UPCOMING

FRI, JAN 17, 2025

XC Ski HQ: Silver Streak Week - Seniors ski free!
Cross Country Ski Headquarters, 9435 N Cut Rd, Roscommon, MI 48653. 800-832-2663, [email protected], CrossCountrySki.com

SAT, JAN 18, 2025

CXC Jr. Cup / Great Lakes Division - Classic Individual Start
Rhinelander, WI - Northwoods Nordic Ski Club

Cote Dame Marie
Hanson Hills Recreation Area, Grayling, MI

Winter Trails Day at Timber Ridge Resort
Timber Ridge Resort, 4050 Hammond Road East, Traverse City, MI 49696

XC Ski HQ: Gourmet Lunch at Trapper's Cabin
Cross Country Ski Headquarters, 9435 N Cut Rd, Roscommon, MI 48653. 800-832-2663, [email protected], CrossCountrySki.com

XC Ski HQ: Gourmet Mac ‘n Cheese Bar
Cross Country Ski Headquarters, 9435 N Cut Rd, Roscommon, MI 48653. 800-832-2663, [email protected], CrossCountrySki.com

SUN, JAN 19, 2025

CXC Jr. Cup / Great Lakes Division - Freestyle Individual Start
Rhinelander, WI - Northwoods Nordic Ski Club

Team NordicSkiRacer Junior Ski
Huron Meadows Metropark, 8765 Hammel Rd, Brighton, MI 48116

Flying Squirrel Freestyle Junior Race
Crystal Mountain, 2500 Crystal Mountain Dr., Thompsonville, Michigan 49683

XC Ski HQ: Gourmet Mac ‘n Cheese Bar
Cross Country Ski Headquarters, 9435 N Cut Rd, Roscommon, MI 48653. 800-832-2663, [email protected], CrossCountrySki.com

MON, JAN 20, 2025

XC Ski HQ: Gourmet Mac ‘n Cheese Bar
Cross Country Ski Headquarters, 9435 N Cut Rd, Roscommon, MI 48653. 800-832-2663, [email protected], CrossCountrySki.com

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

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

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

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

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LATEST TRAIL CONDITIONS

FRI, JAN 17

Kensington Metropark: …driving by on the way to Huron Meadows and noticed that the Kensington GC was beautiful groomed corduroy. We decided to ski it for a change from HM. GC was obviously thin, but skiable. Unfortunately they didn’t groom it when it had a chance to set up and gain some durability but instead groomed just before rising temps and sun, so it was disintegrating fast as we skied. Beautiful for a moment but it may not even survive the brief warm up tonight…would have been great if groomed a couple days ago.

Nubs Nob: Friday am groomed upper and lower trails. Plans are to groom Saturday and Sunday. Hero snow, everybody smiling .

Stokely Creek: 30° and 15mph wind, no snow overnight, cloudy skies. Fresh grip with Start terva purple was excellent. I followed newly groomed trail -Peterson to King Mt run- which was a blast flying down primo packed powder tracks. The lower section -under power lines-had mounds of dry snow blowing across the skate lane causing unexpected slow downs on otherwise fast descent. From there, Roth and McGuffin forested trails were a good break from the wind. 16.9 km/ 10.5 miles

Boyne Mountain: We are completely open, including the upper/advanced trails.

Classic tracks are set. Get out and get some!

Hanson Hills: COTE DAME UPDATE:

Dear Skiers,

Unfortunately, we did not receive any new snow overnight. However, the Cote Dame Marie Ski Loppet will proceed with a modified course, and we’re excited to welcome you to race day! Please review the details below carefully.

Registration & Packet Pick-Up
Location: Hanson Hills Recreation Area Lodge
Time: 7:00 AM – 9:30 AM (There will be race day registration)

Wave Start Times
All waves will start promptly at the designated times. Please arrive at the start area early to line up for your wave.

10:00 AM
Michigan Cup Division – Men’s 22KM Skate
Michigan Cup Division – Women’s 11KM Skate

10:03 AM
High School/Juniors Division – Boys & Girls 5KM

10:05 AM
Citizen Division – Men’s 5KM Freestyle
Citizen Division – Women’s 5KM Freestyle
Citizen Division – Men’s 5KM Classic
Citizen Division – Women’s 5KM Classic
Chip Timing
The race will be chip-timed (chip attached to your bib).
Ensure the chip panel is positioned on the front of your bib.
Do not fold or bend the chip.
No need to return the chip after the race.
Course Details
Start Location: Behind the softball field
Finish Line: Base of the ski hill behind the lodge
Course Format: Loop trail

11KM races: 1 lap
22KM race: 1 lap + a climb up the ski hill, reconnecting to the loop for a second lap
Citizen Classic Course: Classic track set for the entire length
Food & First Aid Stations
First Aid & Water: Available at the finish line
Hydration Reminder: Participants are encouraged to bring their own water bottles

Race Results & Protests
Results: Posted periodically at the Hanson Hills Lodge
Protests: Must be submitted to Race Director Justin Andre by 12:30 PM

Awards & Finisher Medals
Finisher Medals will be awarded to all participants at the Finish Line

Post-Race Dining Specials
Celebrate your achievement with great food & drink specials at sponsor locations in downtown Grayling!

