UPCOMING

MON, JAN 19, 2026

MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY

Gourmet Mac ‘n Cheese Bar
Cross Country Ski Headquarters, 9435 N. Cut Rd., Roscommon, MI 48653 (800-832-2663)

TUE, JAN 20, 2026

Citizen’s Night Ski Race Series
Main MTU Trailhead, Michigan Tech Trails, Houghton, Michigan

WED, JAN 21, 2026

Kids Learn to Ski Program
Huron Meadows Metropark, 8765 Hammel Rd, Brighton, MI 48116

FRI, JAN 23, 2026

Junior Noque
Al Quall Recreation Area, Ishpeming, MI

SAT, JAN 24, 2026

Great Lakes Division Junior National Qualifier - Freestyle Individual Start
Ariens Nordic Center, Brillion, WI

Noquemanon Ski Marathon
Ishpeming, MI

FLASH RACE to support Reid Goble
Cross Country Ski Headquarters, 9435 N. Cut Rd., Roscommon, MI 48653 (800-832-2663)

Free Beginner Ski Lesson
Cross Country Ski Headquarters, 9435 N. Cut Rd., Roscommon, MI 48653 (800-832-2663)

Bavarian Ski Festival
Cross Country Ski Headquarters, 9435 N. Cut Rd., Roscommon, MI 48653 (800-832-2663)

SUN, JAN 25, 2026

Great Lakes Division Junior National Qualifier - Classic Individual Start / Mixed Relay
Ariens Nordic Center, Brillion, WI

Beech Nuts Junior Nordic Race
Nub's Nob, 500 Nub’s Nob Road, Harbor Springs, MI 49740

Learn to Skate Ski Clinic
Cross Country Ski Headquarters, 9435 N. Cut Rd., Roscommon, MI 48653 (800-832-2663)

WED, JAN 28, 2026

Kids Learn to Ski Program
Huron Meadows Metropark, 8765 Hammel Rd, Brighton, MI 48116

FRI, JAN 30, 2026

Winter Feast
Cross Country Ski Headquarters, 9435 N. Cut Rd., Roscommon, MI 48653 (800-832-2663)

SAT, JAN 31, 2026

Masters World Cup 2026 in Sappada/ITA - Middle Distance Races
Sappada - Forni Avoltri, Italy

Forbush Freestyle
Forbush Corner, 4971 W County Road 612, Frederic, MI 49733 (989-889-2843)

Free Beginner Ski Lesson
Cross Country Ski Headquarters, 9435 N. Cut Rd., Roscommon, MI 48653 (800-832-2663)

SUN, FEB 1, 2026

Masters World Cup 2026 in Sappada/ITA - Short Distance Races
Sappada - Forni Avoltri, Italy

Meijer State Games - Hanson Hills Classic
Hanson Hills Recreation Area, 7601 Old Lake Rd, Grayling, Michigan 49738 (989-348-9266)

Paella on the Sun Deck (noon and 2:00pm)
Cross Country Ski Headquarters, 9435 N. Cut Rd., Roscommon, MI 48653 (800-832-2663)

Live Music with Kat and Wil (2:00-4:00)
Cross Country Ski Headquarters, 9435 N. Cut Rd., Roscommon, MI 48653 (800-832-2663)

Kat & Logan Live (2:00-4:00)
Cross Country Ski Headquarters, 9435 N. Cut Rd., Roscommon, MI 48653 (800-832-2663)

TUE, FEB 3, 2026

Masters World Cup 2026 in Sappada/ITA - Relay Races
Sappada - Forni Avoltri, Italy

More events...

LATEST TRAIL CONDITIONS

SUN, JAN 18

Vasa Trail: What a prelude to the Vasa race. Our groomers not only used piper on the entire trail system but they used it on ice breaker the start of vasa race and it was the best this section ever was for skiing. Although the trail was groomed with the piston bully, I must say that throughout this winter our groomers have done a tremendous job grooming our trail system. I know a lot of skiers are disappointed that they were not using piper but how could you complain on how great the trail is shaping up. With more cold and snow expected the more piper passes. No one wants to use the piston bully more than our groomers.
Make sure you sign up for Vasa race and lets fill up the Big Foot Community Relay. We never had a relay event before so let's show the community how important this event could be in the future. Don't forget to get your tickets for the Community Celebration Party. We have the greatest group of ladies planning a fun evening you will not forget.

