Mon, Dec 15: Crystal Mountain (Thompsonville)
We were blessed with about 10 inches of snow over the weekend which is a good thing except now the skating lanes are soft again. I got everything groomed and trackset but it was so windy a lot of spots got drifted over. This new snow will help us get through the predicted warm up and rain on Thursday. I will regroom everything again tomorrow. Did I mention that we widened all the hills? They should be better for the skaters and herringboning. We also have some nice retail items in the tent-sweaters, hats, gloves etc. Come check it out.
- kathloon
Mon, Dec 15: Dunes Golf Club (Empire)
Fantastic classic conditions continue. It is a great that there is plowed at the entrance!
To really get out of the gusty winds the back half that is not visable from the road is fairly protected the way that the fairways situated.
Wilderness skiing on a mowed base.
still no charge or park pass
4mi east of empire on m-72 (the original m-22 bypass)
- Kevinski slowski
Mon, Dec 15: Sleeping Bear Dunes (Empire)
Finally the friends group started posting trail/grooming on their website only, sbht winter page is where you can find semi current trail conditions.
Grooming is on Fridays only on the heritage trail as per friends group which is better knowing when to expect this activity. They also groom Palmer woods mid week. If you look Palmer woods shows up with Palmer woods ski trail report.
Both areas have had decent snows with Palmer woods winning on depth. For years I have tried the group post o NCR but no luck.
That said , Friday's groom lasted through today, monday. Strider tracks were nice while the narrow skate deck was doable but has the same challenges.
Too bad the weather forecast has not been positive and we'll see what develops of course. This is the best for early December ever and hopefully nature will repair this.
Sign up for e-mails from the friends site
- Kevinski slowski
Mon, Dec 15: Michaywe (Gaylord)
Received a dusting of snow overnight. Groomed skate lanes and set track on the lake loop, maple ridge, herringbone, the river trail, and the front 9 loop. Conditions continue to remain good.
- Michael Normand
Mon, Dec 15: Cross Country Ski Headquarters (Higgins Lake)
We received 1-2 of inches of snow last night. All trails have firm, deep classic tracks and snow-combed skate lanes. Prime conditions prevail! The Stone Turtle Cafe is open for lunch, snacks, and beverages.
- George, Mariah, Stu, Erin, Missy, Krista, Alex & the HQ crew
Mon, Dec 15: Hanson Hills (Grayling)
A light dusting of snow overnight was just what the trails needed. Conditions are dialed in, so we’re giving them the respect they deserve and keeping the big machine off for now.
Groomer Dan is out exploring and breaking trail on Wilderness, with hopes of setting fresh tracks.
Lodge & Trails Open at 9am
Smooth skiing, great coverage, and that quiet-up-north magic. Get outside and enjoy it while it’s this good
- Justin Andre
Mon, Dec 15: Forbush Corner (Frederic)
Mid winter conditions continue today at the Corner. No new grooming planned today as trails are in really good shape from efforts over the weekend. Open 9 to 5.
- MDB
Sun, Dec 14: Big M (Cadillac)
All the Big M classic XC ski trails were groomed yesterday. There is plenty of gorgeous snow and the tracks are a little soft, but hopefully they will set up nicely in the next couple of days as we get a break from snowfall.
- Sue Stroope
Sun, Dec 14: Lost Lakes Pathway (Interlochen)
About 15-20 inches of fluffy snow on this state forest pathway, with ~6" that fell earlier Sunday. This is a make-you-own-classic-tracks trail, but all three loops had been skied-in by others Sunday afternoon. We like to use our EVO fish-scale classic skis here, but other use narrower/faster skis.
- Paula H Dreeszen
Sun, Dec 14: Nubs Nob (Harbor Springs)
Seriously great grooming and firm snow depth on Nubs upper Red & Blue loops . I wished I had LF6 instead of my LF7 as the temps were in the low teens : but it was a delightful ski in the sunshine .
- SteeIggs
Sun, Dec 14: Forbush Corner (Frederic)
11° and partly sunny skies with a mild wind at 11:30. Given recent frigid temps, I switched to Rossignol XIUM C2 skis with 2 layers of Toko base grip and 2 layers Swix special green. This proved to be a perfect choice for the freshly groomed Pines Loop, West side 8-11 and hilly trails. Very minimal dry fresh snow blown into the track on a couple open spots on Pines. Especially lovely was section B-C where the terrain and scenery reminded me of Hakon Lien at Stokely. Temps rose to 14° by 230 and skies cleared, snow melt falling off the roof of the yurt. A great 9.7 miles (15.6km)
- Mary McKinley
Sun, Dec 14: Hanson Hills (Grayling)
Lodge and Trails open 9am.
