Celebrate winter in classic Northwoods style at MECCA Winterfest 2026, a premier live and virtual cross-country ski festival centered on Saturday, 17 January 2026, at the beautiful MECCA Trails in Mercer, Wisconsin. This flagship event features a full slate of live races including the challenging MECCA 30K, the Turtle River Skiathlon 20K, the scenic Flowage 15K, and the family-friendly Claire d'Loon 5K, catering to both classic and skate techniques for all skill levels. Held in collaboration with the Gogebic Range Health Foundation, the day transforms the pristine trail network into a vibrant hub of community, competition, and snowy adventure.
Beyond the races, January 17th marks the heart of a winter-long celebration, with additional events like night snowshoe prowls and candlelight skis extending the magic throughout the season. It's the perfect winter destination for skiers seeking professionally groomed trails, a welcoming atmosphere, and the authentic charm of Wisconsin's Northwoods at its frosty best.
Races Offered
30 km skate
Jan 17, 2026
straighten
Distance —
30K
terrain
Type —
Others,
Winter sports
timer
09:30
30 km classic
Jan 17, 2026
straighten
Distance —
30K
terrain
Type —
Others,
Winter sports
timer
09:35
Skiathlon 20k (10k classic + 10k skate)
Jan 17, 2026
straighten
Distance —
20K
terrain
Type —
Others,
Winter sports
timer
09:40
15K Skate
Jan 17, 2026
straighten
Distance —
15K
terrain
Type —
Others,
Winter sports
timer
09:45
5K
Jan 17, 2026
straighten
Distance —
5K
terrain
Type —
Others,
Winter sports
timer
09:45
15K Classic
Jan 17, 2026
straighten
Distance —
15K
terrain
Type —
Others,
Winter sports
timer
09:50
Weather History
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for January in Mercer.
thermostatTemperature
-12.2° / -5.6°
wb_sunnyFeels like
-17.7° / -10.8°
light_mode
Avg sunshine hours
3h 24m
water_drop
Avg rainfall
1.0 mm
ac_unit
Avg snowfall
0.7 cm
air
Avg wind speed
12.3 km/h (Gentle breeze)
opacity
Sweat loss rate
Low
terrain
Course conditions
Firm and slightly soft
sunny
Max UV Index
Low (1.4)
humidity_mid
Humidity
80.8%
wb_twilight
Sunrise
08:35
nightlight
Sunset
17:42
About Mercer
Learn more about the host city, Mercer.
Mercer is a town in southern Iron County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 1,649 at the 2020 census. The census-designated place of Mercer and the unincorporated communities of Carter and Manitowish are located within the town.
