Ski conditions keep improving each day as we are just under 3 weeks away from race day. Shanty Creek is now grooming all its trails the WPS will use for the 2025 race. Our trail crew will begin rolling the private property sections starting this week. As we approach race day, the extended forecast looks promising with a few more days of snow, and several days of colder weather. The WPS committee members of Laurie Allison, Rebecca Skiver, Beth McKaig, Lindsey Southwell, Kathy Lightbody, and Alyse Tarbutton have been hard at work planning on giving our skiers a great race. Consumers Energy is again joining us as a Stampede Level Sponsor of the race, along with our long-time presenting sponsors Shanty Creek Resorts and Short’s Brewing Company!

In 2025, WPS continues its support of The Iron Vault, a free store for Mancelona students dedicated to help them reach their highest potential by removing barricades like access to food, clothing, and toiletries that might be interfering with their education, socializing, and success. This program is run solely by donation and the White Pine Stampede is dedicated to helping this program succeed. In addition, the John McKaig Memorial Scholarship awards two scholarships to graduating seniors from Mancelona High School. Race entry fees and additional contributions from racers make these donations possible.

NEW for 2025, skiers, volunteers, and spectators can celebrate with us at the Short’s Cool Down Party at Shorts Brewery in downtown Bellaire at their outside Beer Garden! We will have outdoor heaters, Short’s Beer, and warm food from Cook’s Country Catering starting at 1:00 pm. Complimentary bus transportation from the finish line to Mancelona High School is provided to all racers. Mancelona Schools is allowing racers to use the school locker rooms to change and freshen up prior to heading to Short’s, located about 11 miles away.

Finally, the committee would like to recognize the volunteers and sponsors of the White Pine Stampede: this race would not be possible without you! Because of our dedicated volunteers and generous sponsors, the communities of Mancelona and Bellaire are able to host a top-notch ski race and raise funds for kids in our community. A special thanks to our long-standing partner Shanty Creek, who has worked with us year after year to make this race possible. Shanty Creek not only provides us with the perfect winter playground, its staff puts in many hours of work to make this event special for so many people.

Thank you and we look forward to seeing you in February!

Ben Tarbutton

Race Director