Forbush Corner: 19° and 7mph wind at 11:25. Classic skied with well worn Rode super blue grip was perfect. Fresh groom everywhere, moderate snow falling with 1/2-1” pow on skate deck. Fluffy goodness enticed me to ski all black and blue hills on both east and west sides, effortlessly gliding on Pines/Pines connector in between. Huge amounts of snow hanging in the trees, zero debris, lots of smiling skiers. Max speed 22.6 mph, 12miles/19.3km. What a weekend!

Big M: Some of the easy trails were groomed today, including Lumberjack, Ryberg Rd, Double Bit and Corkpine. The other trails still have some visible tracks from yesterday's groom, but the snow is coming down. The snow new is very fluffy and easy to ski through but overall the tracks are a little sticky.

Huron Meadows Metropark: Bucks Run was firm and fast this afternoon as there had been a lot of skiers on the course. When I arrived around 4 pm the parking lot was jammed and there were a lot of skiers on the trail. Conditions should remain very good with the potential snow later tonight and colder temps in the forecast. Great job by the Huron Meadows crew!

Vasa Trail: Conditions were exquisite on the trail system today. At my late morning arrival at the TH parking lot I realized it had received over a half foot of lake-effect fluff overnight, so I expected the usual Snowmobile pulling the Tidtech post-groom conditions of a soft and slow skate lane. Not true! It turns out that Glen & Dave took the Pisten Bully around the system, and they were just finishing up as I crossed the bridge outbound. The result of its tilling the full width of the skate lane is that there was no softness on the lane corduroy as it had deflated the snow. So skating was firm and fast, not scary fast, just normal fast. The classic tracks were also machine-set perfect, firm and deep enough. Finishing my loop after 12-noon I noticed the parking lot was about 98% full.

Michaywe: Received another 3-4 inches since yesterday. Rolled, combed, and set track on the entire trail system. Conditions are real good!

Reindeer Run Nordic Center: Empire snowmobile trailhead by the Empire Airport
Was on it yesterday afternoon. Oh was real good. Snow machine packed
Over a solid base and it was endless.
Problem area is just past the first curve at the start of the trail. About 600ft of trail litter left from power line trimming easy to get through and after that pure bliss... Snowmobile activity was pretty low not what I would have expected which was nice.
It will only improve
Corner of benzonia highway and Osborn rd.

Dunes Golf Club: Grrreat classic skiing.
Snow just keeps building up, another 5" of powder...
Sweet silence of heavy snow
4 MI east of Empire on m-72

Cross Country Ski Headquarters: After another inch or so last night, the trails are in incredible shape! Fresh grooming on all trails, all systems go! Come on out and enjoy these picture perfect winter conditions!

Hanson Hills: Lodge and trails open 9am
We’ve received 7 inches of snow from Friday through this morning. Groomer Dan will be starting a full refresh on Blue, Brown, Yellow, and M-93.

Forbush Corner: Looks like another pleasant day to get out and enjoy winter! We have an abundance of snow to keep up with and more is on the way later today. Nearly another full system groom for skate and classic, including Bill Bradley’s favorite, Pines Loop. Open 9 to 5.

SAT, JAN 17

Cadillac Pathway: We skied the longest (3.5mi) east-of-Seeley-Rd trail at the Cadillac Pathway on Saturday. We saw no trace of machine grooming. The fatbike trail we saw along the way was clearly groomed. Maybe they still groom the ski trails west of Seeley, as they have been in the past, but we have been unable to find any website or FB postings on ski grooming; the posting we saw are mostly fatbike related. We still had a nice ski on the people-tracked trail, once away from Seeley Rd (after post 4). This trail includes a couple of very nice long downhills. Good snow coverage.

Huron Meadows Metropark: Yesterday was surprisingly good on Oak Hill and Beach Alley. Skied in tracks covered with several inches of snow. A few leaves and twigs popping up. Good glide. A blue kinda day.

Big M: All the trails were groomed today and it's a beautiful winter wonderland on the trails this weekend Enjoy!

Independance Oaks: Blue skies blue Xtra wax. Full coverage packed about an inch deep with 2 inch on top. Good for classic or skate. No leaves etc. Skied in trax. Rental shop was not open. I skied Lakeshore & Connector which were fine. Did not see any trax on Oak Ridge or Springbrook. A couple more inches and it should be ready to go.

