Mon, Dec 8: Forbush Corner (Frederic)
Fresh grooming in progress on east side trails. Ridge and the 240 loop are closed due to snowmaking over the weekend. The whales are drying out. Please for your safety, do not ski these trails. All other trails are open. Refer to Nordic Pulse for the latest fresh groom.
- MDB
Mon, Dec 8: Hanson Hills (Grayling)
Trail Update – Today in Grayling, MI ??
??? Temps today: Starting out cold at -5 °F (-21 °C) this morning, warming to a high near 22 °F (-5 °C).
? Lodge & trails open at 9 AM!
Trail Reports:
• Fat Bike Trail: Firm and fast — Groomer Jorden gives it a 9/10!
• Cross Country Trails: Groomer Dan is out with the Pisten Bulley this morning, leveling and smoothing skate lanes.
Downhill / Tubing: Snowmaking is going strong! Groomers have been pushing and shaping lanes on our main tube hill. We’re hopeful to announce an early tubing opening… stay tuned!
- Justin Andre
Mon, Dec 8: Dunes Golf Club (Empire)
Lots of snow
Plowed parking at entrance
Perfect classic conditions
Make your own tracks
Wilderness skiing on a golf course with hills
4 MI east of Empire on m-72
- Kevinski slowski
Sun, Dec 7: Vasa Trail (Traverse City)
Thanks TART groomers for the perfect classic tracks this afternoon for my ski from Timber Ridge to The Rock & back on the 25k Vasa trail. It was well worth the wait for mid-season conditions, though I realize there is not much base. I could have used my skin skis the tracks were that good! It was fun seeing so many friends out skiiing, too! LET IT SNOW! ?????? Don’t forget to get your TART grooming badge & Timber Ridge Season Pass, to show your support!
- Sara Cockrell
Sun, Dec 7: Forbush Corner (Frederic)
Very fine 15km classic ski, 1 thin layer Swix purple grip wax added late yesterday was smoothed out today. Skis not as fast as yesterday, a combination of colder temp, 19° F with brisk wind and 1” fresh snow. Slower speed was less noticeable where skiers had been through, a slight glaze in the track. With snow making in progress, I skied a bypass to Pancake, and the flatter West side trails, as my legs were quite weary. Particularly nice was the Pines trail- both free of debris and out of the wind. The straight trail leading to ‘D’ had shallower track after 1st groom yesterday and fresh snow, but no dirt showing through. Less than a handful of short areas grass showing, on the windy areas of the freeway trail.
- Mary McKinley
Sun, Dec 7: Vasa Trail (Traverse City)
Best conditions of the early season so far. An extra inch of snow over the past day freshened up the trail system, with another 1/2 inch on top of this mornings groom of the skate lane and reset of the classic tracks. Up to 10" in the woods with compacted 2" base. Only a few thin spots on the 10K with the worst being the usual spot just past the bridge, where a couple spotted some Salmon in the stream today, and where I heard a loud splash from one a few days ago.
- Jim Datsko
Sun, Dec 7: Michaywe (Gaylord)
Full groom with new tracks set on both Golf course loops, the Lake Loop, Herringbone and River trails. We have good coverage overall with a few thin spots that are easy to avoid.
- Jamie
Sun, Dec 7: Hanson Hills (Grayling)
Grooming Update: Due to a mechanical with our snowmobile, RED will not receive fresh corduroy this morning. Still very skiable as we received just a dusting of snow overnight.
- Justin Andre
Sun, Dec 7: Cross Country Ski Headquarters (Higgins Lake)
After a light dusting of snow throughout the night, the trails continue to get better! The skating lanes are excellent. Conditions for classic skiing are very good, too, though we still need a couple more inches of snow to set classic tracks. There is more snow forecasted early in the coming week, and we hope to get enough to have classic tracks in a few days! We have about 4-6" of packed snow on the trails, and 10-12" in the woods.