Groomer Dan is out combing Red first thing this morning then cleaning up Yellow, Brown, Blue and M-93 Hills.
Note on Wilderness:
Wilderness has not been groomed and does not have tracks at this time while our grooming snowmobile is in the shop. Still wild, still beautiful—just not freshly set.
- Justin Andre
Sun, Dec 14: Cross Country Ski Headquarters (Higgins Lake)
Groomer Butch is out grooming the trails, and after 1-2" of fresh snow last night, the trails should be heavenly. The sun is shining and the temps will be a bit warmer today, so get out there and get after it! We have about 5-8" of packed snow on the trails, and 12-15" in the woods.
- XCSKIHQ
Sun, Dec 14: Forbush Corner (Frederic)
The fall cold and snow and consistent grooming are creating a solid trail system for winter. Pines connector and loop will get a fresh grooming this morning with additional trails on east and west, groomers choice. Check out Nordic Pulse on our website for the latest. Thanks to all the racers for participating in yesterday’s opener!
- MDB
Sun, Dec 14: Forbush Corner (Frederic)
The fall cold and snow and consistent grooming are creating a solid trail system for winter. Pines connector and loop will get a fresh grooming this morning with additional trails on east and west, groomers choice. Check out Nordic Pulse on our website for the latest. Thanks to all the racers for participating in yesterday’s opener!
- MDB
Sat, Dec 13: Forbush Corner (Frederic)
Welcome to race day at Forbush! Racing will be on the east side trails from 10 am to 11 am. Trails on the west side will be available to non-racers. When parking, please be efficient. Grooming will be done as needed.
- MDB
Sat, Dec 13: Forbush Corner (Frederic)
11° F and moderate breeze at 10:30 AM, strong wind by noon. Fresh groom on the west side trails, racers on the east. I started on Green Trail, beautifully groomed, deep firm tracks, Swix purple grip/Rex Blue glide from yesterday working great. So, I crossed parking and skied to Pancake. Beautiful fresh track and skate lane on the west side trail. After blustery exposure on the highway trail, I skied loop 8-11, then crossed over to A, made 1st tracks to D, then returned, with wind blowing me on the uphills. Back on the West, deadman drop, TJ’s, interval Hill and hammerhead were great fun in the tracks. By the time I crossed back into the East, snow squalls and wind were filling the tracks. I had to ski the snow off the kick zone in crybaby and roller coaster. Tracks at the bottom of roller coaster were completely filled with snow and it was so blustery at the intersection with Badlands. I made a beeline to lil coaster to get out of the wind and did a portion of that until it intersected with Linda’s link and back to the lodge. Overall, a wonderful 11.3 mile (18.8km) ski.
- Mary McKinley
Sat, Dec 13: Forbush Corner (Frederic)
First race of the season at Forbush was a real winner ! Wonderful fresh snow, some wind but not excessive. New course included some of cry baby backwards. It was lovely. My prerace jitters were excessive and not merited. It was a perfect for me skating and Gary on classic. I used good old start green for glide and green mix for kick for Gary. Thank you Forbush!!!
- Linda Weeks Kaleita
Sat, Dec 13: Michaywe (Gaylord)
Received another 2 inches of fluffy snow overnight. Skate lanes and classic track have been set on the lake loop, herringbone, the river trail, and both golf course loops. There is some drifting in the open areas, otherwise conditions are good. 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.
- Michael Normand
Sat, Dec 13: Boyne Mountain (Boyne Falls)
Groomed lower trails yesterday. This morning we have 4" of new fluff! Skiing is quite good--it's nice to be in the woods and out of the wind!
Vistas has not been groomed yet, but is marked.
Upper trails don't have enough snow for the big groomer yet.
- Anne
Sat, Dec 13: Cross Country Ski Headquarters (Higgins Lake)
Groomer Mike set fresh tracks last night so they could firm up in the cold temps, and snowcombed the skate lanes this morning and the conditions are excellent! We have about 5-8" of packed snow on the trails, and 12-15" in the woods.
