New man-made snow was added to Buck's Run this morning (Jan 5) making for softer conditions.
New Toko products for 2025/26 winter season
12/7/2025 4:01:00 AM - By Ian Harvey
New waxes and new tools...and some predications about how I expect we will race wax this winter
Jessie Diggins announces her retirement after this season
11/20/2025 10:33:40 AM - By Leann Bentley, USSSB
Jessie Diggins, the most decorated US XC skier in history, formally announces her retirement from cross country ski racing following the end of the 2025-26 season.
Cross Country Ski Headquarters celebrates over 50 years of skiing!
10/21/2025 - By Mariah Frye
For over 50 years, Cross Country Ski Headquarters has been a beloved winter gathering place in Northern Michigan. Surrounded by inland lakes and rivers, this rustic ski lodge and trail system has welcomed generations of skiers, snowshoers, and outdoor lovers looking for fresh air, good food, and winter fun.
2025-26 Stifel U.S. Cross Country Ski Team announced
10/18/2025 5:00:26 AM - By Leann Bentley, Stifel U.S. Ski Team
The Stifel U.S. Cross Country Ski Team A Team is led by three-time Olympic medalist and seven-time World Championship medalist Jessie Diggins, two-time World Championship medalist Julia Kern and Olympians Rosie Brennan, Gus Schumacher, Ben Ogden, JC Schoonmaker and Sophia Laukli.
North American Vasa celebrates 50th Anniversary in Traverse City
10/16/2025 - By North American Vasa
This year's festival will revive the 50-kilometer classic and freestyle races in honor of the event's 50-year history.
MI Cup Committee: Equal points for all
10/3/2025 3:41:00 PM - By Mike Muha
The Michigan Cup Committee made some big changes to scoring the Michigan Cup at this year's Committee Meeting, plus special options for Super Masters, and partial points for Vasa's 50th anniversary 50k marathon!
Copper Country Ski Tigers seek new Head Coach
10/3/2025 3:33:34 PM - By Amy Hamlin
The Copper Country Ski Tigers are looking for a passionate, motivated HEAD COACH to lead our junior Nordic Ski program in Michigan’s snowy Upper Peninsula!
2026 Junior Nationals coming to Mt. Telemark Village
9/25/2025 9:00:00 AM - By CXC Skiing
The American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation will be hosting the 2026 Junior XC Skiing Nationals Championships March 9-13, 2026.
MI Cup Committee meets Sunday, Sep 28
9/12/2025 - By Ernie Brumbaugh
The Michigan Cup Committee annual meeting will review the upcoming season, including the tentative race schedule (attached).
Start Wax emerges from bankruptcy
6/19/2025 4:11:49 PM - By Start Skiwax Oy
The manufacturer of Start ski waxes has returned from bankruptcy thanks to a group of ten Finnish stakeholders, some former employees and others new to the company. The new company is called Start Skiwax Oy.
Rollerskiing Clinic Schedule Summer 2025
6/5/2025 - By Andy Liebner
We're hoping to recruit some new people to rollerskiing and some of these sessions are geared for them (no pun intended), but seriously, we'll have skis and poles free to use and purchase at a discount. It's a great way to try it out with minimal risk. If you have friends who may be interested, please forward this info to them.
UPDATED 3/25/2025: Cross Country Ski Headquarters wins 2025 Michigan Cup
3/25/2025 - By Mike Muha
UPDATED 3/25/2025: Age class winners! The Cross Country Ski Headquarters has won the overall Michigan Cup, finishing head and shoulders above second place Grand Rapids Nordic Ski Team. Team NordicSkiRacer takes third.
