amount of options available in this northern Michigan town, from traditional German cuisine and brew at Steinhaus, to trendy Zephyr Winebar & Cafe and Velodrome Coffee Co. for your morning java.
Marquette, Michigan, is a winter paradise for outdoor athletes looking to challenge themselves and embrace the beauty of the season. Nestled in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, this destination offers a variety of high-adrenaline, scenic activities. Here are three must-do winter adventures for outdoor athletes visiting Marquette.
For athletes looking for a physically demanding yet scenic winter hike, snowshoeing up Sugarloaf Mountain is a must. Located just a few miles from downtown Marquette, this trail offers a challenging ascent with rewarding panoramic views of Lake Superior and the surrounding snowy forests. The climb features a well-marked trail with several sets of stairs to assist in navigating the steeper sections, making it both a great workout and an accessible winter hike. At the summit, the snow-covered landscape provides an awe-inspiring backdrop perfect for catching your breath and taking in the serene beauty of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. For those seeking solitude and a connection with nature, Sugarloaf Mountain in winter is an unforgettable experience. With snowshoe rentals available locally and plenty of snow throughout the season, this is a fantastic option for outdoor athletes eager for a scenic and heart-pumping adventure.
Marquette is a fat biking mecca, and winter brings even more excitement as the snowy terrain becomes a playground for tire tracks. Harlow Lake offers some of the best fat biking trails in the region, with a mix of groomed singletrack and wider paths that wind through the snowy woods. The trails here vary in difficulty, providing something for every rider, whether you’re seeking rolling hills or more technical terrain with rocks and frozen roots. The winter months transform the landscape into a pristine white expanse, making it both a challenging and rewarding experience. Be sure to tackle the Ridgeline Trail for breathtaking views of Lake Superior’s frozen shoreline.
For athletes seeking a vertical challenge, Marquette is known as one of the top ice climbing destinations in the Midwest. The city’s proximity to Lake Superior creates ideal conditions for massive ice formations along the sandstone cliffs. Presque Isle Park and the surrounding areas offer popular climbing spots where ice climbers can tackle frozen waterfalls and towering ice curtains. Beginner and advanced climbers alike can find routes to match their skill levels. A guided climb with Down Wind Sports can introduce newcomers to the sport, while seasoned climbers will appreciate the variety of challenging routes available in the region. The Upper Peninsula Ice Climbing Festival, held annually in February, is another great way to experience the community and challenge yourself alongside fellow climbers.
Lastly, we recommend that all first-timers to the “U.P.” visit Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore to have your mind blown by its stunning natural beauty, just over an hour's drive from Marquette.
Related Events
The Noquemanon Ski Marathon is a part of the American Ski Marathon Series and the CXC Marathon Cup Series, as well as the Birkebeiner Qualifier Series. The American Birkebeiner, often referred to as the "Birkie," is the largest cross-country ski race in North America. Held annually in late February in northern Wisconsin, it stretches from Cable to Hayward, covering 50 kilometers for skate skiers and 55 kilometers for classic skiers. This iconic race, inspired by the historic Norwegian Birkebeiner, has become a cornerstone of the global cross-country skiing calendar. Qualifying for the Birkie is a goal for many skiers, and there are several key events in the Birkebeiner Qualifier Series.
Multi-sport athletes looking for other premier races and events in Michigan and the broader Midwest region can take a peek at all of our related Strambecco Best rated event guides.