- XCSKIHQ
Sun, Dec 7: Forbush Corner (Frederic)
We received a dusting of snow overnight. Trails remain in excellent condition. The entire trail system was groomed yesterday.
We commenced snow making operations on the loop and valley yesterday evening and will continue on the Ridge trail today.
We have groomed an access trail from the shop to the Pancake trail to access all the non-snowmaking trails.
- TRH
Sun, Dec 7: Hanson Hills (Grayling)
Lodge and Trails open at 9am!
A friendly reminder that trail passes are required and can be purchased at the ticket window in the Lodge.
Cross Country Trail Update:
Groomer Dan is out again this morning combing skate lanes on Red, Yellow, Brown, Blue, and the M-93 hills.
Classic tracks are set across the entire system, and Wilderness is absolutely beautiful right now.
Come enjoy some perfect Nordic conditions.
- Justin Andre
Sat, Dec 6: Big M (Cadillac)
Grooming update 12/6/25: all the trails were groomed today except Catamount and Ryberg Rd, plus from markers 11-12 on Camp 24 (but that should have a hint of tracks from the previous groom). Catamount and Ryberg Rd may have downed trees you will need to go around, if you ski those trails, as those have not been cleared yet this season. The snow conditions are great - get out there! The parking lot is partially plowed and very passable.
- Sue Stroope
Sat, Dec 6: Forbush Corner (Frederic)
Excellent classic trail conditions. 33 km over 2 days Swix pink glide/Rode Super-blue grip, 27°, with light snow and moderate wind, temp falling to 23° late today. Packed powder was fast; particularly nice long stretches on pine connector pristine track. Pineneedles and leaves in some areas stuck to the kick wax. Snowmaking commenced this afternoon on the loop, the wet snow much stickier than natural (wiped out on home run hill ??)
- Mary McKinley
Sat, Dec 6: Cross Country Ski Headquarters (Higgins Lake)
The grooming team snow combed the entire trail network last night, and conditions are very good. The skating lanes are excellent. Conditions for classic skiing are very good, too, though we still need a couple more inches of snow to set classic tracks. We have about 4-6" of packed snow on the trails, and 10-12" in the woods. The Stone Turtle Cafe is open!
- George, Mariah, Stu, Erin, Missy, Krista, Alex & the HQ crew
Sat, Dec 6: Forbush Corner (Frederic)
Full system groom this morning - East Side, West Side, Pines Loop, everything - amazing for early December. Skate deck everywhere and classic tracks most everywhere !!!
- TRH
Sat, Dec 6: Hanson Hills (Grayling)
Who’s Ready to Glide, Ride, and Explore?
Lodge and trails open at 9am, and we’ve got another beautiful winter day lined up for you!
Cross Country Update:
Just a light dusting of snow overnight, but Groomer Dan is already out there working his magic—combing skate lanes on ALL trails including Blue, Brown, Yellow, Red, M-93, and Easy Return.
Tracks may be a few days old… but trust us, they’re still glorious. Wilderness is holding tracks too, so plenty of smooth, scenic miles await.
Don’t forget to stop into the Lodge for your daily or season trail pass before heading out!
Fat Bike Trail:
The Fat Bike loop is open and ready for adventure!
If you roll today, please remember to feed the Blue Donation Tube at the MTB trailhead — it keeps the good times spinning.
?? Trail Etiquette Reminder:
We love hikers, but please remember:
Regular boot traffic should remain off the Mountain Bike Trail and Overlook Trail to protect groomed surfaces.
Snowshoers are welcome, just please give bikers the right of way.
Little Smokey, Pines, Guyton, and Oak Ridge Trails are open for hiking!
Bundle up, breathe in that fresh northern Michigan air, and let the trails show you a great time today!
