Join us at the lake!

Although Zach and Katri grew up just miles apart on the east side of Wisconsin, their paths didn’t officially cross until years later. Both moved to the Twin Cities around the same time and attended Michigan Tech, but it wasn’t until their final year of school that fate brought them together. They met at Mont Ripley, Michigan Tech’s local ski hill, where they both worked as ski and snowboard instructors. Before Katri left for Germany, they went on a few unofficial dates, enjoying each other’s company but not yet defining their relationship. Their connection deepened when Katri’s study abroad in Germany was cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic, bringing her back to Houghton. Shortly after, they went on their first official date which included watching ski movies, playing cards, and enjoying takeout from Roy’s in Houghton. Over the following months, Zach and Katri explored the Keweenaw Peninsula—skiing, hiking, camping, and bonding over more ski movies. That summer marked the start of their adventures together. They camped every month for eight consecutive months, and Zach introduced Katri to mountain biking, igniting her passion for outdoor gear. Together, they biked through Minnesota, Wisconsin, and the Upper Peninsula, embracing their shared love for the outdoors. In 2021, life took them to Detroit, with Zach moving first and Katri following a few months later. Despite the urban setting, they stayed true to their adventurous spirit, embarking on a ski trip every winter. Over the years, they’ve skied in 12 different states together. Fast-forward to July 2024, when Zach and Katri went on a summer vacation to Maine. After exploring the stunning coastline and Acadia National Park, they ventured inland to Baxter State Park. It was there, on the summit of Mt. Katahdin—the highest peak in Maine—that Zach proposed, marking the start of their next big adventure together.