An Upper Peninsula winter can sound intimidating to a non-local, with the snowy season lasting up to six months of the year and sub-freezing temperatures throughout. But for someone who knows the many hidden gems of the area, those six months don’t feel too long.

Whether it’s skiing, snowshoeing through the woods or skating on Marquette’s many ice rinks, there’s always something to keep you busy, and if you’re a student at Northern Michigan University, many of those activities just so happen to be free.

Often overlooked by students at NMU, the Outdoor Recreation Center, located in the Physical Education Instructional Facility on campus, offers various free resources to students looking to explore outdoors. This includes free 24-hour rentals of snowshoes, Nordic skis and fat tire bikes — all perfect for winter activities.

Alyssa Zawacki, an NMU employee at the ORC, explained how easy the rental process is. “First make sure to check the ORC hours, they are different from the PIEF’s general hours. Then just come in and check in with the employee at the ORC desk and tell them what you’d like to rent out. We will help you get your gear, check it out and make sure you know how to safely use it. Then you’re all set,” she said.

Once you’ve rented out your gear, the next step is finding where to go. Luckily for NMU students, there are countless options within a 20-mile radius. The Noquemanon Trail Network is an expansive trail network right here in Marquette that is perfect for summer and winter adventures with trails for both inexperienced and advanced adventurers. Some loops on the trail are even dog-friendly.

For Nordic skiers, also called cross-country skiing, the Fit Strip is located only 10 minutes away from campus on foot. The trail is three kilometers long with one loop reserved for classic Nordic skiing and one for classic and skate style. Slightly farther from campus, about a 15-minute drive, the Blueberry Ridge Pathway is one of my personal favorite trails. It is perfect for beginners with short trail loops and friendly terrain.

Both the Fit Strip and Blueberry Ridge are lit up until 10 p.m.

If you are looking for something a little more off-grid, the Forestville trail system offers 30 kilometers of groomed trails for classic and skate Nordic skiing. There are also rental skis, snowshoes and fat tire bikes available at the Forestville Trailhead, which are free for NMU students, but make sure to call ahead of time to make sure there is an employee working when you’re planning on going.

If you are interested in slowing down and snowshoeing through Marquette’s winter wonderland, you’re in luck: Every trail in the NTN is open to snowshoeing in the winter, and even your favorite summer hikes can be accessed on snowshoes.

When you’re feeling more ambitious, fat tire biking is a perfect winter alternative for mountain biking, offering an exciting ride through the snow-covered trails. The NTN has well-groomed trails for fat tire biking, including the North Trail and South Trail. The North Trail is perfect for beginner-level riders with more approachable trails. The South Trail loops are longer and offer more advanced terrain, but still include beginner-friendly loops.

And last but not least, if you own a pair of ice skates but are unsure where to find the best outdoor rinks, here are a few options: Tourist Park Campground is my favorite hidden gem right in town. Located at 2145 Sugar Loaf Ave, it is a quick five-minute drive from campus, but still secluded and surrounded by trees. The rink is kept groomed throughout the season and is lit up after dark.

Looking to skate with boards and play hockey? Lions Ice Rink at 2213 Summit St in Marquette is open to the public with a rink surrounded by boards and with nets. Reynolds Athletic Fields on Presque Isle Ave is another great option, walking distance from campus.

If you don’t have your own skates already but want to skate outdoors, thrift stores are a budget-friendly option. St. Vincent De Paul, Salvation Army and Goodwill are three great local options.

Remember to always take proper precautions when going into the wilderness in the winter. It is advised to go with a friend and make sure people know where you are headed before you go. Wear the proper equipment, and if the weather is treacherous, don’t risk going out at all. U.P. Winters are wonderful, but can also be dangerous.