- Justin Andre
Fri, Dec 5: Big M (Cadillac)
I skied today starting around 1:30 conditíon were excellent. just missed the groomer. most trails have been groomed. apparently 10-14 inch powdery base. beautiful
- Jim Coe
Fri, Dec 5: Big M (Cadillac)
I skied today starting around 1:30 conditíon were excellent. just missed the groomer. most trails have been groomed. apparently 10-14 inch powdery base. beautiful
- Jim Coe
Fri, Dec 5: Big M (Cadillac)
I skied today starting around 1:30 conditíon were excellent. just missed the groomer. most trails have been groomed. apparently 10-14 inch powdery base. beautiful
- Jim Coe
Fri, Dec 5: Big M (Cadillac)
Corkpine, Lumberjack, Big Wheel and Camp 24 are all packed and tracked (except for the small portion between 3 and 14, see map). Groomers will also be out Saturday morning, after some more snow falls tonight (hopefully), to get the rest of the trail system. Plenty of snow! Enjoy.
- Sue Stroope
Fri, Dec 5: Hartwick Pines (Grayling)
Whole trail system groomed for classic skiing. Excellent coverage. Grooming good but some foot traffic. Fun ski.
- KGR
Fri, Dec 5: Elk Rapids Golf Course (Elk Rapids)
Windswept conditions so you're only skiing through an inch of snow with grass poking through in most areas until you come to one of the few drifted areas of a foot or more depth. But the classic skis were gliding well, and started literally from my front door, so it's all good. Highlight was skiing along the scenic shore of Elk Lake as close as you dared to the water.
- Jim Datsko
Fri, Dec 5: Forbush Corner (Frederic)
I don't know that I have ever seen early season conditions this good in the lower peninsula. Larry and the Forbush crew did an incredible job of packing, rolling, and grooming a colossal amount of snow (probably had to manage lots of downed branches and detritus as well).
I skied Thursday night at dusk—the moon so bright I didn't even need a headlamp—and Friday around lunchtime. The whole system is in mid-winter shape, but mamma mia Rollercoaster and Crybaby are hard packed and fast!! I skate skied both days but the classic tracks looked sublime.
Well worth the drive, especially now that there are more tables in the yurt. So fun to see all the updates the Forbush crew did over the summer: new carpet, they took out the s-curve on Crybaby, I'm even more out of shape, etc. Pack a lunch (and a flask of something to keep you warm).
Nordic Pulse seems to be working out some early-season kinks so this is probably the only weekend you can ask Mike what was groomed without getting in trouble.
- Bill Bradley
Fri, Dec 5: Michaywe (Gaylord)
Groomed out and set track on the lake loop, maple ridge, herringbone, the river trail, and the back 9 loop. Snow conditions are mostly good with a few thin areas. Trails going through the wooded areas have some leaves or pine needles due to the recent high winds.
- Michael Normand
Fri, Dec 5: Hanson Hills (Grayling)
Lodge and Trails open 9am.
Groomer Dan is out combing skate lanes again this morning, and reports that classic tracks are still looking great!
Remember Trail Passes are required, stop in to purchase your daily or season pass.
- Justin Andre
Fri, Dec 5: Cross Country Ski Headquarters (Higgins Lake)
Groomer Butch snowcombed all the trails yesterday, and the skate deck is hard and fast! We have about 4-6" of packed snow on the trails, and 10-12" in the woods. We'll finish snowmaking on the field today to be ready for lessons and demos tomorrow.
- XCSKIHQ
Fri, Dec 5: Forbush Corner (Frederic)
West side, Pines connector (easy and hard) and some of the Pines loop were packed with the PB. All east side trails are groomed with tracks. The pines have been shedding their pine needles here and there due to the gusty winds over the last few days. Good thing we don’t need klister!
- MDB
Thu, Dec 4: Hanson Hills (Grayling)
Fresh classic tracks on the Wilderness Singletrack trail from yesterday were perfect for my afternoon adventure after a visit at Northbound. I could have used my skins but my Evos probably handled the leaves in the tracks near the Lodge better. I had the best glide so far this season, complete trail coverage, and sunshine!!! As I was leaving Grayling, there was a gorgeous full moon rising above the pine trees against a dark blue sky, which would have been a perfect photo!
