Ten Metroparks in Southeast Michigan offer skiing, rentals

Fri, Dec  9, 2011 - By Huron-Clinton Metroparks

Snow is just around the corner and it’s never too early to begin thinking about how you can best enjoy the chilly months ahead. Ten Metroparks provide seasonal cross-country ski trails, and five of those parks rent ski equipment. All trails are groomed for classic-style skiing, except for Huron Meadows Metropark, which offers separate trails for skate-style and classic cross-country skiing. Head for these Metroparks next snowfall:

HUDSON MILLS METROPARK near Dexter/Ann Arbor – Trails & Rentals

• Ski 7.5 miles of groomed trails on varied terrain.
• The Ski Touring Center (Activity Center), open weekends and holidays for ski rentals, features a heated lounge, food service and restrooms. Groups of 10 or more may make arrangements to rent skis during the week. Weather and ski conditions permitting, ski rental will be available the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day.
• Phone 1-800-477-3191 or 734-426-8211.

HURON MEADOWS METROPARK near Brighton – Trails & Rentals

• Ski 9.5 miles of trails groomed for tracked, classic skiing over easy to moderate terrain.
• Ski seven miles of trails groomed for skate-style skiing on moderate terrain with rolling hills.
• The Ski Touring Center (Golf Starter Building), open weekends and holidays, rents classic and skate-style skis, and features a heated lounge, restrooms and snacks. Groups of 10 or more can make arrangements to rent skis during the week; preregistration is required. Weather and ski conditions permitting, ski rental will be available the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day.
• Compete in two Michigan Cup cross-country ski races: The Third Annual REI Frosty Freestyle 5/15K Race on January 14 and the Second Annual REI Krazy Klassic Race on January 15.
• Phone 1-800-477-3193 or 1-800-477-3191.

INDIAN SPRINGS METROPARK near White Lake/Clarkston– Trails

• Ski nearly 12 miles of groomed classic trails on varied terrain.
• Phone 1-800-477-3192 or 248-625-7280.

KENSINGTON METROPARK near Milford/Brighton – Trails & Rentals

• Ski nearly 12 miles of groomed classic trails suitable for novice, intermediate and advanced skiers on scenic, hilly terrain, and through wooded areas.
• The Ski Touring Center, located this winter at the Farm Grille, opens December 17, ski conditions permitting. The Ski Center will be open weekends and holidays for ski rentals, offers restrooms and snacks. Special equipment rental rates are available for organized groups on weekdays with advance reservations. The Ski Center will be open daily December 26 through January 2 for the holidays, ski conditions permitting.
• Phone 1-800-477-3178, 248-685-1561 or 248-685-9332.

LAKE ERIE METROPARK in Brownstown – Trails

Ski more than four miles of groomed classic trails on relatively flat terrain.

Phone 734-379-5020 or 1-800-477-3189.

METRO BEACH METROPARK near Mt. Clemens – Trail

• Ski 2.5 miles of groomed classic trail on relatively flat terrain.
• Phone 1-800-477-3172 or 586-463-4581.

STONY CREEK METROPARK near Rochester/Washington Township – Trails & Rentals

• Ski more than 13 miles of groomed traditional cross-country ski trails, covering flat to hilly terrain suitable for novice, intermediate and advanced skiers.
• The Ski Touring Center (Golf Starter Building), open weekends for ski rentals, features a heated lounge, restrooms and limited food service. Weather and ski conditions permitting, ski rental will be available the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day.
• Phone 586-781-4242 or 1-800-477-7756.

WILLOW METROPARK near New Boston – Trails & Rentals

• Ski more than six miles of trails, mostly over flat terrain, including nearby Oakwoods and Lower Huron Metroparks.
• The Ski Touring Center (Washago Pond), open weekends for ski rentals, features a heated lounge and snacks. Weather and ski conditions permitting, ski rental will be available the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day.
• Phone 734-697-9181 or 1-800-477-3182.

SKI RENTAL RATES:

Saturdays, Sundays and holidays: Complete set of equipment: $10 for ½ day (four hours), if rented separately: skis $4, boots $4, poles $3.

Trail use is free, except for the required vehicle entry permit, with the operation of all facilities depending upon weather conditions. Cross-country ski maps and/or brochures are available at most Huron-Clinton Metroparks.

For cross-country skiing conditions, which may vary park to park, contact the Huron-Clinton Metroparks at 1-800-47-PARKS or contact the park offices directly. General ski information is also at www.metroparks.com