Winter returns for lower Michigan's premier cross country race series

Thu, Jan  11, 2018 - By Epic Races

The return of Michigan winter comes just in time for cross-country ski enthusiasts to gather at Huron Meadows Metropark on Saturday, January 13 and Sunday, January 14 for the Frosty Freestyle and NordicSkiRacer Krazy Klassic Ski Races, presented by Epic Races in partnership with Huron Meadows.

Part of the Michigan Cup Series, two annual Nordic ski events draw hundreds of participants from all around Michigan who come to enjoy groomed trails through scenic wooded parklands. What sets this apart from the other 19 events in the series, is that the snow is guaranteed, thanks to Huron Meadows' snowmaking machines. Whether we get a dusting or 11 inches of snow, there will be snow for cross country skiers this weekend.

"We often hear about ski resorts in Michigan creating snow for downhill skiers," notes Epic Races CEO and founder Eva Solomon. "Very few cross country ski areas make snow, but we are fortunate that Huron Meadows Metropark is one of forty across the country who have made that investment ."

The REI Frosty Freestyle is scheduled for Saturday, January 13, starting at 10:30 a.m. The Frosty Freestyle features two distances, 15K and 5K, ideal for both first-time ski racers and experienced Nordic ski competitors. Participants can use traditional "classic" skiing technique or skating technique -- that's what makes this race "freestyle." There's also a kids’ race for children ages 5 to 11, held at 9:30 a.m., before the two distance events, to make the Frosty Freestyle fun for the whole family! Frosty the Skiing Snowman will be there to ski alongside the kids, race in the 5K, and pose for memorable photos.

The skiing excitement continues on Sunday, January 14, with the NordicSkiRacer.com Krazy Klassic, a cross-country ski race for those who abide by the stride. No skating allowed; this race is classic-ski style only, with a time-trial start. Two distances -- 8K and 12K -- allow skiers to challenge themselves while enjoying the beauty of Huron Meadows' trails.

Both the Frosty Freestyle and the NordicSkiRacer Krazy Klassic are endorsed by the Michigan Governor's Council on Physical Fitness, Health, and Sports and are part of the Pure Michigan FITness Series.

Online registration is open at epicraces.com. There will also be race-day registration at Huron Meadows. The first 250 registrants will receive Frosty Freestyle gloves!

Epic Races is Southeast Michigan's premier multisport race management company. For more details about and to register for the Frosty Freestyle and Krazy Klassic Ski Races, please visit epicraces.com. To learn more about Huron Meadows Metropark, visit http://www.metroparks.com/huron-meadows-metropark.