Team NordicSkiRacer Sarah Newmister leads a train in Sunday's Krazy Klassic. Sarah took first in the 40-49 age class! (Photo by Rachel Rosenbaum).
RESULTS: Forbush Time Trial victories for Jorden Wakeley and Kaitlyn Vanias
12/16/2024 - By Mike Muha
Congratulations to Jorden Wakeley and Kaitlyn Vanias for taking the wins at the Forbush Time Trial! Jorden, you skied the course in 15 minutes flat! WOW! Kaitlyn: 17:25 and just beating Erica Ohearn and all but 14 of the men in a strong field? WOW!
Wax recommendations! Let the ski racing season begin!
12/12/2024 - By Mike Muha
Wax recommendations for the this weekend's races! (Hey Swix, FastWax, Rex, Rode, Solda...how about some recommendations....)
PSIA (Professional Ski Instructor Association) Clinics for 2025
11/27/2024 - By Amy Powell
PSIA has a clinic for everyone! It will equip you with the resources and knowledge to enhance your personal skiing and teaching skills.
Vasa honors skiers who have completed 30 or more Vasa races
11/18/2024 - By Ken Dawson
New this year, the North American Vasa will honor the tradition of the 49th annual NAV race by giving special recognition to the skiers that have completed 30 or more Vasa races.
High School Nordic Race Ski Equipment Rental Program
11/17/2024 - By Mariah Frye
Cross Country Ski Headquarters (XC Ski HQ) will offer a cross country ski equipment season rental program to junior racers this season.
Toko Nordic Fixation Options
11/4/2024 - By Ian Harvey
It’s time to think about setting up your ski and snowboard preparation area. Here are our options regarding tables and vises.
Happy 50th, Cross Country Ski Headquaters!
11/1/2024 - By Cross Country Ski Headquaters
Cross Country Ski Headquarters has been a beacon of authentic, outdoor experiences for half a century.
Toko news and musings
10/31/2024 - By Ian Harvey
New logo, US Ski Team visit, Ben Ogden, planned wax clinics for the West Yellowstone Ski Festival, and Team Birkie!
2024-2025 Michigan Cup race calendar
10/17/2024 - By Mike Muha
The schedule is nearly identical as last season's, with twenty-one races. The only change is the loss of the Lakes of the North Freestyle
The Vasa Tradition continues in 2025
10/16/2024 - By Gretchen Carr
We have partnered with Traverse City Parks and Recreation to add a backup site at Hickory Hills which has snow-making ability.
Sten Fjelheim inducted into the Northern Michigan University Hall of Fame
9/17/2024 - By Mike Muha
The legendary Sten Fjeldheim will be inducted into the Northern Michigan University Hall of Fame on September, 20, 2024. Of the 73 Hall of Famers, Fjeldheim is the first to represent Nordic skiing.
Andy Liebner's Homer Epic 100k ski adventure
9/16/2024 - By Mike Muha
Andy Liebner created a mini-documentary about growing up in Alaska and competing in the 2024 Homer Epic 100k cross country ski race. The 100k route climbed 6,194 feet.
