Happy 50th Anniversary Cross Country Ski Shop! Northbound Outfitters purchased the Cross Country Ski Shop in the fall of 2011 from owner Dick Fultz and looked forward to carrying on his 34-year presence in the Grayling community. And they did!
Northbound Outfitters / Cross Country Ski Shop owner Heather Compton received a plaque from the Michigan Cup that she awarded to Dick in honor of his founding the Cross Country Ski Shop 50 years ago. And it was party party party at the store after the Cote Dame Marie!
Photos (hundreds!) from Frosty Freestyle and Krazy Klassic
1/14/2025 - By Mike Muha
Chris Lamer and Rachel Rosenbaum took great photos of the Frosty Freestyle and Krazy Klassic races (respectively) - hundreds of photos! These are all available for download for free.
RESULTS: Yvon Dufour and Rebecca Davis dominate Krazy Klassic
1/13/2025 - By Mike Muha
It was a paddler's fest as both Yvon Dufour and Rebecca Davis completely doublepoled the course.
RESULTS: Glenn Goodman and Karin Rand dominate Frosty Freestyle
1/11/2025 - By Mike Muha
Goodman and Rand skied away from the pack on a beautifully groomed trail and in great weather.
Hanson Hills - Cross Country Ski Shop continues to lead Brumbaugh Cup
1/9/2025 - By Ernie Brumbaugh
Hanson Hills/Cross Country Ski Shop held off a charge by the Grand Rapids Nordic Ski Team to maintain their lead in the Brumbaugh Cup.
King Vasa Club to be honored at 2025 North American Vasa
1/9/2025 - By North American Vasa
A new highlight to this year’s event is honoring skiers who have completed thirty or more Vasa races. These skiers will be recognized with a commemorative bib featuring the Royal Coat of Arms of Swedish King Gustav I Vasa.
Wax recommendations for the Frosty Freestyle and Krazy Klassic races
1/9/2025 - By Mike Muha
Wax recommendations for the this weekend's Michigan Cup races, the Frosty Freestyle and the Krazy Klassic, put on by Team NordicSkiRacer!
Frosty Freestyle and Krazy Klassic races have snow!
1/8/2025 - By Mike Muha
On the fence about registering for the Frosty Fest!? Don't be. As of now, the course will be 1.5 kilometers including a connector from the clubhouse to the trail in the woods.
RESULTS: Mandy Paull and Ryan Harris win 2025 Winter Wolf Skiathlon
1/5/2025 - By Mike Muha
Skiers raced four laps around the same loop for a total distance of about 12k. The first two laps were classic, then skiers went through a transition zones to exchange skis and poles. The last two laps were freestyle.
Winter Wolf Skiathlon course and transition rules announced
1/3/2025 - By Forbush Corner
Registration ends this afternoon! Classic leg is first, followed by skate leg. You must remove skis and poles in the tranistion area. Course map and transition area map...
Wax Recommendation for the Winter Wolf Skiathlon
1/2/2025 - By Mike Muha
Wax recommendations for the this weekend's Michigan Cup race, the Winter Wolf Skiathlon. Finally - a skiathlon on the Michigan Cup circuit!!!!
Winter Wolf Skiathlon moved to Forbush Corner
12/30/2024 - By Justin Andre
Hanson Hill's Winter Wolf Skiathlon has officially moved to Forbush Corner this coming Saturday, January 4, 2025
UPDATED: Frosty Freestyle & Krazy Klassic prices rise after Dec 31!
12/29/2024 - By Ken Roth
The price of Frosty Freestyle & Krazy Klassic Cross Country Ski Race 2025 is about to go up, don't miss out on this opportunity to sign up before the price increase!
UPCOMING
SAT, FEB 14, 2026
50th Annual North American Vasa Freestyle
Timber Ridge Resort, 4050 E. Hammond Road, Traverse City, MI 49686
Loppet Junior Qualifier & SuperTour (JNQ) - Classic Mass Start
Theodore Wirth Park, Minneapolis, MN
Gourmet Mac ‘n Cheese Bar
Cross Country Ski Headquarters, 9435 N. Cut Rd., Roscommon, MI 48653 (800-832-2663)
Nordic Ski Junior Racers training session (Team NordicSkiRacer)
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)
2026 Winter Olympics - Women's 4x7.5 km Relay
Tesero Cross-Country Skiing Stadium, Italy
SUN, FEB 15, 2026
Loppet Junior Qualifier & SuperTour (JNQ) - Freestyle Individual Star
Theodore Wirth Park, Minneapolis, MN
Gourmet Mac ‘n Cheese Bar
Cross Country Ski Headquarters, 9435 N. Cut Rd., Roscommon, MI 48653 (800-832-2663)
50th Annual North American Vasa Classic
Timber Ridge Resort, 4050 E. Hammond Road, Traverse City, MI 49686
2026 Winter Olympics - Men's 4x7.5 km Relay
Tesero Cross-Country Skiing Stadium, Italy
MON, FEB 16, 2026
Gourmet Mac ‘n Cheese Bar
Cross Country Ski Headquarters, 9435 N. Cut Rd., Roscommon, MI 48653 (800-832-2663)
WED, FEB 18, 2026
American Birkebeiner, Kortelopet & Prince Haakon Open Track
Hayward, WI
2026 Winter Olympics - Team Sprint Women's/Men's Qual.+ Final
Tesero Cross-Country Skiing Stadium, Italy
FRI, FEB 20, 2026
Kortelopet 29K Race
Samuel C. Johnson Family Outdoor Center, 12205 County Hwy-B W, Hayward, WI 54843 (OO Trailhead)
Prince Haakon 15K
Phipps Road, north of Hayward, WI
SAT, FEB 21, 2026
American Birkebeiner 53k Classic Race / 50k Skate Race
Cable to Hayward, WI
2026 Winter Olympics - 50 km classic style women
Tesero Cross-Country Skiing Stadium, Italy
Free Beginner Ski Lesson
Cross Country Ski Headquarters, 9435 N. Cut Rd., Roscommon, MI 48653 (800-832-2663)
2026 Winter Olympics - 50 km classic style men
Tesero Cross-Country Skiing Stadium, Italy
Ribs and Blues Celebration!
