I’m an avid Nordic skier completing 40 American Birkebeiners, the Swedish Vasaloppet, and hundreds of other Midwest races. I now primarily ski for fun, fitness, and the camaraderie of friends.
My home is Oshkosh, Wisconsin but most of the winter I’m at my cabin in Mercer, Wisconsin and ski several days a week at ABR. I LOVE TO SKI!
BEGINNINGS
It was 1995 and I heard that ABR was going to open some trails in Ironwood, Michigan. This was fantastic news because the Ironwood area was well known for abundant early-season snow and now we had a new trail system to ski! A group of us arrived on opening day and skied for over 3 hours having an awesome time. Only 10-15k of trail was groomed but at the time it was all we needed. I remember putting my $4.00 in a trail fee container and talking with Eric Anderson who told me his vision for Active Backwoods Retreat (ABR).
FAMILY & FRIENDS
For almost 30 years I’ve skied ABR. One of my best memories was skiing with my 10 year old daughter and three nephews out to one of the cabins in the dark for a sleepover! We made s’mores, told stories, and went outside to look at the stars. Over the years my greatest joy connected to ABR is simply meeting up with dear friends, most that I only see in the winter on snow. Our gatherings involve moving down the trail with lots of talking and laughing and gathering back at the lodge where the visiting with friends continues as we warm up by the stove and get something to eat. Weekdays are usually quiet in the ABR lodge with a handful of regulars, most older retired guys and gals that do as much talking and hanging out in the lodge as they do skiing. Chris Halverson and I are happy to be there chatting with them, moving a little slower than we once did but still enjoying the freshly groomed trails and our time at ABR as much as ever.
ANGELA AND ERIC
Like the bar “CHEERS” it’s wonderful to have a place like ABR where both Angela and Eric know your name! The ski experience is more than just time on the snow but includes the incredible way everyone is made to feel welcomed just to be there. No one does this better than Angela and Eric, and the hundreds of loyal skiers will tell you that it’s a special place for all the reasons mentioned. I can honestly say that my life has been richer because of the time enjoyed there and can’t wait until next season!
Greg Greene
Greg grew up in Oshkosh and with his wife Lori raised their daughter Rachel. Greg retired in 2015 and spends most winter days in paradise at ABR! Greg’s wife Lori is not only the best thing to happen to him, but her family connection to the Ironwood area made spending more time there possible. Greg now serves on the Board of Directors at the Anderson Bluffs & River Trails Foundation.
