The Stormy Kromer Pursuit Cross Country Ski Race not only brings a lot of skiers to the area, but it also helps area ski clubs work with students who wish to compete in cross country skiing.

A $250 donation was given to both Iron Nordic, comprised of skiers from both Mercer and Hurley, and Team Gogebic, made up of skiers from around the Gogebic Range.

Both of the clubs have members of all ages, but work closely with area students who want to compete.

The clubs assist with equipment, uniforms and race fees so students can compete against other school clubs in the region and enter citizen races like the Stormy Kromer Pursuit, Book Across the Bay and even participate in some American Birkebeiner events, according to  Kelly Klein, coordinator of the Iron County Development Zone Council, organizers of the Stormy Kromer Pursuit.

"We felt it was important to encourage more young people to participate, as this area is a natural for cross country skiing," Klein said.

"With Gogebic Community College starting a cross country ski program, the area high school students have a good opportunity to continue competing," he said.

Cross country skiers will be in Iron County Jan. 3-4 to test their classical and freestyle skiing techniques during the Sixth Annual Stormy Kromer Pursuit.

The event is unusual for cross country enthusiasts because there are very few pursuit races in the Midwest, Klein said.

The pursuit race is a way to diversify the area's winter tourism economy, he said.

"We have been really good at bringing snowmobilers into the area, but with our reliable snow conditions, we felt we could expand our visitor base by offering an event to another type of winter enthusiast."

The pursuit format requires the skier to use two different styles of skiing, with the striding technique on Saturday on the Montreal trails and the skating technique  Sunday on the Mercer trails.

Skiers also have the option of skiing just one day, Klein said. Those skiers can register for the one day they choose to ski.

"We have encouraged all levels of skiers to participate," Klein said.

Iron County's two trail systems have a lot to offer.

The Montreal trails offer a historic view of the area's mining history. Interpretive signs along the Montreal trails offer the skier the chance to learn how mining played a role in developing the area.

In Mercer, the new ski chalet is made of logs that were cut from the area that the trail system winds through, highlighting the area's rich logging history.

There'll also be events for the families of skiers and area families.

The Leadership Academy Alumni has scheduled events for kids at both the Hurley and Mercer schools.

Skiers can leave their children at the school while they race and the kids will be able to snowshoe, decorate cookies and watch movies under supervision, Klein said.

The Hurley Lions Club will host the after race get-together at both schools with food and results from the day's race, Klein said.

Hurley's Silver Express will perform at the Mercer Community Center on Sunday during the awards ceremony.

Each racer will receive a Stormy Kromer hat, Klein said. "The hat allows the skier to take a little of the area's heritage with them, it's been a very successful sponsorship."

With eight categories for men and women, skiers can register by contacting the Development Zone office at 715-561-2922, or on line at www.ironcountywi.com.

There's also team registration for skiers who want to ski one day and a teammate wants to ski the second day, Klein said.

The cost for individuals is $50.