A newer Pisten Bully 100 will be a huge improvement for skiing at Pincushion. Photo provided

From Boreal Community Media and the North Superior Ski and Run Club - August 11, 2023


The North Superior Ski and Run Club (NSSRC) is a local non-profit organization that has been around since 1979 and is credited with creating and maintaining the impressive Pincushion Trail system, which consists of 25km of trail. 

These trails are utilized year-round by skiers, hikers, and mountain bikers; not only by visitors to the area but also by local youth organizations, Cook County schools, an International ski race, and other large events.

The convenient location of the trail system to downtown Grand Marais, as well as the well-maintained trails and other amenities Pincushion offers makes it an important piece of the community. 

On Saturday, August 5th, the NSSRC hosted its annual Fisherman's Picnic run/walk event. The proceeds from that race go towards trail maintenance and grooming operations. During the event, Chris O’Brien, President of the NSSRC, shared with racers and spectators about the Pincushion Groomer Capital Campaign (of which he is one of eight volunteers). 

The Pincushion Groomer Capital Campaign was created to raise money for a new Pisten Bully groomer for Pincushion. 

According to O'Brien, “The current groomer is 35 years old. It has served us for many decades but it is failing, breaking down frequently and struggling to climb and groom the hilly terrain at Pincushion."

Jim Shinners, another member of the Pincushion Groomer Capital Campaign committee, added that the failure of the Pisten Bully groomer is imminent, and losing it will mean losing access to the entire system of trails. 

“If that happened early in the season, hundreds of local youth, neighbors, and visitors would have to look elsewhere for recreation - and for many that’s not an option,” he said.

Not only will a newer Pisten Bully allow the ski trails to stay open, but it will also improve the quality and efficiency of grooming, O'Brien shared. 

The efforts of the committee have been very successful to date, securing most of the nearly $200,000 needed to purchase a high-quality used Pisten Bully. 

“We are just $14,000 away if all of the grants we have applied for come through, thanks in part to a $5,000 pledge we received from an individual this week.  I and others on the capital campaign committee have made a serious commitment to this cause, and we are encouraging everyone to consider what they might be able to do to help,” said O’Brien. 

It was recently announced that a $50,000 grant from the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board was awarded to the organization to put towards the Pisten Bully - an important portion of funding - and which helped the NSSRC get down to only needing $14,000.

The Committee hopes to reach its goal of raising the remaining amount within the next few weeks (to ensure the machine can be refurbished and arrive before the snow falls) and encourages anyone who values Pincushion to help - no matter the donation size.

Shinners said that they've had donations starting at $3 from a 7-year-old Y-skier up to $15,000. “We are asking everyone who loves Pincushion to be part of this once-in-a-generation opportunity to ensure that Nordic skiing remains accessible and ingrained in our culture here in Cook County," he added.

O'Brien added, “I’m not an experienced fundraiser and this is outside of my comfort zone, but I’d be even more uncomfortable seeing Y-Ski/Ski Sparks, the high school Nordic Ski Team or the other great community programs at Pincushion like the full moon skis and Pincushion’s great recreational skiing canceled or cut back because we didn’t take action."

“This is a once-in-a-generation investment in our community and the future of Nordic skiing on the trails at Pincushion,” he said. 

You can make a gift by contacting NSSRC at [email protected] or donate through the club’s website - pincushiontrails.org. You can also send a check addressed to Pincushion Groomer Capital Campaign at PO Box 542, Grand Marais 55604.