No surprise here: You get the members of the team out to race, you have some good results, and you win the overall Michigan Cup...again! Congratulations to the Cross Country Ski Headquarters!
Ernie and I agreed to start and finish the 2026 Korteloppet together as our first XC ski race skiing together in our 45 years of racing.
Wax recommendations for this weekend's Muffin Race at the Cross Country Ski Headquarters.
This morning would be the 50th edition of the White Pine Stampede, one of the oldest cross country ski marathons in North America. For decades the race has started in my home town of Mancelona, MI. It is a true cross country race because you actually ski, well, cross country.
After the warm up this week, it looks like we will possibly get some more snow later this week, so count on solid, fast conditions.
Weston Willoughby and Rebecca Davis were the top seniors. Bode Dykstra and Lindsay Smith won the junior titles.
In celebration of its 50th anniversary, the North American Vasa brought back the 50k Freestyle and 50k Classic. In a salute to her father - co-race director Ken Dawson - Natalie Dawson won the women's 50k in 2:42:36.
With four races left, two each at the Vasa and Black Mountain, HHCCSS has a 132-point lead over Team NordicSkiRacer.
The Cross Country Ski Headquarters has a commanding lead over all the other teams with 19,801 points. Over 3,00 points behind in second place is Team NordicSkiRacer, with Grand Rapids Nordic sitting on their tail with 15,075 points.
Toko and Rex wax recommendations for the 2026 North American Vasa.
Sophia Tsu Velicer, representing Chinese Taipei, just finished 52nd in the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympic Winter Games.
It was a Hanson Hills / Cross Country Ski Shop day, with the team taking both wins and 4 of the 6 podium spots.
Hanson Hills / Cross Country Ski Shop skiers Kaitlyn Vanias and Jorden Wakely took the top spots in the 40km White Pine Stampede.
2026 Cross Country Junior National Championships - Classic Sprint
American Birkebeiner Trailhead, Cable, WI
2026 Cross Country Junior National Championships - 14.6/11.3/8K Classic Mass Start
American Birkebeiner Trailhead, Cable, WI
2026 Cross Country Junior National Championships - 4-Person Mixed Gender Freestyle Relay
American Birkebeiner Trailhead, Cable, WI
Forbush Corner: Looks like the warmer weather is going to retreat to wherever it came from and let colder weather and a good chance of measurable snow return. We are watching the weather forecasts just like you. A recon of the east, west and south trails today looks promising for really good skiing if we get the snow predicted this Friday and Sunday. There is adequate base, but there are a few places where dirt is showing, some icy spots and debris from the wind storms this winter is mixed in. So here is what we are planning:
Thursday and Friday: Man-made snow loops groomed for skate and setting fresh classic tracks. Total of 3.3k.
Saturday: We are hopeful that the predicted winter storm will drop enough snow to groom more trails in addition to the man-made loops. We will also be celebrating Founders Day (Dave Forbush’s birthday). We will have hot dogs, chips, cookies, baked beans, bean burgers, beverages, etc. If you want, bring a dish to pass.
Sunday: We could be skiing in a winter storm.
Monday: Should be winter like. Maybe a full system groom?
We will make a call on Monday about being open for the rest of the week.