UPCOMING
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)
WED, JAN 14, 2026
Silver Streak Week (Jan 12-16)
Cross Country Ski Headquarters, 9435 N. Cut Rd., Roscommon, MI 48653 (800-832-2663)
Kids Learn to Ski Program
Huron Meadows Metropark, 8765 Hammel Rd, Brighton, MI 48116
THU, JAN 15, 2026
Silver Streak Week (Jan 12-16)
Cross Country Ski Headquarters, 9435 N. Cut Rd., Roscommon, MI 48653 (800-832-2663)
FRI, JAN 16, 2026
Silver Streak Week (Jan 12-16)
Cross Country Ski Headquarters, 9435 N. Cut Rd., Roscommon, MI 48653 (800-832-2663)
SAT, JAN 17, 2026
Gourmet Mac ‘n Cheese Bar
Cross Country Ski Headquarters, 9435 N. Cut Rd., Roscommon, MI 48653 (800-832-2663)
Cote Dame Marie Ski Loppet
Hanson Hills Recreation Area, 7601 Old Lake Rd, Grayling, Michigan 49738 (989-348-9266)
Free Beginner Ski Lesson
Cross Country Ski Headquarters, 9435 N. Cut Rd., Roscommon, MI 48653 (800-832-2663)
SUN, JAN 18, 2026
CCSC Flying Squirrel Nordic Race
Crystal Mountain, 12500 Crystal Mountain Dr, Thompsonville, Michigan, United States
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
Nub's Nob Classic 5k and 12k
Nub's Nob, 500 Nub’s Nob Road, Harbor Springs, MI 49740
MON, JAN 19, 2026
Gourmet Mac ‘n Cheese Bar
Cross Country Ski Headquarters, 9435 N. Cut Rd., Roscommon, MI 48653 (800-832-2663)
Bavarian Ski Festival
Cross Country Ski Headquarters, 9435 N. Cut Rd., Roscommon, MI 48653 (800-832-2663)
TUE, JAN 20, 2026
Citizen’s Night Ski Race Series
Main MTU Trailhead, Michigan Tech Trails, Houghton, Michigan
WED, JAN 21, 2026
Kids Learn to Ski Program
Huron Meadows Metropark, 8765 Hammel Rd, Brighton, MI 48116
More events...
LATEST TRAIL CONDITIONS
WED, JAN 7
Michaywe: Just wanted to recognize Mike & Jamie’s effort keeping up with grooming the Michawye xc ski trails. The coverage is 100% as of this report. Even though the weather is not proper, classic skiing in the tracks set the other day was pretty good. Skate deck is softening with the warmer temperatures though, and susceptible to rutting. Thanks Mike and Jamie. Nice to have a groomed trail to ski on out your back door.
Crystal Mountain: Cross-Country trails are currently closed.
Hiawatha Highlands: Good Morning!! It's another foggy, warm day up here, lightly snowing....temperature sitting at 0 C.
The groomer was out early this morning -- the Pinder system, 2k Lighted and the Crystal system (minus the Hiawatha loop) were ginzu groomed for both classic and skate.
Remember, skiing isn't about waiting for perfect conditions -- it's about making the best of whatever nature gives us. After all, it's not just the snow that defines our experience, but how we embrace the moment, cold or warm, light or heavy.
So, grab your gear....there's always joy to be found on these trails -- no matter the forecast. Have a great Wednesday :)
Cross Country Ski Headquarters: Temps dipped to 31 last night, so things may have hardened up slightly, but chances are most spots will still be soft. We are closing the trails at noon once again to prevent rutting and to preserve the base as best we can. The trails will be closed tomorrow, Thursday, for that same reason. Rain Thursday night leading into Friday will more than likely mean no skiing Friday either, but we'll wait to make the final call on that until early Friday. Luckily we see temps dropping fast Friday evening and then snow Friday night and all day Saturday, so with any luck, we'll be back on the trails for the weekend!
Hanson Hills: Rain yesterday and above-freezing temperatures have left the snow surface too soft for grooming. Using the trails under these conditions would rut the surface and damage the base, so the trail system is closed today to preserve conditions.
We’ll be back at it once the trail system freezes back up and conditions allow.
TUE, JAN 6
Hickory Hills: There was a light rain this afternoon combined with above freezing temperatures this left wet snow conditions . On the Hills side, Pisten Bully groomed man made snow left a firm icy corduroy surface for skating this afternoon. There were no classic tracks set on the hills side. Hickory Meadows had been groomed with the snow mobile leaving a somewhat firm wet snow in the skating lane. The upper meadows area had Classic tracks set.
