What's new at the Cross Country Ski Headquarters
Fri, Oct 13, 2023 - By Mariah Frye Colie
In a busy world, plan simple, authentic winter fun at Cross Country Ski Headquarters!
Let’s face it: life is busy. Americans of all ages face constant bombardment of information, and schedules have never been fuller. How do we disconnect from this frantic pace of life, and find moments to “just be”?
The crew at Cross Country Ski Headquarters strives to keep things simple. Groomed Nordic ski trails wind through evergreen forests, prolific with birdsong and wild animal sightings, offering a balm for the mind, body and spirit. Two wood-burning fires provide warmth for the indoor space, and offer a peaceful, primal, at-home feeling for its guests. The very sport of cross country skiing requires no batteries, fuel or electricity; it is an unplugged, human-powered activity, perfectly designed to produce stress-relieving, mood-improving endorphins. In a world where screens ceaselessly vie for our attention, Cross Country Ski Headquarters is a place of real, authentic human interaction; you’ll find folks of all ages engaging in conversation, feeling alive and refreshed from their ski outing, sharing a meal, or reveling in their purchase of a new cross country ski package. Most importantly, this uncomplicated environment provides the spaciousness required for real connection, and real FUN!
Apres Ski around bonfire
Getting people on the snow and having fun is the chief mission at Cross Country Ski Headquarters, where beginners and experts, old and young, singles and families will enjoy the trails, shopping, day lodge, cafe, and events throughout the season. Whether it’s a learn-to-ski event, live music, a ski race (costumes encouraged), or the famous Bavarian Ski Festival, there’s fun to be had for everyone at this one-of-a-kind destination in the heart of pure Michigan. Head to www.CrossCountrySki.com to plan your visit, and to shop one of the widest selections of cross country ski packages available.
Junior Muffin Costume Race
LEARN TO SKI EVENTS
With a large and modern equipment rental fleet, skilled instructors, and easy to moderate groomed trails onsite, Cross Country Ski Headquarters is perfectly suited for facilitating a positive learn-to-XC-ski experience. Entering its second year, the Golden Years Ski School returns on Wednesday, January 10th. Designed for both beginners and people who have not skied in many years, the Golden Years Ski School is a safe and fun introduction (or reintroduction) to the sport of cross country skiing for people aged 55+.
Lesson with Instructor Jim Bradley
Other learn-to-ski opportunities include Pure Michigan Winter Trails Day on Saturday, January 6th. This free event includes a facilities pass, group lesson, and hot dog lunch. The Free Beginner Ski Lesson takes place every Saturday at 10:30am and is open to the public. Experienced skiers will gain great benefit from the Jordyn Ross Ski Clinics on January 6th and 7th, and novice skate skiers should join the Learn to Skate Ski Clinics on January 21st and February 11th. Additionally, guests can always schedule a private lesson, seven days a week!
Learn to XC Ski
FOODIE EVENTS
Don’t miss Bavarian Ski Festival, a signature event on Saturday, January 20th. Enjoy German sausages and beer served by local legend, German Dave, and participate in Stein-holding contests, Team Ski Time Trials, and a Bavarian-themed costume contest. Ribs and Blues is another HQ classic, and highlights truly excellent blues music, plus an incredible BBQ from our Kentucky-native chef. Also returning this year is a gourmet, candle-lit, Winter Feast dinner on February 2nd, and
wood-fired Paella on January 28th.
New for this winter is a Gourmet Lunch at Trapper’s Cabin on January 13th! Ski a half mile out to Trapper’s Cabin, and enjoy delicious beef stew and rustic, fresh bread around the bonfire (BYO bota bag!). Sports fans will enjoy our first ever Super Bowl Foodie Face-Off on February 10th, when the chefs at the Stone Turtle Cafe will prepare the culinary specialty that represents each city that makes it to the Super Bowl, and let YOU enjoy the flavor!
Cute kids skiing at Trappers Cabin
LIVE MUSIC
Join us for various live music acts on Sunday afternoons in the Stone Turtle Day Lodge. Sip a hot toddy or craft beer, indulge in a giant Bavarian pretzel, and enjoy music, crackling fire, and good company.
This winter is full of possibilities for real fun and whole-person health and well-being. Find respite from the busyness of everyday life, and plan your visit to Cross Country Ski Headquarters!
Live music in the Stone Turtle Cafe