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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! <br /><br>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!

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!

Contest ends Jan 15 - Win Toko Jet Liquid Blue, Red, and Yellow!
Contest ends Jan 15 - Win Toko Jet Liquid Blue, Red, and Yellow!

Contest ends Jan 15 - Win Toko Jet Liquid Blue, Red, and Yellow!

1/13/2026 8:00:00 AM - By Mike Muha and Ian Harvey

Toko Giveaway Contest finishes at the end of Thursday, Jan 15! Get your free entry in for a chance to win one each of Toko Jet Liquid Blue, Red, and Yellow, a $405 value!

Cote Dame Marie Ski Loppet – New Course, Big Giveaways
Cote Dame Marie Ski Loppet – New Course, Big Giveaways

Cote Dame Marie Ski Loppet – New Course, Big Giveaways

1/13/2026 1:43:10 AM - By Justin Andre

We are excited to welcome you back to Hanson Hills for the Cote Dame Marie Ski Loppet on Saturday, January 17th! Trail conditions are looking great, and we can’t wait to host another memorable race day with all of you.

Rebecca Davis and Bradley Baas doublepole to Krazy Klassic victory
Rebecca Davis and Bradley Baas doublepole to Krazy Klassic victory

Rebecca Davis and Bradley Baas doublepole to Krazy Klassic victory

1/12/2026 10:11:40 AM - By Mike Muha

Rebecca Davis powered over her rivals in the 2026 Krazy Klassic while Bradley Baas used strategy to win over Michael Davis.

www.northboundoutfittersmi.com/xc-ski.html
Results! Vasa Raptor Rush Nordic Ski Race
Results! Vasa Raptor Rush Nordic Ski Race

Results! Vasa Raptor Rush Nordic Ski Race

1/12/2026 8:00:00 AM - By Mike Muha

Junior teams Vasa Raptors, Crystal Nordic, Nub's Nob, and the Cross Country Ski Shop competed at Hickory Hills Ski Area in Traverse City, MI on January 10 for the 2nd annual Raptor Rush fundraiser.

Karin Rand and Bradley Baas dominate Frosty Freestyle
Karin Rand and Bradley Baas dominate Frosty Freestyle

Karin Rand and Bradley Baas dominate Frosty Freestyle

1/10/2026 12:03:06 PM - By Mike Muha

There was sugar, there was slush, there was ice. It was good enough considering the balmy temps lately. Most important, there was a race! The Frosty Freestyle maintained its reputation of putting on the race when others would have screamed Uncle!

Photos from 2026 Winter Wolf Skiathlon
Photos from 2026 Winter Wolf Skiathlon

Photos from 2026 Winter Wolf Skiathlon

1/8/2026 6:17:12 PM - By Mike Muha

Photos from the Winter Wolf Skiathlon were taken by Chris Larner! Lots of photos.

www.usskipoles.com/
Wax Recommendations: Frosty Freestyle, Raptor Rush, Krazy Klassic
Wax Recommendations: Frosty Freestyle, Raptor Rush, Krazy Klassic

Wax Recommendations: Frosty Freestyle, Raptor Rush, Krazy Klassic

1/8/2026 11:10:00 AM - By Mike Muha

Wax recommendations for this weekend's Michigan Cup races from Toko and Rex: Frosty Freestyle, Raptor Rush, and Krazy Klassic

Frosty Freestyle and Krazy Klassic: Damn the Torpedoes!
Frosty Freestyle and Krazy Klassic: Damn the Torpedoes!

Frosty Freestyle and Krazy Klassic: Damn the Torpedoes!

1/8/2026 4:07:00 AM - By Mike Muha

We fully expect the Buck's Run to survive the weather. The trail has a solid ice base and the cold ground is keeping it frozen. There are piles of man-made snow ready for action.

Kids ski classes begin Wed Jan 14 at Huron Meadows
Kids ski classes begin Wed Jan 14 at Huron Meadows

Kids ski classes begin Wed Jan 14 at Huron Meadows

1/5/2026 6:46:58 PM - By Mike Muha

Learn to cross country ski! Kids and their parents are invited to 4 sessions at Huron Meadows Metropark. Instruction is provided by members of Team NordicSkiRacer. This is a beginner's class but kids who have some prior skiing are invited to attend as well!

adamssportsmedicine.com/
Forbush Corner presents Raffle Fundraiser for Reid Goble
Forbush Corner presents Raffle Fundraiser for Reid Goble

Forbush Corner presents Raffle Fundraiser for Reid Goble

1/5/2026 12:15:13 AM - By Forbush Corner

Forbush Corner Nordic is pleased to announce the start of the 2026 raffle and fundraiser to help support Reid Goble, a professional cross-country skier from northern Michigan. The top prize is a Trek Farley 5 Fat Bike!