Forbush Corner: 27° and 7mph wind at 11am, 6” new snow. Skated Linda-Badlands-Pines- B-C-B-A-D-A to 10/11/9/8 to Freeway-Pancake. Fresh groom, packed powder medium speed, slightly soft, very clean. Took break 1:30-3. Temp fell to 25° with 10mph wind, Graupel falling steadily changed to moderately heavy snow. Classic skied with Rode super blue grip 240 loop; 17mph run down homerun hill. Then hit Rollercoaster, began sticking, hard to kick off snow, catching fresh snow in trail, took Linda’s back to lodge. 7.3miles/11.8km skate, 3.4miles/5.5km classic

Forbush Corner: The Pines, The Pines! So lovely, I skied it twice. Hit the trails about 9:45 and skated most everything except a few of the various connectors. The entire system is in incredible shape. Every classic skier I talked to said they had "something blue" on. Everyone had a smile on their face.

Parking lot was FULL to the brim—there were even cars parallel parked on Roberts Road—yet I felt alone in the woods whether I was on the west side or the east side. The OG snowmaking loop was, as always, a party: lots of folks out learning to ski, the more the merrier. Come ski this weekend. Doesn't get any better. 

Hiawatha Highlands: EVENT NOTICE
January 16 @ 8:00 am – January 18 @ 3:00 pm
Event Notice

REMINDER

Event Notice – 2026 Ontario Cup#3

This weekend of Jan 16-18, Soo Finnish Nordic Ski Club will be hosting the Cross Country Ski Ontario – Ontario Cup #3.

During that period, we will be hosting ~300 athletes plus their supporters from around the province.

All racing will be held on the Crystal system and the Kinsmen 2k trail, and as a result, skiers not involved in the event will not be able to access Crystal Creek ski trail system between Jan 16-18 until races are completed (approximately 3pm). Please no snowshoeing or fat biking on the Crystal Creek system for the entire weekend. Use the Pinder and Red Pine systems for these activities.

Both the Pinder and Red Pine systems will still be open for regular use. If you plan to be at Hiawatha this weekend, please note that parking will be at the Sugar Shack/Conservation Authority parking lot (1100 5th Line E) on Saturday between 9am and 3pm, and Sunday between 9am and 2pm. You can use the building for washrooms and warming.

The gate will be closing to this building at 5pm on both days.

For those willing to wait until after 3PM on Jan 17 and 18, parking in the Pinder parking lot will be available at that time.

We thank you for your co-operation and understanding, and we hope that you’re as excited about hosting this prestigious event as we are! Please consider watching the races and cheering on our local youth!



Thank you, The Hiawatha Highlands Team and the Soo Finnish Nordic Ski Club


- Tina Bowen

Huron Meadows Metropark: Buck’s Run is groomed for skate and classic with great coverage. Contractor’s Loop was in OK shape with full coverage but had not been groomed today. The trails on the course were wind blown and not groomed today.

Michaywe: Received 3 or so inches of fresh snow yesterday. Groomed out the skate deck and set track on the lake loop, herringbone, the river trail and both golf course loops. Conditions are good. Full-service bar & dining located on the ski trail at Michaywe. "Inn the Woods" Restaurant is open Tuesday - Saturday. Visit www.michaywe.com for hours & menu.

Boyne Mountain: Fresh couple inches of powder on the trails being groomed this morning. Should be a great day to ski!

Cross Country Ski Headquarters: The conditions are awesome! We received 4-5 inches of snow in the last 24 hours. The grooming team has been hard at work since before dawn this morning packing, grooming, and setting classic tracks on all the trails. There is 18-24" of snow in the woods, and 5-7" of snow packed on the trails. Join us for great skiing and a yummy mac 'n cheese lunch special all weekend long!

Huron Meadows Metropark: Thursday 4-5pm report. Bucks connector trail has man made and fresh with plenty to glide out to trail with tracks set. New snow also added on north/south section in woods along driving range on Bucks. Fast and hard pack with still some dirty snow and debris in sections. Classic tracks were deep and wide. Friday should be great if they do a nice groom in the morning. 2-3” expected Friday, let’s hope forecasters are accurate this time. Hoping park crew can roll or groom the other trails for Saturday. Thanks HM crew, your hard work is appreciated!

Forbush Corner: We picked up about 6 inches of new snow since yesterday. Larry and Todd will be doing another full system groom, skate and classic, for today. Temperatures look to be favorable as well for outdoor activities.

More trail reports...