About

About GEaR Enterprise

The General and Expedition Adventure Research Enterprise (GEAR) collaborates with the outdoor recreation industry to develop new products and new processes. The goal of GEAR is to educate students in the fundamentals of product development for customer need, through product and process design and testing, prototyping, supply chain management, marketing and distribution.

Check out current projects and industry sponsors

GEAR ENTERPRISE MISSION STATEMENT

To provide students with professional experiences with industry-fueled projects and team-based learning through the design, testing, analysis and prototype of outdoor adventure and expedition equipment

GEAR HEADQUARTERS (Houghton, MI)

Michigan Technological University

GEAR is located at Michigan Technological University in Houghton, MI. GEAR reaps the benefits of being located in the Keweenaw Peninsula of Michigan's Upper Peninsula and has the direct access to premium outdoor facilities:

Mont Ripley Ski Hill (Hancock MI)

Located in weather.com's third snowiest town, Mont Ripley owned by Michigan Tech. Mont Ripley Ski Patrol was founded in 1938 as part of the inaugural Natural Ski Patrol, and is one of the oldest patrols in the country.

http://www.mtu.edu/mont-ripley/
http://trailgenius.com/trail-genius-map/mont-ripley?trail=17&view=NA&time=0

Copper Harbor Trail System (Copper Harbor, MI)

Designated a Silver-Level IMBA (International Mountain Bike Association) Ride Center in 2012, Copper Harbor defines the energetic freeride community in Midwest Biking. Less than 50 miles from Michigan Tech.

http://trailgenius.com/trail-genius-map/copper-harbor-trails
https://www.imba.com/ride-centers/current/copper-harbor

Mount Bohemia Ski Area (Lac La belle, MI)

Mount Bohemia has a 900 ft vertical, 500+ acres with 94 completely UNGROOMED runs. The average snowfall in Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula is 273 inches. No beginners, pure powder glade skiing. 40 minutes from Tech.

http://www.mtbohemia.com/index.php

Tech / Nara Trail System (Houghton, MI)

515 Acres of Trail system owned by Michigan Tech, mountain bike / trail running trails in the summer, converted to lighted, groomed Nordic skiing trails in the winter. Home to Michigan Tech's Varsity Nordic Ski team and the 2020 US Cross Country National Championships.

http://www.michigantechrecreation.com/trails/forest/index