Doug Cornell says Forbush Corner has been fantastic for skiing!
Team NordicSkiRacer holds off HH/CCSS to win the 2024 Brumbaugh Cup
3/7/2024 - By Ernie Brumbaugh
It takes a full season of commitment to win the Brumbaugh Cup and that is exactly what it took for Team Nordic Ski Racer to clinch the 2024 Brumbaugh Cup.
RESULTS: Headquarters wins overall MI Cup Relays
3/4/2024 - By Mariah Frye Colie, with Mike Muha
It was an awesome day, with better-than-expected conditions on the ~2km Trapper's Cabin trail. The overall spirit was highly enthusiastic and positive, and it seemed like everyone who showed up had a great time!
Wax recommendation for the Michigan Cup Relays
2/29/2024 - By Mike Muha
Wax recommendations for the final Michigan Cup race of the 2024 season - the Michigan Cup Relays - moved to Saturday, March 2!
MI Cup Relays MOVED TO SATURDAY MARCH 2!
2/28/2024 - By Mariah Frye Colie
In light of Black Mountain’s cancellation, we are making quick pivot to host the relays this Saturday, March 2. This is in an effort to put on the best race possible with the best conditions possible.
Headquarters continues to lead MI Cup, plus individual standings
2/28/2024 - By Mike Muha
The Cross Country Ski Headquarters continues with a commanding lead, and Team NordicSkiRacer is still solidly in second place, but the Vasa Ski Club has moved ahead of the Grand Rapids Ski Team.
2024 Engadin shortens marathon: TOO MUCH SNOW!
2/27/2024 - By Mike Muha
In the past few days, 57 inches of snow has fallen - so heavy that it has pushed the ice sheet down in Lake Sils. This has allowed water to soak the snow into slush!
RESULTS: 2024 Muffin Race
2/27/2024 - By Mike Muha
Standing On Business, BBN, and Coach Ethan and His Bird were the top male, mixed, and female teams at this annual event at the Cross Country Ski Headquarters.
Vasa Raptors win 2024 Michigan High School Championships
2/25/2024 1:00:00 AM - By Mike Muha
The Vasa Raptors had some standout performances to win the High School Nordic Ski Championships. But the Superiorland Ski Club rocked the Middle School races!
RESULTS: Wakeley and Jordyn win both MI Cup Freestyle and Classic Championships
2/24/2024 - By Mike Muha
Jorden Wakeley (Hanson Hills / Cross Country Ski Shop) and Jordyn Ross (Grand Rapids Nordic Ski Team) had a great weekend, each winning both the Michigan Cup Freestyle and Michigan Cup Classic Championships.
Wax recommendations: Muffin Race, Birkie, Kortelopet, Prince Haakon
2/22/2024 - By Mike Muha
Recommendations for Toko, Fast Wax, Swix, Rex, and Start!
FLASH RACE at XCHQ
2/20/2024 - By Mariah Frye Colie
We are hosting a flash race to help support Sarah and Reid Goble this Saturday Feb 24th. Join us for a race around the Trapper’s Cabin Loop, and support Michigan’s World Cup athletes!
Waxing recommendations for the Michigan Cup Championships
2/15/2024 - By Mike Muha
Wax recommendations for the this weekend's Michigan Cup Championship races!, the Forbush Freestyle and the Hanson Hills Classic...both at Forbush Corner.
UPCOMING
THU, JAN 1, 2026
SAT, JAN 3, 2026
Winter Wolf Skiathlon
Hanson Hills Recreation Area, 7601 Old Lake Rd, Grayling, Michigan 49738 (989-348-9266)
Skate and Classic Ski Clinics with Jordyn Ross
Cross Country Ski Headquarters, 9435 N. Cut Rd., Roscommon, MI 48653 (800-832-2663)
SUN, JAN 4, 2026
Nordic Ski Junior Racers training session (Team NordicSkiRacer)
Huron Meadows Metropark, 8765 Hammel Rd, Brighton, MI 48116
Skate and Classic Ski Clinics with Jordyn Ross
Cross Country Ski Headquarters, 9435 N. Cut Rd., Roscommon, MI 48653 (800-832-2663)
US Cross-Country National Championships - 10 km Interval Start Classic
Mt Van Hoevenberg, 31 Van Hoevenberg Way, Lake Placid, NY 12946
Eric McDonald Live (2:30-4:30)
Cross Country Ski Headquarters, 9435 N. Cut Rd., Roscommon, MI 48653 (800-832-2663)
MON, JAN 5, 2026
Discover Michigan Cross Country Skiing Program
Cross Country Ski Headquarters, 9435 N. Cut Rd., Roscommon, MI 48653 (800-832-2663)
TUE, JAN 6, 2026
US Cross-Country National Championships - Individual Sprint Freestyle
Mt Van Hoevenberg, 31 Van Hoevenberg Way, Lake Placid, NY 12946
THU, JAN 8, 2026
US Cross-Country National Championships - Mass Start Freestyle
Mt Van Hoevenberg, 31 Van Hoevenberg Way, Lake Placid, NY 12946
FRI, JAN 9, 2026
US Cross-Country National Championships - Individual Sprint Classic
Mt Van Hoevenberg, 31 Van Hoevenberg Way, Lake Placid, NY 12946
SAT, JAN 10, 2026
Vasa Raptor Rush Classic
Hickory Hills Ski Area, 2000 Randolph St, Traverse City, MI 49684
Bob’s Bean Bomb at the Stone Turtle Cafe
Cross Country Ski Headquarters, 9435 N. Cut Rd., Roscommon, MI 48653 (800-832-2663)
SISU Ski Fest
ABR Trails, E5299 West Pioneer Road, Ironwood, MI 49938
“Pure Michigan” Winter Trails Day with the Great Lakes Winter Trails Council
Cross Country Ski Headquarters, 9435 N. Cut Rd., Roscommon, MI 48653 (800-832-2663)
Frosty Fest! Frosty Freestyle 5K/15K
Huron Meadows Metropark, 8765 Hammel Rd, Brighton, MI 48116
Free Beginner Ski Lesson
Cross Country Ski Headquarters, 9435 N. Cut Rd., Roscommon, MI 48653 (800-832-2663)
SUN, JAN 11, 2026
Bob’s Bean Bomb at the Stone Turtle Cafe
Cross Country Ski Headquarters, 9435 N. Cut Rd., Roscommon, MI 48653 (800-832-2663)
Frosty Fest! Krazy Klassic 7K/12K
Huron Meadows Metropark, 8765 Hammel Rd, Brighton, MI 48116
Golden Years Ski School!
