Copper Peak Winter Rally in Hurley, Wisconsin, charges into the cold season with an energy that matches the drive of its participants and the terrain’s uncompromising character. This event offers more than just a race; it’s a full encounter with winter’s raw force—on snow, ice, and steep inclines that challenge both driver and machine alike.

Located atop the Ironwood Uplands, Copper Peak is the world’s largest ski flying hill, but come winter, it transforms into a proving ground just as fierce, where rally drivers navigate a labyrinth of icy forest roads. The rallycourse stretches over diverse terrain: expect sharp, tree-lined switchbacks and rocky outcroppings blanketed under ice and snow. The course extends roughly 30 miles with elevation swings approaching 1,000 feet, testing endurance and technical skill. You step into an environment that’s fiercely itself—trees creak under the weight of snow, wind gusts throw cold whispers through the pines, and frozen streams dare you to cross or circumvent.

For spectators and adventurers, the rally provides both the thrill of fast-paced motorsport and opportunities to hike designated trail sections alongside the course. Hikers experience quiet forest corridors that sporadically burst open to valleys where you can witness the rally cars scream into view, engines roaring against the silence.

Timing matters: day hikes are best undertaken mid-morning or early afternoon for maximum light and warmth. Keep your footing steady—deep snow and hidden ice call for sturdy, insulated boots with traction aids. Bring layers that breathe; the chill bites beneath the trees, but the rally spectacle warms the spirit.

Hydration can be overlooked in cold weather, but here, it’s as critical as in summer. The dry winter air drains moisture fast. Compact backpacks with insulated water containers keep liquids from freezing.

Copper Peak’s winter rally gives a raw, direct invitation to meet a landscape that pushes back with frost and frozen ground but rewards with adrenaline and expansive views. It’s winter at its most pristine and potent, a call to those who want action, challenge, and natural beauty in one package.