Drew Moore and Eric O'Hearn alphas at Winter Wolf Skiathlon
Drew Moore and Eric O'Hearn alphas at Winter Wolf Skiathlon

Drew Moore and Eric O'Hearn alphas at Winter Wolf Skiathlon

1/4/2026 12:48:37 AM - By Mike Muha

Predators where aplenty at the Winter Wolf Skiathlon. Drew Moore and Erica O'Hearn easily clawed their way to the top.

Wax recommendations for the Winter Wolf Skiathlon
Wax recommendations for the Winter Wolf Skiathlon

Wax recommendations for the Winter Wolf Skiathlon

1/1/2026 1:05:18 PM

Wax recommendations for the Winter Wolf Skiathlon at Hanson Hills Recreation Area on Saturday, January 3!

More News...

www.tokous.com

UPCOMING

SAT, JAN 24, 2026

Great Lakes Division Junior National Qualifier - Freestyle Individual Start
Ariens Nordic Center, Brillion, WI

Noquemanon Ski Marathon
Ishpeming, MI

FLASH RACE to support Reid Goble
Cross Country Ski Headquarters, 9435 N. Cut Rd., Roscommon, MI 48653 (800-832-2663)

Free Beginner Ski Lesson
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)

SUN, JAN 25, 2026

Great Lakes Division Junior National Qualifier - Classic Individual Start / Mixed Relay
Ariens Nordic Center, Brillion, WI

Beech Nuts Junior Nordic Race
Nub's Nob, 500 Nub’s Nob Road, Harbor Springs, MI 49740

Learn to Skate Ski Clinic
Cross Country Ski Headquarters, 9435 N. Cut Rd., Roscommon, MI 48653 (800-832-2663)

WED, JAN 28, 2026

Kids Learn to Ski Program
Huron Meadows Metropark, 8765 Hammel Rd, Brighton, MI 48116

FRI, JAN 30, 2026

Winter Feast
Cross Country Ski Headquarters, 9435 N. Cut Rd., Roscommon, MI 48653 (800-832-2663)

SAT, JAN 31, 2026

Masters World Cup 2026 in Sappada/ITA - Middle Distance Races
Sappada - Forni Avoltri, Italy

Forbush Freestyle
Forbush Corner, 4971 W County Road 612, Frederic, MI 49733 (989-889-2843)

Free Beginner Ski Lesson
Cross Country Ski Headquarters, 9435 N. Cut Rd., Roscommon, MI 48653 (800-832-2663)

SUN, FEB 1, 2026

Masters World Cup 2026 in Sappada/ITA - Short Distance Races
Sappada - Forni Avoltri, Italy

Meijer State Games - Hanson Hills Classic
Hanson Hills Recreation Area, 7601 Old Lake Rd, Grayling, Michigan 49738 (989-348-9266)

Paella on the Sun Deck (noon and 2:00pm)
Cross Country Ski Headquarters, 9435 N. Cut Rd., Roscommon, MI 48653 (800-832-2663)

Live Music with Kat and Wil (2:00-4:00)
Cross Country Ski Headquarters, 9435 N. Cut Rd., Roscommon, MI 48653 (800-832-2663)

Kat & Logan Live (2:00-4:00)
Cross Country Ski Headquarters, 9435 N. Cut Rd., Roscommon, MI 48653 (800-832-2663)

TUE, FEB 3, 2026

Masters World Cup 2026 in Sappada/ITA - Relay Races
Sappada - Forni Avoltri, Italy

WED, FEB 4, 2026

Masters World Cup 2026 in Sappada/ITA - Long Distance Races
Sappada - Forni Avoltri, Italy

Kids Learn to Ski Program
Huron Meadows Metropark, 8765 Hammel Rd, Brighton, MI 48116

THU, FEB 5, 2026

Masters World Cup 2026 in Sappada/ITA - Long Distance Races
Sappada - Forni Avoltri, Italy

SAT, FEB 7, 2026

Super Bowl Foodie Face-Off!
Cross Country Ski Headquarters, 9435 N. Cut Rd., Roscommon, MI 48653 (800-832-2663)

White Pine Stampede
Mancelona High School, 9300 W Limits Rd; Mancelona MI 49659

Pre-Birkie 26K and 42K
Hayward, Wisconson

Valley Spur Classic 5/10k
Valley Spur, E8017 State Highway M-94, Munising, MI

Free Beginner Ski Lesson
Cross Country Ski Headquarters, 9435 N. Cut Rd., Roscommon, MI 48653 (800-832-2663)

Barnelopet
Maasto Hiihto, Hancock

2026 Winter Olympics - Women's 10 + 10 km Skiathlon
Tesero Cross-Country Skiing Stadium, Italy

SUN, FEB 8, 2026

Super Bowl Foodie Face-Off!
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

Forbush Memorial Classic Race
Forbush Corner, 4971 W County Road 612, Frederic, MI 49733 (989-889-2843)

Learn to Skate Ski Clinic
Cross Country Ski Headquarters, 9435 N. Cut Rd., Roscommon, MI 48653 (800-832-2663)

2026 Winter Olympics - Men's 10 + 10 km Skiathlon
Tesero Cross-Country Skiing Stadium, Italy

More events...