- sara cockrell
Thu, Dec 4: Vasa Trail (Traverse City)
Conditions remain good throughout the trail system with up to 10" in the woods, and a groomed base of several inches. Major improvements today include setting classic track, and installing corduroy on the skate lane. Noticed a handful of thin spots on the 10K, some with gravel appearing, the worst being the usual spot just past the bridge so probably best with some rock skis. Afternoon skiers were treated to skiing in the sun.
- Jim Datsko
Thu, Dec 4: Michaywe (Gaylord)
Freshened up skate lanes and reset track on the front nine loop and reset track on the lake loop still receiving some light snow with wind. Open areas are prone to drifting. Conditions are firming up with the colder temperatures.
- Michael Normand
Thu, Dec 4: Cross Country Ski Headquarters (Higgins Lake)
We received another inch throughout last night and temps are dropping fast! All trails are open, and Groomer Butch will have all trails snowcombed by early afternoon. The skate deck is setting up nicely, and classic tracks will be coming soon!. We have about 4-6" of packed snow on the trails, and 10-12" in the woods. We started snowmaking on the practice field and are getting ready for a fun weekend.
- XCSKIHQ
Thu, Dec 4: Forbush Corner (Frederic)
East side trails will get a fresh groom today working in the several inches of new snow received over the last few days. We are working on getting more trails open by the weekend. Open 9 to 5, today thru Monday.
- MDB
Thu, Dec 4: Hanson Hills (Grayling)
Lodge & XC Trail Report
Lodge and trails open at 9am today. Please note the Lodge will close early at 3pm for a private Christmas party, but our offices will remain open until 5pm for interviews, applications, and work-permit signing.
Cross Country Trail Report:
The entire trail system is freshly groomed with set tracks. Dan is out this morning combing the skate lanes with the Tidd Tech, keeping things smooth and fast. He also managed to set fresh tracks on Wilderness yesterday—perfect timing for anyone looking for a classic adventure.
See you on the snow!
- Justin Andre
Wed, Dec 3: Dunes Golf Club (Empire)
Wanted to do an easy Evo classic ski but did not realize how much snow Empire got the other day. Over a foot of snow I had to break trail while Karen skied behind. Took and hour to go 9 holes and then turned around and enjoyed the trail we groomed. A winter wonderland out there. Kevin Slow Skis was not there but Ken even Slower skier was. Don't forget to sign up for 50 year Vasa. Great long sleeve T shirts free to every participant.
- Ken Dawson
Wed, Dec 3: Crystal Mountain (Thompsonville)
I groomed everything today and got a good trackset. I did not track the hills. Be patient with us learning how to work the new gator. I made some wind rows in spots and had a hard time turning due to the wet dense snow. Good coverage but i would still use rock skis.
- Kathloon
Wed, Dec 3: Vasa Trail (Traverse City)
Entire trail system was rolled, including the Riley connector from the Vasa Single Track parking lot on Supply Road. 10" in the woods, trail is fully covered, no set tracks yet. Early winter conditions
- Steve Westphal
Wed, Dec 3: Hanson Hills (Grayling)
I forgot to mention that new tracks were set on wilderness trail, my favorite classic track that is groomed and no hikers or dogs. A treat for a small classic only trail.
- Linda Weeks Kaleita
Wed, Dec 3: Hanson Hills (Grayling)
Silky smooth snow greeted me today as I skated the brown, yellow and blue trails. I was using my good skis, only a few dirty spots to avoid. More oak leaves than yesterday but not overwhelming. It was windy with baby snow. Still getting my ski legs back but a great morning on snow.
- Linda Weeks Kaleita
Wed, Dec 3: Hanson Hills (Grayling)
Lodge and Trails open at 9am. Stop into the Lodge to purchase your Trail Pass or Season Membership and start your day on beautifully prepared terrain.