- XCSKIHQ
Sat, Dec 13: Hanson Hills (Grayling)
Mother Nature sprinkled about an inch of fresh fluff overnight, and Groomer Dan wasted no time firing up the Pisten Bully this morning. He’s out combing skate lanes on Blue, Brown, Yellow, and the M-93 Hills, leaving things smooth, fast, and very ski-worthy.
Trail conditions: excellent.
Classic tracks: holding beautifully and skiing even better.
Note on Wilderness:
Wilderness has not been groomed and does not have tracks at this time while our grooming snowmobile is in the shop. Still wild, still beautiful—just not freshly set.
Grab your skis, enjoy the fresh fluff, and thank Dan when you see those perfect lines out there. Winter is doing its thing.
- Justin Andre
Sat, Dec 13: Forbush Corner (Frederic)
Welcome to race day at Forbush! Racing will be on the east side trails from 10 am to 11 am. Trails on the west side will be available to non-racers. When parking, please be efficient. Grooming will be done as needed.
- MDB
Fri, Dec 12: Crystal Mountain (Thompsonville)
Plenty of snow at Crystal Mountain. Excellent classic tracks, very good skate lane that was a bit soft in places.
- Paula Dreeszen
Fri, Dec 12: Big M (Cadillac)
About 6? of fresh snow fell Thursday night. The following trails were groomed Thursday evening: Corkpine, most of Lumberjack, most of Camp 24, Big Wheel, Double Bit, Ryberg Rd and Catamount.
The plan is to groom all of the trails again on Friday or Saturday, so conditions should be excellent for when most people can get to Big M!
- Big M Trails
Fri, Dec 12: Corsair Ski Trails (East Tawas)
And a new ski season begins! Corsair Trail Council groomers, Dan and Karl, have been working long hours the past few days. They’ve been packing, grading snow and setting tracks on the Corsair and Silver Valley trail sections. The Wright’s Lake section is packed and graded. Skiers were enjoying the freshly groomed tracks this afternoon, taking advantage of the early season snowfall and good trail conditions,
- Corsair Ski Trails
Fri, Dec 12: Cross Country Ski Headquarters (Higgins Lake)
After yesterday's snow, the trails are in superb shape! Classic tracks are set and skating lanes are combed and gorgeous. Looks like a great weekend of skiing! We have about 5-8" of packed snow on the trails, and 12-15" in the woods.
- XCSKIHQ
Fri, Dec 12: Hanson Hills (Grayling)
Today is one of those winter days at Hanson Hills. The snow is just right, the skiing is smooth and fast (if you are waxed correctly), and the views through the hardwood forest are absolutely beautiful—quiet, snowy, and pure Northern Michigan magic.
Trail Report:
Groomer Dan is out this morning on the main trail system, combing skate lanes to keep conditions dialed in.
Freshly reset classic tracks (set yesterday) on:
• Green
• Blue
• Brown
• Yellow
• Easy Return
Wilderness grooming is temporarily paused while our grooming snowmobile is in for repairs—but the rest of the trail system is skiing great and ready for adventure.
Lodge & Trails Open at 9am
Trail passes available in the lodge
If you’ve been waiting for a perfect day to get out and ski… today is it.
- Justin Andre
Fri, Dec 12: Forbush Corner (Frederic)
Wow! Looks like are headed north of 100 racers for tomorrow’s Forbush Corner Nordic Opener. Course is set and has been shared on our Facebook page. Larry has finished up moving and tilling the snow made last weekend on the 240 loop and Ridge. The Pines connector and loop will get a fresh groom today, as well as some of the east and west side trails. Check Nordic Pulse on our website for current conditions.
- MDB
Thu, Dec 11: Ogemaw Hills Pathway (West Branch)
Trails were freshly groomed today by Brian! Randy Gary and I tested them out and conditions are great!
- Ogemaw Hills
Thu, Dec 11: Vasa Trail (Traverse City)
Today's previous reports filled you in on how good the Classic Skiing was on the Vasa today, so I'll just comment on the skating. "Best conditions of the season so far!" It's not just me saying that, but also the half dozen skiers I chatted with around the 10K loop said the exact same thing. The entire trail system was groomed this morning with maybe an inch of fresh snow on top of the skate deck after it was groomed. That extra ungroomed snow imparted a buttery smooth under-ski feel like it was some sort of speed-butter as skating was easier and faster than average using vintage SkiGo Blue. Nice thick deck in most areas with well over a foot of snow in the woods.
