Kids learn to ski ahead of Sisu

By CHARITY SMITH

csmith@yourdailyglobe.com

Ironwood - Ironwood's Depot Park was transformed into a cross country ski trail on Friday for the annual Depot Dash. Held in conjunction with the Sisu Ski Fest, the event offers area children a free cross country skiing lesson from local experts.

Around 30 children participated in this year's event, which is geared for kids 10 and under. Boots, skis and poles were provided as the kids learned on a special trail just for them at the park.

"It just gives more kids some exposure to cross country skiing. Something that they didn't have to pay for, but they could come and get hot chocolate and cookies, and try out in a fun setting and on a fun trail that is only groomed once a year," said event coordinator Hannah Panci. "We have a lot of kids come that have never tried skiing and some kids come that are really good at it."

Panci said they started the event in 2017 and it has been held every year since then, with the exception of 2021 due to the pandemic.

"A lot of them have never tried skiing before. I think it's nice that they can just come and try it and stay as long as they want," she said.

The event was part of the Sisu Ski Fest's sponsorship of Ironwood's downtown First Friday events.

The kids not only got a free lesson, but they were awarded a medal after they complete a lap on the course.

"Cross country skiing is a great sport for families and kids and it's a sport you can do your whole life," said Panci. "It's nice to expose kids to it."

As long as they have fun and they get a medal, hot chocolate and cookies. What could be better that that?"

Panci said children who are interested in getting more exposure to cross country skiing can join the Sisu Endurance Team, which is run by the Iron County 4-H Club. She said the program is offered weekly on Sundays and Wednesdays.