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LATEST TRAIL CONDITIONS

SAT, JAN 24

Crystal Mountain: I groomed everything today and it turned out great until the tracksetter stopped working but only a few trails didnt get tracked. I then skied all the hills except Eagles. I went in both directions and had excellent control. Even went down Nepsa and didn't fall! Tracksetter is now fixed do everything should be done tomorrow. Get out there. It's not cold if you dress right and keep moving.

Huron Meadows Metropark: Sat 1:30-2:30 4° to 6° Full Cedar Trace and Coyote loops skating. Cedar Trace (contractors) was good and fast enough, Coyote west side plenty of snow east side sketchy but doable. Coyote loop behind Bucks had the best fast snow. 1 lap on Bucks and it was squeaky slow, classic looked fast. Fresh Toko Performance Blue ironed in and scraped and brushed well really helped.

Huron Meadows Metropark: Another day of good classic skiing on bucks run. Good tracks from building into woods and all the way back.
Skate lane looked firm but slow the few areas I used.
Better to classic in color weather.
Thanks everyone at Huron Meadows.

Vasa Trail: Outstanding pisten bully groom. Solid skate deck. Deep, hard tracks. Get out and ski

Cross Country Ski Headquarters: Currently -14F. Albeit bone-chillingly cold, the sunrise through the morning forest is stunning. There is something almost magical when temps get this cold. Everything is completely still and silent, and there is a real beauty in that. That being said, if you plan to come ski and participate in the festivities today, please dress appropriately! Lots of layers, skin protection, hand and toe warmers, etc. Frostbite can happen quickly, so take heed! It'll warm up by 20 degrees by 1pm, to 4F. Clear skies and no wind make the cold temps feel a little warmer. Bavarian Ski Festival in ON, and we have so many propane fire pits and heaters ready on the deck, we'll be ready to weather the arctic cold.

Hanson Hills: Weather-Related Closure Update

Saturday | January 24, 2026

Due to the ongoing Extreme Cold Warning in our area, all winter operations remain closed today, Saturday, January 24th, including Nordic, Downhill, and Tubing operations.

The extreme cold and dangerous windchill continue to create unsafe conditions for both our staff and guests. The safety of our employees and customers remains our top priority, and this decision is made with that in mind.

We are continuing to monitor conditions closely and will share an update regarding Sunday operations as soon as a decision is made.

Thank you for your patience, understanding, and continued support during this weather event.

Forbush Corner: Another arctic day in store for us today. The whole system was groomed yesterday, and since it did not snow much and skier traffic was light, just a few of the east trails will get a fresh groom this early morning. Check Nordic Pulse a little later for the latest. Open at 9. Gates close at 5.

FRI, JAN 23

Independance Oaks: This one is on me. Thought my red Swix wax would work for a couple lake loops. No go. I more or less Walked the loop on my skies.
It hadn’t been rolled since yesterday. Fresh 1in and a lot of blown over snow.

But on the other hand. How long does it take to roll 4km on a Friday afternoon in preparation for the people who work til 5pm every day but get to go out at 4pm on a friday. I’d even be willing to pay $5. I worked hard this week.

After all. Disappointed:(

Huron Meadows Metropark: Great classic skiing on bucks today. Classic tracks were firm and fast.
Tracks on connector were all blown in.

Boyne Mountain: Fresh snow last night and more today. Just packing down what we can today. Wind blowing back onto trails. Stay warm!

Cross Country Ski Headquarters: Due to subzero temperatures, we are not grooming the trails today. The trails are open, but if you ski, be sure to dress like you're crossing Antartica, It is currently -4 F, with a wind chill of -12 F. Tomorrow should be a balmy 6 degrees by 2pm, and we'll have the fires stoked for a very hearty Bavarian Ski Festival!

Hiawatha Highlands: Happy Friday Morning!! I know, this sounds like a broken record, but it's another absolutely gorgeous morning after last night's snowfall! It is a very crisp morning, with the temperature -23 C.

The groomer was out early this morning, finishing around 9 a.m. -- the Red Pine system, the Crystal system, the Pinder system and the 2k Lighted (in that order) were all Piston Bully groomed for both classic and skate, and looking amazing!