Stokely Creek: Thick base was mostly still skiing like new snow today. Mild temps but staying frozen. Tracks were deep and firm from Monday's complete system groom. Wednesday should still be excellent for a big ski if you're within day trip range. Then a couple of rest days!
Ogemaw Hills Pathway: All of our trails were groomed yesterday by Brian. They came out great!
Michaywe: Rolled and groomed the skate deck on maple ridge. Was able to clean up and set track on the areas of the lake loop that did not get done yesterday.
Hiawatha Highlands: Happy Tuesday!! It's a calm, foggy morning up here, and warming up today....currently sitting at -3.
The groomer is currently out on the Pinder system, using the ginzu, freshening things up. Any further grooming updates will be posted, please check back.
Have a great day everybody! :)
Cross Country Ski Headquarters: Trails will be soft and mushy this morning, and we will be closing the trails at noon to preserve the base for the coming warm up. Wintery mix leading to rain this evening. No grooming.
Hanson Hills: Due to warm temperatures and forecasted freezing rain, grooming operations will be suspended for the day. Operating equipment under these conditions would risk damage to the snow surface and underlying base.
To preserve trail integrity, the trail system will be closed today. This proactive closure helps prevent rutting and glazing and allows the base to firm up once colder temperatures return.
Outlook: The forecast remains unfavorable through the remainder of the week, limiting our ability to resume grooming. Conditions will be assessed daily, and trails will reopen as soon as weather and surface conditions allow.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to protect the long-term quality of the trail system.
MON, JAN 5
Forbush Corner: UPDATE!! We are delaying our opening to 1000. Received about 6 inches of snow and travel is slow.
Vasa Trail: Soft n slow. But tons of snow and full coverage. Can use your A skis. Love having Riley’s Trail groomed. Hopefully they use Dusty the Piston Bully soon! Would be great to see what it can do with all that snow in the woods.
Nubs Nob: All loops are far better than they need to be for Wonderful Skiing !
Huron Meadows Metropark: New snow! Yay! Thank you groomers for making the tough decision to put down snow well in advance of the races this coming weekend’s. It’s a tough balancing act.
Tracks are deep and the dirt from yesterday is buried under the new snow. But new snow means soft snow and with the warm up tonight and rain tomorrow that means that how we leave Bucks Run today is how it will be tomorrow.
Michaywe: Rolled, combed and set track on both golf course loops, herringbone, and the river trail. The lake loop has been mostly rolled and combed, with track set on the north side of the lake loop.
Cross Country Ski Headquarters: We received 4? more inches of snow last night, and groomer Mike is out rolling and packing the trails presently. We plan to groom afterwards, providing the snow is not too sticky!
Huron Meadows Metropark: I've heard from good authority that Huron Meadows is putting more snow down on Buck's Run this morning.
Hiawatha Highlands: Good Monday Morning Lovers of Everything Snow!!! It's a beautiful calm morning up here, and once again we had quite a snowfall overnight.
The groomer is currently out on the trails (he waited for the snow to finish falling) -- he just got off the Pinder system (9 a.m.), the Red Pine system is next, followed by the 2k Lighted and then the Crystal system. All systems are Piston Bully groomed for both classic and skate.
It's an absolutely beautiful day up here! The trails are looking fantastic....so come on up and get your ski on :)
Forbush Corner: UPDATE!! We are delaying our opening to 1000. Received about 6 inches of snow and travel is slow.
Hanson Hills: Lodge and Trails Open 9am
Mother Nature hit the reset button overnight. We picked up about 4 inches of light, workable snow, and it’s grooming out beautifully this morning.
Groomer Dan is on the system early with the PB 100, packing the new snow and laying fresh corduroy on:
• Yellow
• Brown
• Blue
• Green
• Easy Return
Skate lanes are being packed and combed now, with classic tracks scheduled to be reset later this morning once the base firms up.
Forbush Corner: From a Forbush regular yesterday, “I thought conditions didn’t get much better than this yesterday, but today they are even “ gooder” ! I couldn’t agree more. Overnight snow has moved on, leaving several inches. Fresh groom today on the more popular east side trails. We are back to our normal schedule. Open 9 to 5 Thursday thru Monday.
More trail reports...