GRAYLING RESTAURANT (6 AM – 2 PM)
20% OFF Breakfast or Lunch (Mention “Cote Dame” or show your race glass)

PADDLE HARD BREWING
FREE Pint (Show your finisher medal)
FREE Cheesy Bread with any purchase
Recommended Meal: Artisan Flatbreads

SPIKES KEG ‘O’ NAILS
FREE Pint (Show your finisher medal)
BUY ONE, GET ONE FREE Spike Burger (Coupon in racer packet)
Recommended Meal: World-Famous Spike Burger

CROSS COUNTRY SKI HEADQUARTERS
$5 Meal Deal: Bowl of chili, roll, & beer (Show your finisher medal)
FREE Facilities Pass for a cool-down ski or to demo race equipment

Thank you for being part of the Cote Dame Marie Ski Loppet! We look forward to a great day on the trails.

See you on race day!

Cote Dame Marie Race Team
Hanson Hills Recreation Area

Michaywe: The entire trail system has been combed and track set. Again, conditions are good except for the odd thin spot. Open areas are seeing some drifting with the wind picking up.

Cross Country Ski Headquarters: After a touch of fresh snow last night, the grooming team will be snowcombing all the trails this morning, and the set tracks on the Trappers cabin trail are still in great shape. Manitou has skied-in tracks for almost the whole trail, and as long as tonight doesn't get too warm, we should have a great weekend of skiing.

Forbush Corner: Good day to get out skiing before the rain the really cold weather arrives later in the weekend. All trails open, plenty of coverage. Man made snow trails will get a fresh groom, other trails will be groomers choice. Open 9 to 5.

THU, JAN 16

Valley Spur: JC groomed in another 4” this a.m. on the entire system. Plus we had another 2+ inches drifting in during the day. Classic continues to be Excellent. Skate deck has firmed up after a pass with the heavier tractor yesterday. 13” base with 38” on the level in the woods.
Temps never got above 32F today.

Pigeon Creek: Skated an outside loop on the south trails and the conditions were fine, there have been a lot of skiers due to the nice conditions. After skating I did another loop of classic but missed on my wax a little. The tracks were great but icing over with the higher temperature. There is one short area of track with leaf debris from deer foraging for acorns, nothing serious though. Overall the conditions today were very good. The groomers are doing a great job maintaining the trails!

Stokely Creek: 21° cloudy and light snow, I chose skis with Rode super blue covering Start terva purple rather than ones having Swix special green underneath given prediction for temperatures to warm. Perfect kick and glide behind newly groomed track as well as ones with dusting of snow. North Sayer Lake had 1st tracks of the year with stellar conditions-also Evans Lake and Jackrabbit (to bottom at Tier Lake), Sayer Creek, Cora’s Crossing and Peterson. All fresh packed powder, fast but controlled downhills. 19.5km/12.1 miles

Elk Rapids Golf Course: With all of the heavy snow received lately, I was glad to see that they had re-groomed the course this morning setting fresh classic tracks. It made for nearly effortless kick-and-glide as you could maintain an easy rhythm. There is a rack of free loaner skis, boots, and poles at the NE corner of the parking lot by the clubhouse.

Huron Meadows Metropark: Perfect conditions for skating and classic on Bucks Run. Golf course is not groomed and no info on whether it will be before the weekend.

Vasa Trail: Best snow conditions on the Vasa trail that we had in years. Great coverage in all areas with deep set classic tracks. This years Vasa race will be the best we had in a long time. The entire trail system should be groomed with piston bully and we are confident it will be best groomed trail ever. Don't forget to signup for race at www.vasa.org and make sure to get Community Celebration party ticket. I encourage all the ski tourers out there to signup for the 6k tour on Sunday. A non-competitive but very friendly event, classic or skate. This is Superbowl Sunday and we all know what that could mean. If the Lions are in SB we should all wear something Lions, that would be very cool.

Hanson Hills: Groomer Dan is back out this morning combing in a dusting of snow on all the skate lanes. Tracks are holding up well on Green, Blue, Brown, Yellow, Easy Return.

Cote Dame Update: 1/16
Dear Racers,

I want to sincerely apologize for my confidence in announcing a full-course race yesterday. We are so close! The red trail base is improving, but as much as I want to include this section, it currently has a marginal and bumpy base that I fear would not positively showcase our trail system or our grooming efforts.

Snow is predicted today and tomorrow, and we remain hopeful. However, if we do not receive the necessary 2–3 inches, we will need to adjust the race course accordingly.

We have a solid backup plan in place should the red trail remain unavailable. While this will result in slightly shorter races, it will ensure good to great trail conditions. The adjusted courses will utilize our inner trails, which have been groomed all season and are in prime shape. The approximate distances will be:

22K for MI-Cup Men
11K for MI-Cup Women
5K for Citizens/Juniors
If these adjustments are necessary, we will also modify the starting timeline for all races to safely manage skier flow and prevent two-way collisions.

