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!
RESULTS: Mandy Paull and Jorden Wakeley win Cote Dame Marie
1/21/2024 - By Mike Muha
It was around 6F at the start of the 2024 Cote Dame Marie at Hanson Hills Recreation Area in Grayling, MI, but the trail was firm and fast...for cold snow
Looking for help with US Biathlon Paralympic skier
1/19/2024 - By Jim Szczygiel
I am looking for one other volunteer who could function as a guide or as a movement analysis and XC technique instructor to join us because, when I am guiding John, I cannot help him improve his technique.
Team NordicSkiRacer takes early lead in the Brumbaugh Cup
1/19/2024 - By Ernie Brumbaugh
Team NordicSkiRacer tops the Brumbaugh Cup at the Frosty Freestyle, then extends lead at the Krazy Klassic.
Vasa-Raptors Tuesday race series open to all
1/19/2024 - By Ethan Goss
This is an opportunity for skiers of all abilities in our community to get together for some healthy competition. This event is put on by the Vasa-Raptors team, but everyone is encouraged to participate!
Cote Dame Marie and Boyne Classic wax recommendations!
1/18/2024 - By Mike Muha
Wax recommendations for this weekend's Cote Dame Marie and Boyne Classic Michigan Cup races!
The VASA is all systems go!
1/17/2024 - By North American Vasa
The 48th Annual North American Vasa Festival of Races is on schedule for February 10-11th at Timber Ridge Resort. Many skiers were on the Vasa trail this past weekend and have reported excellent early season ski conditions.
Results: Parrott, Rand, and Thompson win during Frosty Fest Weekend
1/16/2024 - By Mike Muha
It was another miracle at Huron Meadows Metropark: There was no snow...and then there was. But a winter storm arrived just in the nick of time.
New guidance from Toko on how to use and apply waxes
1/11/2024 - By Ian Harvey, with Mike Muha
Toko made a number of changes this season around what waxes to use when. Here's Ian's guidance, followed by questions the use Toko's Liquid Paraffins, Ian's response, a new guidance on applying Toko's Liquid Paraffins.
Wax recommendations for Frosty Freestyle and Krazy Klassic
1/11/2024 - By Mike Muha
Wax recommendations for the this weekend's Michigan Cup races! The Frosty Freestyle and Krazy Klassic will officially open this year's Michigan Cup!
Crazy, Hard, and Worth It
1/3/2024 - By Mariah Frye Colie
Relive the extraordinary 2023 White Pine Stampede, a race no one will every forget!
Midwest Nordic Rendezvous moves to Forbush Corner
12/31/2023 - By Amy Powell
The skier clinics and PSIA workshops have been moved to Forbush Corner to take advantage of Forbush's snowmaking.
Raffle Fundraiser for Sarah and Reid Goble
12/22/2023 - By James Pryor Jr.
Forbush Corner Nordic has organized a raffle fundraiser to engage the Michigan skiing community to support Sarah and Reid and help them reach their goals. Several of our ski shops, businesses and suppliers have generously donated over $4,000 in prizes!
UPCOMING
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
TUE, FEB 17
Black Mountain: Black Mountain Ski Race Weekend is almost here!!!! Plenty of snow at Black Mountain and a new 25km distance for the Classic race on 2/28. There will also be a 10km option. The Sunday Freestyle Race will be held on a new course utilizing the Presque Isle side of the system with no road crossings. Registration is on Runsignup.com and closes at 10 pm on 2/27. See you there.
Nubs Nob: Outstanding today - perfect groom over 28” hardpack , blue sky , sweet spot timing between 10:30 and 12:30 - simply wonderful!
Cross Country Ski Headquarters: We groomed the practice field today, but left the main network alone so as not to do any damage with the warmer temps. Skate deck is still firm and very skiable, classic tracks are a bit glazed over in many spots, with a few good sections still out there. There is some mixed precipitation forecast for tonight and depending on which way the temperatures swing, we will certainly have some kind of news tomorrow! If we get snow, and the trails firm up, we will groom, if we get rain and the trails get mushy, we will not groom. Only time will tell.
Hanson Hills: Update:
Yellow, Brown, Blue, M-93 and Easy Return received fresh grooming. New tracks on Yellow, Brown, M-93 and Easy Return.
Hiawatha Highlands: Good Morning Everyone!! It's going to be another warm day.....temperature already sitting at -2 C.
The groomer was out this morning -- The complete Pinder system and the 2k Lighted were Piston Bully groomed for both classic and skate. The skate lanes were freshened up on the Crystal system with the Ginzu.
We hope everyone has a fantastic day!!
Hanson Hills: TUESDAY UPDATE — FEBRUARY 17, 2026
?? Nordic Trail Update:
?? Lodge and trails open at 9:00 AM
Trails are firm and fast this morning. Blue and M-93 received a fresh groom first thing and are skiing great to start the day.
Groomer Justin had to step away for a 9:00 AM meeting but will be back out shortly to continue grooming operations.
A beautiful day to get out and glide—see you on the trails! ??
Dunes Golf Club: Holy wah!
Crust alert! Now till daily warm up, short lived due to a wet forcast.
Not to worry the slab is here till final spring showers rains it out.
Of course sun up is the time to be on it, mornings are always best of course.
What a way to celebrate the winter.
No need for e-skimo skis here minimal friction and hyper glides.
Plowed parking as always.
No fees as always
4 mi east of empire on m-72
2nd highest elevation in leelanau county
MON, FEB 16
Huron Meadows Metropark: Classic skied from 12 to 2. Decent donditions with good tracks. Areas in shade were really good and sunny spots were slower. Still nice to get out and do somethng. Connector still there for now.
Hopefully traiil in the woods makes it through the next few warm days. Maybe we get another week or so iin woods with no connector if all goes well.
Thanks for doing what you guys do to keep us going in trying weather conditios.
Cross Country Ski Headquarters: What a fantastic weekend, with the excellent skiing and sunny skies! While the base is still very strong, the warmth and sun have created slickness in the classic tracks. The skating lanes have been snowcombed this morning, and the hard pack is softening up as the sun climbs higher. Peak conditions will be when the snow has softened but not started to melt, probably between 11-2 today.
Hanson Hills: Lodge and trails open at 9:00 AM.
Groomer Dan is out this morning laying fresh corduroy on Red, Yellow, Brown, Blue, and M-93.
Forbush Corner: Trails are holding up very well in spite of the recent warmup. Grooming will be limited today to preserve the base. Open 9 to 5.
SUN, FEB 15
Maybury State Park: Perfect day to use your B skis. The base at Maybury is still pretty solid and was very icy this morning. I’m guessing will be slushy this afternoon. Most of the tracks are decent except that people have walked on them and the sun doesn’t help. I saw one other skier out there this morning. Enjoy the natural snow while you can!
Vasa Trail: Absolutely gorgeous morning and amazing grooming. The snow that was compacted and icy from yesterday’s warm up was transformed into perfect conditions for skating. Tracks looked great as well for striding. Should be great another great day for the Vasa races.
Cross Country Ski Headquarters: Groomer Mike is out snowcombing the skate lanes, and the tracks are still mostly in good shape, albeit a little glazed over here and there. Should be a fun day for getting out in the winter woods!
Hanson Hills: Lodge and Trails open 9am
Groomer Dan is out this morning laying fresh corduroy on Red, Yellow, Brown, Blue, and M-93, keeping the trail system in great shape.
Vasa Trail: Best ever Vasa trail for North American Vasa race
More trail reports...