We hope everybody has a fantastic day.....bundle up and stay warm!!

Forbush Corner: We will be open today, but don’t hurry out. We are delaying opening to 10am.
If venturing out, heed the weather warnings and dress appropriately for conditions. Trails were packed and tilled late yesterday, and full system grooming for skate and classic are in process first thing this morning.

Hanson Hills: Nordic Operations Update

Friday, January 23rd & Saturday, January 24th, 2026

With the extreme cold and winter weather moving into our area, we’ve made the tough call to close Nordic operations Friday and Saturday, and we will not be grooming during this time.

The combination of extreme cold and strong winds increases the risk of falling limbs and debris, which makes being on the trail unsafe for our groomers. On top of that, with blowing snow and drifting, any grooming we attempted would be inefficient and short-lived, making it difficult to keep trails in a usable condition.

This is never an easy decision. Our grooming team takes a lot of pride in the trail system, but the safety of our staff and everyone who uses the trails has to come first.

We have not yet made a decision regarding Sunday operations and will continue to watch the forecast closely and share updates as soon as we can.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support—we truly appreciate it.

THU, JAN 22

Stoney Creek Metropark: Plenty of snow in woods and on golf course, woods was nicer, less wind. Trail was soft, easy climbing but not much speed on downhills. Only classic tracks were skier produced; it would be nice if the foot traffic would stop walking in the ski tracks.

Independance Oaks: Entire system was rolled this afternoon and hardened up fast. Wind was rough on the east side of the lake. West side more sheltered. Park at nature center to cut the wind chill. Today Swix blue, tomorrow Polar. Fashion advice for the weekend, if you've got it wear it.

Milham Park Golf Course: The saying feast or famine comes to mind...tons of fresh snow made packing and setting a challenge today. The outside loop was set for both skate and classic skiing but to be truthful, and acknowledging this is a golf course, the remarkable amount of snow is being blown over our grooming efforts. Skate deck is soft and classic tracks being blown full but hey it's better than what we have seen too much of recently. Enjoy! Dave D

Huron Meadows Metropark: Once the crew at Huron Meadows rolled the trails, it was a little on the soft side but much better than the half a foot of fresh snow that Mike made me ski in on the contractors loop. Conditions should firm up and be quite good the next few days if you can brave the cold! Thanks HM crew!

Huron Meadows Metropark: Bucks Run: classic tracks are blown in on the connector. In the woods is better protected from the wind. Skate deck looked firm and fast. The loop of Coyote that is behind Bucks is rolled - soft so great for classic - and very nice as it is even more protected from the wind.

Michaywe: Received 4-5 inches since yesterday. Still receiving additional wind blown snow with considerable drifting. Packed and rolled the lake loop, herringbone, the river trail, and both golf course loops. Weather is going to be pretty harsh the next 24-36 hours.

Huron Meadows Metropark: Got here early enough (9am) that no grooming had been done. By the time I left (10:15), Bucks Run was groomed and the north golf course was rolled. Even with unrolled snow, the contractors loop was a fun albeit slow skate. (Tony begs to differ: "This sucks". Well I had fun!!!!)

Hanson Hills: Mother Nature delivered 3 inches of fresh snow overnight! Groomer Dan has combed and set classic tracks on Yellow, Brown, Green, M-93, and the Novice Loops.

Blue Trail:
Day-old classic track—expect it to be a bit slower, but the skate lane was freshly combed this morning.

Senior Thursday Special (65+):
Enjoy the trails today with $13 Nordic trail passes.

Kensington Metropark: Skate and classic tracks set yesterday. Hit the classic set after 1/2” snow spurt this morning. Not bad. Thin in some spots with grass, but nothing unreasonable. Tracks were starting to drift in on the hills with the high winds. Looks like they rolled the east woodland trail (#2) too.

Cross Country Ski Headquarters: We've got some of the best conditions of the year. All trails freshly groomed and tracked. Tomorrow will be COLD!

Hiawatha Highlands: Good Morning Everybody :) It's another beautiful, snowy morning up here....temperature at -11 C.

The groomer was out this morning -- the 4k Pinder (the last to be groomed, finishing around 7 a.m.), the Red Pine system and the Crystal system were all Piston Bully groomed for both classic and skate.

Mabel Flats, including the creek, was groomed yesterday afternoon.

The trails are in fantastic shape, so come on up and enjoy the beauty of the bush!

Forbush Corner: We are definitely not lacking snow this year. Few more inches overnight, more in the forecast, and cold temperatures will preserve the snowpack. Grooming east side trails today for skate and classic. Open 9 to 5.


More trail reports...

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