I will make the official announcement on Friday afternoon, as we are still holding out hope that the predicted snowfall will allow us to proceed with the full course. While there are various ways to extend the race, this adjustment offers the best balance of course quality, fairness, and race integrity for all divisions.

Thank you for your understanding and support. I look forward to seeing you on race day!

Crystal Mountain: Got more snow here than at home. If i were you i would wait until noonish to give us a chance to get everything groomed. I tried skiing this morning and i had to push to get down the hills.

Cross Country Ski Headquarters: All the trails have full coverage and the skiing is fantastic. There are firm classic tracks on Trappers cabin trail, but we need a few more inches to set classic tracks on the remaining trails. The snowcombing on the rest of the trail network has things looking pretty darn dreamy up here in the snowy northern woods.

Forbush Corner: The cold weather and additional snow over the last few days has created the best conditions of the season so far. All trails open, fresh grooming and deep classic tracks for sure. Open 9 to 5.

Crystal Mountain: All the trails were groomed yesterday and are in great shape. Have a good track set but with the daily snowfall the skating lanes are still soft. We got another 2 inches overnight. Tim will be re-grooming again today. We are getting ready for the Flying squirrel race on Sunday so he'll be concentrating on the race course/ We did not trackset any of the blacks. Call for details.

WED, JAN 15

Vasa Trail: Excellent snow finally at the Vasa trail!! I skied everything but the headwaters. Took me way too long but my first foray onto the trail. Sunshine chilly temperatures with fresh snow made shaded area slow for skating. Only thin spot on Anita’s and it is skiable. Jack pine well covered. Transform and fast.

Vasa Trail: Today was a day like John Denver sang about, "Sunshine, on my shoulders, makes me Happy," so we were all happy skiers this afternoon. Adding to the delight was the immaculately groomed skate lane and classic tracks now that the trail has a 6" compacted base in most areas, with 12"+ in the woods. It just keeps getting better and better with overnight LES and morning grooming. The Vasa K Sponsor Signs have now been posted until after the race, so you know who to thank for the fine grooming conditions.

Valley Spur: Full sun with temps rising to mid-teens. JC did a full groom with new tractor. Excellent classic skiing. Solid 13” base with fresh snow on top. Approximately 36” on the level off trail.

Independance Oaks: Blue Skies/Blue Swix. Fresh groom, solid 2" and clean. No tracks but not a problem. Skied Lakeshore and parts of Rockridge and Springlake. I'll be back. Tomorrow.

Milham Park Golf Course: Kalamazoo Milham Park Golf Course Ski Trail was in great shape for skating and classic thanks to a wide, firm base provided by the Kalamazoo Nordic Skiers (KNS). The track was deep, consistent and debris free - suitable for "A skis". Enjoy it while you can and remember to donate via the tube at the driving range pkg lot or website - Well done KNS!

Pigeon Creek: Excellent skiing on a mostly silky trail system. The county has been improving the trails in some areas with widening, some removal of trees and of course it never hurts to have ample snow cover along with cold temps. etc. Surprisingly it was very busy, Bob,,Steve, Peter and I were tired after several laps on each side. Kudos for the newer trails on the north side.

Stoney Creek Metropark: They've finally got enough accumulation to make the golf course skiable. Used waxless rock skis and had a very nice time. Skied some in the woods, flats are doable but wouldn't try any hills, not enough snow yet.

Huron Meadows Metropark: Snow was added today. Trail in excellent condition from the building and back for skating or classic. Break the glass and get your good skis out BIll. Should be good the rest of this week and next with the cold temperatures.
Snow gun was running with a big pile made.
Thanks everyone at Huron Meadows for keeping us going.

Stokely Creek: 16° and 10+mph wind, snow blowing from the trees. Perfect fresh groomed track around Interlochen and Belleau Lake. Swix special green covered with thin layer Rode super blue worked today as well as yesterday when it was 4° cooler. Well over 1.5 ft snow over last 3 days has been groomed in and leveled prior irregularities. Very fast track behind groomer, a bit slower where fresh snow has fallen. No fear staying in track down bigger hills ??

Stokely Creek: Great classic track in the fresh snow all the way around the Hakon Lien trail. Firm and easy to control outta the track for safe down hills and turns.

Michaywe: Received almost 2 more inches since yesterday. Groomed and set fresh track on the lake loop, maple ridge, nordic, the river trail, and herringbone. Freshened up the skate lane on both golf course loops, track just has some fluff. Conditions continue to improve.

Hanson Hills: Fresh snow is falling! Groomer Jason has freshly combed Blue and easy return, and is out on RED leveling the skate deck this morning. Tracks are still set on Green, Blue, Brown and Yellow.
Lodge and trails open at 9am. Trail Passes required

Cross Country Ski Headquarters: Hallelujah! All trails are groomed! Trappers Cabin has classic tracks set as well. It's a winter wonderland out there!

Independance Oaks: Trail was rolled but no classic track set. The trail was in great condition with no bare spots and the signs are up for the skiers! Not sure if the rentals are open yet and the park is only open until 530pm currently.

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