UPCOMING
TUE, JAN 21, 2025
Vasa Ski Club Raptors Tuesday Night Race Series
Hickory Hills Recreation Area, 2000 Randolph Street, Traverse City, MI 49684
WED, JAN 22, 2025
RESCHEDULED! BARC Learn to Ski
Huron Meadows Metropark, 8765 Hammel Rd, Brighton, MI 48116
FRI, JAN 24, 2025
CANCELLED: Noquemanon Ski Marathon: Junior and Adaptive Races
Al Quaal Recreation Area, Ishpeming, MI
SAT, JAN 25, 2025
CANCELLED:Noquemanon Ski Marathon
Al Quaal Recreation Area (Ishpeming, MI) and NTN 510 trailhead
CXC Jr. Cup / Great Lakes Division - Freestyle Sprint
Minneapolis, MN -- The Trailhead, Loppet
Camp NordicSkiRacer - Skate Technique
Huron Meadows Metropark, 8765 Hammel Rd, Brighton, MI 48116
XC Ski HQ: Free Beginner Ski Lesson
Cross Country Ski Headquarters, 9435 N Cut Rd, Roscommon, MI 48653. 800-832-2663, [email protected], CrossCountrySki.com
XC Ski HQ: Bavarian Ski Festival
Cross Country Ski Headquarters, 9435 N Cut Rd, Roscommon, MI 48653. 800-832-2663, [email protected], CrossCountrySki.com
Lantern-lit Trail
Fayette Historic State Park, 13700 13.25 Lane, Garden, Michigan, 49835
SUN, JAN 26, 2025
CXC Jr. Cup / Great Lakes Division - Freestyle Mass Start
Minneapolis, MN -- The Trailhead, Loppet
Boyne Mountain Classic 10k
Boyne Mountain, Boyne Falls, MI
Beach Nuts Junior Nordic Race
Nubs Knob, Harbor Springs
Camp NordicSkiRacer - Classic Technique
Huron Meadows Metropark, 8765 Hammel Rd, Brighton, MI 48116
XC Ski HQ: Learn to Skate Ski Clinic
Cross Country Ski Headquarters, 9435 N Cut Rd, Roscommon, MI 48653. 800-832-2663, [email protected], CrossCountrySki.com
XC Ski HQ: Eric McDonald Live
Cross Country Ski Headquarters, 9435 N Cut Rd, Roscommon, MI 48653. 800-832-2663, [email protected], CrossCountrySki.com
TUE, JAN 28, 2025
Vasa Ski Club Raptors Tuesday Night Race Series
Hickory Hills Recreation Area, 2000 Randolph Street, Traverse City, MI 49684
WED, JAN 29, 2025
BARC Learn to Ski
Huron Meadows Metropark, 8765 Hammel Rd, Brighton, MI 48116
FRI, JAN 31, 2025
XC Ski HQ: Winter Feast
Cross Country Ski Headquarters, 9435 N Cut Rd, Roscommon, MI 48653. 800-832-2663, [email protected], CrossCountrySki.com
SAT, FEB 1, 2025
White Pine Stampede
Mancelona, MI
XC Ski HQ: Free Beginner Ski Lesson
Cross Country Ski Headquarters, 9435 N Cut Rd, Roscommon, MI 48653. 800-832-2663, [email protected], CrossCountrySki.com
SUN, FEB 2, 2025
Team NordicSkiRacer Junior Ski
Huron Meadows Metropark, 8765 Hammel Rd, Brighton, MI 48116
Forbush Corner Memorial Classic Race
Forbush Corner, 4971 W Co Rd 612, Frederic, MI 49733
Valley Spur Classic 10km
Valley Spur, e8238 M-94, Munising, MI 49862
XC Ski HQ: Paella on the Sun Deck
Cross Country Ski Headquarters, 9435 N Cut Rd, Roscommon, MI 48653. 800-832-2663, [email protected], CrossCountrySki.com
XC Ski HQ: Live Music with Kat and Wil
Cross Country Ski Headquarters, 9435 N Cut Rd, Roscommon, MI 48653. 800-832-2663, [email protected], CrossCountrySki.com
TUE, FEB 4, 2025
Vasa Ski Club Raptors Tuesday Night Race Series
Hickory Hills Recreation Area, 2000 Randolph Street, Traverse City, MI 49684
WED, FEB 5, 2025
BARC Learn to Ski
Huron Meadows Metropark, 8765 Hammel Rd, Brighton, MI 48116
More events...
LATEST TRAIL CONDITIONS
TUE, JAN 21
Huron Meadows Metropark: Another good day out skating. Skate lane and tracks in good condition. A little slower due to frigid temperatures. Sounds like skiing on styrofoam. Tracks blown in on connector, but good in the woods.
Michaywe: Received about 2 inches overnight. Reset track on the lake loop, herringbone, the river trail, and the front 9 loop. The golf course and other open areas are seeing some drifting otherwise trails are in good condition.
Cross Country Ski Headquarters: The trails are open today, and were groomed yesterday. We will not be grooming this morning, but you are welcome to ski and warm up inside by the fire with hot food and drink!
MON, JAN 20
Huron Meadows Metropark: Very nice grooming on Buck’s Run. Classic tracks were deep and firm, although the wind had blown in some debris (oak leaves, pine needles, a few twigs). Still, great gliding on VR30 and some other prior waxes. Tracks were fast despite the extreme cold temps. The skating lane looked nice, it’s wide with just a slight ridge.