- Jim Datsko
Thu, Dec 11: Nubs Nob (Harbor Springs)
Lots of snow ! Yesterday’s big groomer provided a firm flat skate deck . Today nature provided about 2 inches of fluff . Has to push a little bit , but it was very nice - and the sun came out . LF 7
- Steve Biggs
Thu, Dec 11: Vasa Trail (Traverse City)
Wow, the TART groomers did a great job making fresh classic tracks with the snowmobiles this morning. The fresh powder wasn’t fast but only a few leaves & complete coverage, except at the bridge. I rarely start at the Bartlett trailhead, except when skiing Headwaters, then skied the 10k backwards. I was in skier heaven on my skins & mild 20 temps!
- Sara C
Thu, Dec 11: Vasa Trail (Traverse City)
The trail had a fresh groom and was done in the section I skied at 9:45. Left from the Supply Road parking lot and skied out/back to the 2nd Jack Pine entrance. trail is in great shape. I peeked at Timber Ridge. They are only groomed on the "straight out from the lodge to VASA" section. No other grooming in the park.
- Jody
Thu, Dec 11: Vasa Trail (Traverse City)
- Jody
Thu, Dec 11: Michaywe (Gaylord)
Refreshed skate lanes and reset track on the lake loop and both golf course loops. Conditions are good.
- Michael Normand
Thu, Dec 11: Cross Country Ski Headquarters (Higgins Lake)
Tracks were set yesterday, and after 2-3 more inches last night, we'll set tracks again this morning. It is absolutely gorgeous out there! We'll be snowcombing the fresh powder this morning and it should be heavenly today and through the weekend. We have about 5-8" of packed snow on the trails, and 12-15" in the woods.
- XCSKIHQ
Thu, Dec 11: Hanson Hills (Grayling)
Lodge and Trails open 9am.
Another 1+ inches of snow. Groomer Dan is out Combing skate lanes and setting fresh tracks on the Inner Trails (Green, Blue, Brown,Yellow, Easy Return)
- Justin Andre
Thu, Dec 11: Forbush Corner (Frederic)
No lack of snow over the last few days and more to come. Most of the East side trails will be groomed today. Open 9 to 5.
If you need to wax your skis we added a wax room over the summer!
- MDB
Wed, Dec 10: Nubs Nob (Harbor Springs)
Perfect grooming with the big groomer, trail was excellent on upper red loop. Perfect temperature, fast snow.Have to enter the trail from Valley road.
- Scott Hotchkiss
Wed, Dec 10: Big M (Cadillac)
About 6? of fresh snow fell last night. The following trails were groomed this evening: Corkpine, most of Lumberjack, most of Camp 24, Big Wheel, Double Bit, Ryberg Rd and Catamount.
The plan is to groom all of the trails again on Friday or Saturday, so conditions should be excellent for when most people can get to Big M!
- Sue Stroope
Wed, Dec 10: Nubs Nob (Harbor Springs)
Nubs Nob has nailed it today ! A flat firm skate deck and classic track have fresh snow groomed thru the upper trails . LF 7 was the skate perfect wax. . Great depth and coverage . The ice storm clearance is impressive .
- Steve Biggs
Wed, Dec 10: Michaywe (Gaylord)
Received 2-3 inches of snow last couple days. All trails were groomed and track set today. Conditions are good with just a little drifting in the open areas, mainly on the golf courses.
- Michael Normand
Wed, Dec 10: Cross Country Ski Headquarters (Higgins Lake)
We received about 3' more inches last night and it's still snowing as we speak. Groomer Mike rolled everything this morning and is now out snowcombing and setting classic tracks. Hallelujah!! The trails are looking picturesque, we have about 4-7" of packed snow on the trails, and 10-14" in the woods.
- XCSKIHQ
Wed, Dec 10: Hanson Hills (Grayling)
Lodge Closure Notice
Consumers Power and our local electricians will be updating the electrical service to our Main Lodge today. This upgrade requires a full power shut-off for most of the day, which means no lights, no heat, and no water in the building.
Because of this, the Lodge and Offices will be closed today.
The good news: Our Trails remain open for use, and the DHHS Family Christmas Giving Donation Drop-Off will still be available as planned.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we complete these important improvements. Stay warm and enjoy the trails!
Trail Report: 1/2inch of new snow overnight. Groomer Dan will be combing and resetting tracks on Green, Blue, Brown, M-93.
- Justin Andre
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