Trail Report:
Groomer Dan is rolling and packing Wilderness first thing this morning. Then will Tidd Tech Comb skate lanes on Blue, Brown, Yellow, M-93. Tracks are set on Everything (with the exception of Wilderness)
- Justin Andre
Tue, Dec 2: Hanson Hills (Grayling)
I did a quick classic ski at Hanson today after getting our season passes. Trails were perfect. Hardly a spec of dirt or leaves in the tracks. Such a surprise so early in the season. Skate deck looked perfect as well. Trees and deep blue skies. It doesn’t get much better.
- Linda Weeks Kaleita
Tue, Dec 2: Vasa Trail (Traverse City)
Pretty darn good for the first groom of the year. We used rock skis as we did not know what to expect but good skis would have been fine.
- Curt Peterson
Tue, Dec 2: Muncie Lakes Pathway (Traverse City)
Volunteer groomer Steve rolled the entire Muncie trail yesterday twice & reported a compacted 3” snow depth, so this afternoon was my first trail ski on virgin snow. I couldn’t believe there were no other tracks, but always enjoy skiing to the lakes. I used my Evos & only skied to #7, then returned the same way since early in the season. We are so lucky to have gotten snow at Thanksgiving & hoping for more to build up our base.
- Sara Cockrell
Tue, Dec 2: Vasa Trail (Traverse City)
Skate Skied the vasa from Timber Woods , we received another inch or two with fresh groom. Good coverage with no dirt showing, you can use your good skis.
- Matt Vajda
Tue, Dec 2: Sleeping Bear Dunes (Empire)
Unbelievable as it is...
Groomers did the glen Arbor to the dune climb section today. They will do the dunes to empire tomorrow Dec 2. There is good coverage and set track. It would be something to explore for sure. The paved trail has had a short time to freeze. Kevinski slowski
- Kevinski slowski
Tue, Dec 2: Michaywe (Gaylord)
Groomed and set track on both golf course loops, the lake loop, herringbone, and the river trail. Herringbone and the river trail will be a little bumpy until we receive more snow. The golf course loops and the lake loop are good, just a little soft. Maple ridge was tracked and rolled, will groom and set track when it firms up.
- Mike and Jamie
Tue, Dec 2: Crystal Mountain (Thompsonville)
We got all trails packed and everything rolled but the hills yesterday however we recieved 4 inches of snow over night and no one is scheduled to groom today. We plan to offically open on Friday but if you have a season pass feel free to set your own tracks. We will be working on the trails again tomorrow. Looks like we are off to a great start. YAY!
- Kathloon
Tue, Dec 2: Cross Country Ski Headquarters (Higgins Lake)
Good morning! We received another 1-2 inches of snow last night. All trails are open, and Groomer Mike has packed/rolled them. We have about 4-6" of packed snow on the trails, and 10-12" in the woods. A couple more inches and we'll be grooming. As it is early in the season, there are some low spots, but overall it's very good for December 2nd! Come demo a pair of metal edge skis, like the Fischer Spider 62 or the Rossignol BC 65! The Stone Turtle Cafe is open for coffee, tea, cocoa, chili, and some adult beverages. The full menu will be available this Saturday, December 6th. Book a private lesson by calling 800-832-2663!
- George, Mariah, Stu, Erin, Missy, Krista, Alex & the HQ crew
Tue, Dec 2: Hanson Hills (Grayling)
Lodge and Trails open at 9am. Stop into the Lodge to purchase your Trail Pass or Season Membership and start your day on beautifully prepared terrain.
Trail Report:
All trails—Red, Yellow, Brown, Blue, Green, M-93, and Easy Return—were groomed yesterday with fresh tracks set. We picked up just a light dusting of snow overnight.
Today, Groomer Dan is out packing Konopnicki Kut and breaking trail on Wilderness, opening up even more miles for your Nordic adventure.
It’s a great day to ski Hanson Hills. See you out there.
- Justin Andre
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