Cross Country Ski Headquarters, 9435 N. Cut Rd., Roscommon, MI 48653 (800-832-2663)
SUN, FEB 22, 2026
33rd Annual Junior Muffin Race
Cross Country Ski Headquarters, 9435 N. Cut Rd., Roscommon, MI 48653 (800-832-2663)
TUE, FEB 24, 2026
CANCELLED: Detroit Public Schools kids learn to ski
Huron Meadows Metropark, 8765 Hammel Rd, Brighton, MI 48116
WED, FEB 25, 2026
CANCELLED: Detroit Public Schools kids learn to ski
Huron Meadows Metropark, 8765 Hammel Rd, Brighton, MI 48116
THU, FEB 26, 2026
CANCELLED: Detroit Public Schools kids learn to ski
Huron Meadows Metropark, 8765 Hammel Rd, Brighton, MI 48116
FRI, FEB 27, 2026
Michigan Middle School and High School Championships - Classic
Hickory Hills Ski Area, 2000 Randolph St, Traverse City, MI 49684
SAT, FEB 28, 2026
Michigan Middle School and High School Championships - Freestyle and Classic Pursuit
Hickory Hills Ski Area, 2000 Randolph St, Traverse City, MI 49684
Black Mountain 31K Classic
The Chateau at Black Mountain, 10621 Twin Lakes Road, Cheboygan, MI 49721
Free Beginner Ski Lesson
Cross Country Ski Headquarters, 9435 N. Cut Rd., Roscommon, MI 48653 (800-832-2663)
SUN, MAR 1, 2026
Michigan Middle School and High School Championships - Mixed Relay
Hickory Hills Ski Area, 2000 Randolph St, Traverse City, MI 49684
Black Mountain 12km Freestyle
The Chateau at Black Mountain, 10621 Twin Lakes Road, Cheboygan, MI 49721
More events...
LATEST TRAIL CONDITIONS
SAT, FEB 14
Vasa Trail: Fabulous conditions prevailed at the Vasa 28k today. Track was firm, skate deck solid and fast. It just doesn’t get any better. Forerunners got all the debris out of the trail, volunteers everywhere and to top it off, sunshine!!
Vasa Trail: Spectacular grooming today for the 50th North American Vasa! Deep snow, great skate deck and deep classic tracks. It's warming up fast, so get out and ski while you can.
Stokely Creek: Primo tracks early. Snow was a little slow since it was still totally new snow getting near freezing point for the first time. Sunday could be a little glazed and fast if they lay off grooming or back to creamy smooth if they regroom. Saw evidence of an animal, one wearing skis, take a big piss right in the middle of the trail. The wolves have better manners than that and only mark on the edges.
Boyne Mountain: It's a beautiful day to ski! Trails are in good shape, both for classic and skate. We're grooming late this afternoon for tomorrow.
Cross Country Ski Headquarters: The sun is out and the skiing is great! We groomed everything this morning, and aside from a few leaves here and there, the trails are wonderful! Come ski with us!
Huron Meadows Metropark: Love the Valentine's Day Buck's Snow and the track to the parking. Like a sweet marshmallow. Definitely worth five bucks.
Winter returns next week.
Hanson Hills: Lodge and Trails open 9am
Groomer Dan is out this morning combing skate lanes across the entire trail system, keeping conditions dialed in for the day.
*Wilderness received fresh tracks yesterday.
FRI, FEB 13
Forbush Corner: Posting tonight for tomorrow. Happy Valentine’s Day! Trails remain in great shape for Presidents’ Day weekend. Open at 9. Gates close at 5pm.
Stoney Creek Metropark: Skied in the afternoon and found snow cover on golf course was much better than anticipated and most of the groomed tracks were still usable. Sunny areas were soft while shady areas were still moderately icy. Stayed out of the woods assuming trails would be an icy chopped up mess because of all the walkers. Golf course skiing should be reasonable for at least one more day.
