The name Leonard Oikarinen is synonymous with cross country skiing in the Keweenaw. Known as “Mr. Ski” Leonard earned this title many years ago and the story behind the title is a blue print for community activism. Leonard’s love for the Keweenaw, his Finnish heritage and great athletic ability have been a perfect formula for this pioneer of competitive cross country events, developing local ski trails and helping people get started in the sport. Leonard has been gone for several years now, but his legacy lives on

Leonard came by his love for cross country skiing and a strong sense of community as a boy growing up on a farm near Calumet. His father took care of the rural roads in the area as a service to his neighbors. During the winter months the roads were kept open by “panking” the snow with a large roller leaving a hard, frozen surface for wagons and sleighs. This example played a strong part in developing in young Leonard an unselfish, no nonsense, get-it-done attitude. Of course, a pair of skiis were not only a form of recreation, but a necessity in getting around the area for the youngster. It was natural he would begin competing in the several cross country events held throughout the Copper Country.

Leonard became a successful businessman as well as a competitive skier. He started selling ski equipment out of his retail television store in downtown Calumet. His first effort to organize a cross country event was in 1962 with the Copper Country Championship race. This race, covering some ten miles around the outskirts of Calumet and Laurium, became the oldest continuous event in the region and a favorite of skiers from throughout the Midwest. In recent years it has been renamed the Copper Country Classic.

For many years Leonard’s dream was to have a race over Brockway Mountain and into the village of Copper Harbor. In 1996 he teamed up with a Copper Harbor businessman named Bob Richards to organize the Brockway Mountain Cross Country Race. Now 40 years later cross country skiing is a High School sport and several races each winter attract competitors from across the country.

Len was a prime mover in the development of the Swedetown Ski area. His legacy to the community and the sport he loved will continue as new generations of cross country enthusiasts benefit from the hard work and community spirit of “Mr. Ski.”