Cross Country Ski Headquarters, 9435 N. Cut Rd., Roscommon, MI 48653 (800-832-2663)
MON, JAN 12, 2026
Silver Streak Week (Jan 12-16)
Cross Country Ski Headquarters, 9435 N. Cut Rd., Roscommon, MI 48653 (800-832-2663)
TUE, JAN 13, 2026
Silver Streak Week (Jan 12-16)
Cross Country Ski Headquarters, 9435 N. Cut Rd., Roscommon, MI 48653 (800-832-2663)
More events...
LATEST TRAIL CONDITIONS
SUN, DEC 28
Hickory Hills: Just came back from CO where it was over 70d. Not much snow out west in the mountains or Utah and New Mexico. Hoping to get back and ski over at Hickory Hills and found it surprisingly good. This place is definitely the "get no respect" Nordic ski area, but it is a great place to ski and thanks to the likes of coach K and the other groomers, Hickory has a solid base that should last all winter. The continuous grooming has been remarkable in creating a wonderful ski experience for all ability levels. On some days I saw as many skiers at Hickory as I have on the Vasa Trail. There were at least 8-10 skiers when I was out there. Best to skate ski right now until we get more snow.
Stokely Creek: Double pole-o-rama on a glazed track with a freezing mist on yesterday's groom. Somewhat chunky and highly variable in the tight turns if you stepped out of the track. Skating on stiff skis would have been a good call too. Fingers crossed the coming storm doesn't bring down too much debris.
Cross Country Ski Headquarters: Currently 32F and misting. No grooming today. Trails will close at noon to protect the base during the rain/mix that is coming around 1pm. Wintery mix will be transitioning to snow around 1AM. We are forecasted to get a good amount of snow after this warm front moves through, and our base should hold up so we should be back to good conditions hopefully by Monday afternoon. Hold fast!
Forbush Corner: Current situation at the corner is a coating of freezing rain. We will be closed today. Roads are glare ice with a steady rain moving in this afternoon. It's not safe to drive and it isn't fun to ski in anyways. Snow returns tonight into tomorrow. Base is in good shape and skiing should be great after this storm passes.
Hanson Hills: Freezing rain this morning, with more expected this afternoon, has led us to close the Lodge and Trail System today. With the current ice, it’s best to keep grooming equipment off the trails and let the base set up.
The good news is the forecast is calling for a changeover to snow, which should be a big help for trail conditions heading into Winter Wolf weekend.
We’re planning to reopen tomorrow, and Groomer Dan will be out early to check conditions and start grooming. See you tomorrow.
SAT, DEC 27
Forbush Corner: I just have to give Forbush a Thank you for the great trails yesterday. Who knew mini hail would be wicked fast. I think I caught air on Dorothy’s dip!! I did all snowmaking loops old ridge, badlands, all roller coaster and little coaster. All wonderful. Still on old skis with storage wax, I need to take this icky day to wax and scrape. Saw Wendy, Gwenn and others all having a great day. Dirt was minimal mostly just some needles here and there.
Corsair Ski Trails: Very hard pack base, no groom or tracks. Several inches of fresh corn snow on top made it skiable and very fast! Don't forget the Klister!
Huron Meadows Metropark: Highly variable, but decent conditions this morning for skate and classic. If you're looking to get out and ski, do it this afternoon; the park has already decided to close for tomorrow. Given how thin the snow coverage is it's doubtful they'll be able to reopen until they spread more snow, and based on past practices, that's unlikely to happen until after New Year . But check anyways in case we get lucky.
Cross Country Ski Headquarters: After the corn snow yesterday, groomer mike groomed the whole trail system and then we let it harden up overnight making for pretty darn fine conditions! All trails are snowcombed and most of the tracks have been reset. Groomer Mike is going around again and both the skating lanes and classic tracks are in good shape. Come on out and ski!
Hanson Hills: Lodge and Trails Open 9am
Groomer Dan is out with PB100 combing and setting fresh tracks on All Trails, Yellow, Blue and Brown this morning.
Next weekend is the Winter Wolf!! Sign up now: https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/Grayling/WinterWolfSkiathlon
Forbush Corner: Looks like today is the calm before the storm. Planning on close to a full system groom today. East side first, Pines loop and then West side. There will be some thin spots and scattered debris in the woods, but overall trails are tracked over a solid skate deck. Based on the rainy/sleet forecast tomorrow, we expect to be CLOSED. Hopefully the snow returns Sunday night, Monday. That should set us up for a great week of skiing. Open 9 to 5 today.
More trail reports...