Huron Meadows Metropark: The snow is a bit packed compared to two days ago when they added new stuff. A bit bumpy but fast. One or two slick spots, but good skiing overall. I was there in the late afternoon.
Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail: Rte 31 trailhead. The Laurel highlands Hiking Trail runs for 70 miles south to north along Laurel Ridge. Most of the time the skiing is pretty similar across that range. But, I think the snow quality might be noticeably better in the north, by a bit, at this time. I would recommend staying North of Route 30. Snow continues to settle, becoming more mash potato like. There is still well more than a foot in the north facing, high elevations, and you can take downhill runs on the forest roads and pipelines. The occasional Rock is starting to show on parts of the LHHT itself.
Cross Country Ski Headquarters: Trails are still in great shape after a fresh groom this morning! Skate deck is dreamy and classic tracks are still solid, with a few leaves scattered here and there. The base is thick and will withstand the warm temps this weekend with ease! Tonight will get down to 16F to firm things up for the groomer tomorrow, and the skiing will be great all day, with firm trails in the morning, and slightly softening into the afternoon, but sunny and wonderful to be sure!
Huron Meadows Metropark: 32° and 3mph wind with sunny skies at noon. Outstanding groom of corn snow on Bucks run. My Fischer RCR crown. worked perfectly in these snow conditions, which were identical to yesterday, though air temp 5° warmer. Classic tricks remained in very good condition for the two hours I skied both days. So bright I needed my sunglasses:-) 10 miles/16.1km x2
Hanson Hills: Lodge & trails open at 9:00 AM
Groomer Dan is out combing skate lanes across the trail system and will be setting fresh classic tracks on Wilderness today.
Hiawatha Highlands: Happy Friday the 13th, and we're entering Family Day Weekend!! It's a beautiful, calm, snowy morning....with the trees glistening as the frost covers their branches :) The temperature is -10 C.
The groomers were out last night -- all systems were Piston Bully groomed for both classic and skate, and as well Mabel Lake (Flats and Hills) was groomed. All trails are in super duper shape!!
We hope everybody has a fantastic Friday :)
REMINDER: Check out all of our Family Day Weekend activities on our social media....in particular, note that the Crystal system and the Pinder system will be skied in backwards direction (including all loops) from Saturday to Monday. Enjoy them in a whole new way!
Forbush Corner: Another comfortable day to get out on our trails. Conditions continue to be some of the best ever. Fresh groom on the west side trails and 240 loop. Open 9 to 5.
THU, FEB 12
Reindeer Run Nordic Center: Empire airport snowmobile trailhead, benzonia highway and Osborn rd.
Fantastic skate deck with unbelievable snow conditions.
A ski worthy. Warming afternoon sun made for forgiving snow and great glide. Get it while you can. The goodest trail conditions ever!
Machine groomed on a flat surface.
Strider activity with minimal snow machine activity
Parking at trailhead
Cross Country Ski Headquarters: A perfect skiathalon day. Classic trax were perfection. Skating in my Jarvinen 215's. It has to be perfect for that to happen. Add a blue sky, no wind and 28 degrees. Thank you.
Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail: Route 271 trailhead. Two feet of snow in the Laurel Highlands has settled, after wed warm up, to a foot of dense pack, with 1” of fresh on top. Not dust on crust, more like dust on mashed potatoes. LHHT is very skiable now on wider gear, with easy trail breaking and uphill skiing without skins. as is lower angle off-trail skiing. Lower elevations are degraded, stay high.
Michaywe: Received a little over half an inch of fluff since yesterday. Combed out the skate deck on maple ridge. Combed the skate deck and reset track on the rest of the trail system. Conditions are excellent! Full-service bar & dining located on the ski trail at Michaywe. "Inn the Woods" Restaurant is open Tuesday - Saturday. Visit www.michaywe.com for hours & menu.
Huron Meadows Metropark: Attempted an early morning classic ski on the golf course. Iceland! Lot of grass burning through too. Don’t bother. Skate deck was ice as well. I expect the woodland trails to be very dicey.
Cross Country Ski Headquarters: A little dusting of snow last night and some cool temps have the trails looking stellar! All trails are freshly snow combed as of this morning. Classic tracks are still in good shape. Enjoy!
Hiawatha Highlands: Happy Thursday!! It's a fabulous bluebird-sky morning up here, the wind is calm, with the temperature sitting at -14 C.
There was no grooming overnight as the trails are in excellent condition.
Mabel Lake (Flats and Hills) was groomed as of 11:30 a.m. yesterday.
Come on everyone, get yourselves up here....it's going to be a glorious day!!
Hanson Hills: Groomer Dan is out this morning cleaning up skate lanes on Red, Yellow, Brown, Blue, and M-93 Hills, keeping the trail system in great midweek shape.
Senior Thursday Special (65+):
Enjoy the trails today with $13 trail passes.
Forbush Corner: Several inches of lake effect snow over the last few days have added to already excellent trail conditions. East side trails get the fresh groom for skate and classic. Open 9 to 5.
More trail reports...
