A groomed cross country ski trail system is maintained by the Rudyard Lions Club on Rudyard Area Schools property.

The Rudyard School Farm Trail Network consists of six loops ranging from one-half mile to 4.5 miles in length. For the last 20 years, the trails and parking area have been maintained by the Rudyard Lions Club.

The ski trails, which range from easy to moderate in difficulty, are located four miles north and one mile west of Rudyard at the corner of Thompson and Postma roads. The trails are usually groomed on Fridays, to ensure good skiing for the weekend.

Tom Piippo, the lead groomer, uses a 1967 Ski-Doo Alpine snowmobile, a homemade drag, and a commercial track setter to maintain the quality of the trails.

"I challenge that these trails can be in as good of shape as the trails the Olympic Biathlon team trains on in Marquette and Ishpeming," Mr. Piippo said.

Trail maintenance takes about two hours of grooming and track setting each time.

This year, Mr. Piippo had gone over the trails four times by Christmas, because of heavy snowfalls. Snowfall levels determine the amount of grooming needed during the winter season.

Donations are accepted at the parking lot trailhead, where a trail map is also provided. All funds collected are used to defray the costs of trail maintenance. Those wishing more information or to check on trail conditions may contact Tom Piippo at 478-5541 or by e-mail at TKPiippo @sault.com.

The Rudyard Lions Club is a service organization that works to support the Rudyard community. Those who would like more information about becoming a Lions Club member can contact any current member or Margaret La- Ponsie at 478-5591, or Gary Davis at gdavis@sault.com.