Skip navigation
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!

More News...

www.northboundoutfittersmi.com/xc-ski.html

UPCOMING

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...

www.skifastwax.com/

LATEST TRAIL CONDITIONS

SAT, JAN 24

Big M: All the XC ski trails were groomed today Jan. 24th. There are many droopy, snowy trees but we cleared the worst of those today. The trails are ready for a couple nice days coming up. Also, the hiking/snowshoeing trails, Cappers Peak and the Vista trail, were groomed by the fat bike grooming crew today. These trails start behind the lodge. The Vista trail (~1.5 miles) peels off from the Cappers peak trail and loops around, ending by the kiosk by the parking lot.

Vasa Trail: What a day on the Vasa trail. This is the 3rd time they used the piston bully this week and each time it was getting better and better. We don't have the smooth surface a lot of ski venues have so we need to rely on more snow that eventually flattens the surface. Today course was absolutely the best ever. I classic skied and the tracks were in a perfect position with lots of room on the edges and yet enough skate deck for the skaters. Skiing in the track was like a luge run and so much fun. I skied with Glenn Goodman and Eric Parrot and we skied the entire loop. Snow was so good I was able to ski in track on every hill. Kudo's to the groomers who are now really dialed in on using the piper. The Vasa race is going to be spectacular. If you bailed out of the Noque this weekend, fear not, Vasa race day prediction is a high of 25 with lots of sun and of course fun.

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.

More trail reports...

www.borahteamwear.com/product-category/ski-apparel/
www.concept2.com/skierg/concept2-skierg?utm_source=nsr&utm_medium=display&utm_campaign=se&utm_content=se-2018


Privacy Notice