Unlisted trail: LHHT northbound from Hwy. 31. Two feet of snow in the Laurel Highlands. 1’ of cold, champagne powder on top of a denser layer. It’s deep!
Pigeon Creek: Frigid morning skate on a couple inches of fluffy lake effect snow. No groomers today on the MLK holiday but the skate track was still skiable. Classic tracks are still set and in good shape. Be cautious of the wind chills even though the trails are well protected by the trees.
Michaywe: Received a dusting of new snow overnight. Skate lane was groomed and track reset where needed on the lake loop, herringbone, the river trail, and both golf course loops. Conditions are good.
Hanson Hills: We received a dusting of new snow overnight. Groomer Jason will be out combing skate lanes today Green, Blue, Brown, Yellow, Easy Return, and M-93 Hills. Wilderness has tracks.
Lodge and trails open at 9am. Trail Passes required.
Cross Country Ski Headquarters: The trails are open today! The ski surface remains in good shape and will be snowcombed this morning. The classic tracks on Trappers Cabin and the Blizzard trails are still in decent condition, and most other trails have skied-in tracks. Lots of warm clothing on sale and warm things to eat and drink at the Stone Turtle Cafe! Enjoy!
Forbush Corner: Full system groom today to work in and compact the few inches of lake effect snow we received yesterday. Expect subzero windchill. Dress and take the appropriate caution when heading out.
SUN, JAN 19
Huron Meadows Metropark: Skated Bucks Run today mid afternoon.
It was a great day. Lightning fast.
Red Swix wax!
Thank you to the staff. You keep making the best out of whatever nature gives us.
Loop is 2.2km.
Valley Spur: Dr Zhivago conditions with temps in the single digits and a strong NW wind. About 4” of new snow overnight and another 3-4” during the day.
Huron Meadows Metropark: Outstanding conditions for either skate or classic today. No dirt or debris.
Vasa Trail: Skied all the way around the 25k Saturday around 11. Thin in the normal spots. As always, the best snow is out at The Rock. Jack Pine has full coverage, even under the trees. Beautiful day, but the grooming left a LOT to be desired. I know grooming reports in our warming winters are just an airing of grievances and laundry list of complaints, but I skied Hanson Friday which had FAR less snow coverage yet perfect corduroy. The Vasa was kinda sketchy yesterday? When I got the grooming report email I was excited to get out there—but then it was uneven, bumpy, and felt like it hadn't been groomed in a week. More Metroparks than Northern Michigan's beloved trail system. Also, there were hikers walking up and down the skate deck from the trailhead all the way to The Wall.
Look, we all think we're groomers—and we're not, I'm sure I'd crash the thing right into a tree on Headwaters and everyone would complain about the seam I left down the middle of the skate deck. But it would be nice if the Vasa would tell us WHY they're not using the Pisten Bully (I refuse to call it Piper, it's a piece of machinery) when all the other trail systems with similar snow coverage are.
Hanson Hills: Fresh grooming (Combed and tracked) on Green, Blue, Brown, Yellow, Easy Return, and M-93 Hills. Wilderness has tracks.
Lodge and Trails open at 9am!
Crystal Mountain: For those of you brave enough to endure the cold beware that the Flying Squirrel race is taking place today starting at 12:30 so some of our trails will be closed. There is still plenty of trails you can ski on although they haven't been groomed since Friday as all of our efforts have been given to get the race course ready since the meltdown and hard freeze made those trails treacherous. There is a lot of trail trash from the high winds on Friday too. Call the nordic center for details.
Cross Country Ski Headquarters: Yesterday was a fabulous day of skiing. The trails remain in good shape and will be snowcombed this morning. The classic tracks on Trappers Cabin and the Blizzard trails are still in decent shape, and most other trails have skied-in tracks. It's a winter wonderland out there! Beat the cold... ignite your inner fire on the ski trails, then refuel by the fire with a Fireside Cider and a serving of gourmet mac 'n cheese from the Stone Turtle Cafe!
Forbush Corner: Single digit temps, light winds and just a little fresh snow currently at the Corner. Still a good day to get out and ski. All trails open. Fresh groom on most trails, firm classic tracks throughout. Open 9 to 5.
More trail reports...
