Doug Cornell says Forbush Corner has been fantastic for skiing!
Speed session, with a twist
8/9/2011 - By Matt Whitcomb
This workout focused on 15-30 second efforts. While the longer duration can get away from pure speed, we focus on high-quality (L1 / L2) distance training between each interval to prevent accumulating fatigue.
Kensington gets connector to Milford-Kensington trail
8/8/2011 - By Mike Muha
Rollerskiers (and bikers, inline skaters, and runners) will be able to roller ski 18.1 miles (28K) around Kensington, out to Milford, and back again, without having to ski on the park road.
Rollerskiing added to North Shore Inline Marathon
8/4/2011 - By Skeeter Moore
“I am very pleased and excited to announce that the NorthShore Inline Marathon will be adding a rollerskiing division to the 2011 race, held on September 17 after the last wave of inline skaters” announced Executive Director Skeeter Moore.
100 miles. Up mountains. In the middle of the summer
8/3/2011 - By Mike Muha
Andy's making us nervous. "Hey guys, let's start out easy but we should be able to average 16-17 mph. Do you want to try these Hammer Anti-Fatigue Caps? What, you only want to average 15?Just take it easy to the first rest stop.
I-96 repairs to impact Kensington - Island Lake connector path
7/29/2011 - By Mike Muha
The paved trail connecting Island Lake Recreation Area to Kensington Metropark will close intermittently from Aug. 1 through November. The closure is the result of I-96 bridge repairs over the Huron River in Oakland County.
Birkie fees go up on July 31
7/25/2011 - By Mike Muha
The American Birkebeiner and Kortelopet fees go up on July 31. Register now to avoid added costs....
Double pole intervals
7/22/2011 - By Matt Whitcomb
5 x 3 min intervals building from high threshold (L3) to maximum effort on the last effort, 3-4 minute recovery between each. We choose safe roads, and a gradual grade with smooth pavement to ensure high speed.
37 miles of smooth pavement
7/21/2011 - By Mike Muha
The final 11-mile stretch of the Pere Marquette Rail Trail, running from Farwell to Reed City, recently has been resurfaced and will be the focus of a community celebration at 1 p.m. Thursday, July 28, at the City of Evart Depot.
Continental Cup launches down-under
7/21/2011 - By FIS
While many people in the Northern Hemisphere are at the beach, the racing season in the Southern Hemisphere is kicking off. The FIS Cross-Country Continental Cup will launch it’s competition season on 23rd-24th July 2011 at Falls Creek, Australia.
Threshold testing on rollerskis and ski walking
7/20/2011 - By Matt Whitcomb
While running hill climb tests of 12-20 minutes are a good way to assess VO2max (high-end) fitness throughout a preparation period and career, a threshold test can be used as a way of seeing work efficiency from stage to stage throughout the entire test.
Agility training for cross country skiers
7/18/2011 - By Matt Whitcomb
The US Ski Team uses rollerski agility speed test to push the athlete outside their comfort zone so that zone can grow that much larger. When that ice patch surprises you in on skis, you're ready for it.
Start Wax & Poles enages Endurance Enterprises and Q-Outdoor
7/15/2011 - By Andrew Gerlach
Startex Oy, owner of the Start wax and pole brands, is launching a two-pronged U.S. marketing, sales and fulfillment program.
UPCOMING
SAT, DEC 20, 2025
Free Beginner Ski Lesson
Cross Country Ski Headquarters, 9435 N. Cut Rd., Roscommon, MI 48653 (800-832-2663)
SUN, DEC 21, 2025
XC Ski HQ Ski: George Frye Live
Cross Country Ski Headquarters, 9435 N. Cut Rd., Roscommon, MI 48653 (800-832-2663)
THU, DEC 25, 2025
SUN, DEC 28, 2025
XC Ski HQ Ski: JoeFrye Live
Cross Country Ski Headquarters, 9435 N. Cut Rd., Roscommon, MI 48653 (800-832-2663)
THU, JAN 1, 2026
SAT, JAN 3, 2026
Winter Wolf Skiathlon
Hanson Hills Recreation Area, 7601 Old Lake Rd, Grayling, Michigan 49738 (989-348-9266)
Skate and Classic Ski Clinics with Jordyn Ross
Cross Country Ski Headquarters, 9435 N. Cut Rd., Roscommon, MI 48653 (800-832-2663)
More events...
LATEST TRAIL CONDITIONS
FRI, DEC 19
Dunes Golf Club: Thanks Ken,
The dunes has always been an amazing place the way it repairs itself after a weather event that we just had. The topography sets it up as as snow catcher in a gorgeous setting.
Plowed parking at entrance.
4mi east of Empire on m-72
No charge no park pass
Dunes Golf Club: Fresh snow on top of good base. Great Evo conditions, setting track for Karen skiing behind me. She sad a good equalizer. Nice base everywhere on golf course. Looks like we didn't receive much rain which was great to keep what we had. Skied 18 holes under par.
Kenny Slower Skier
Huron Meadows Metropark: There was a tree down blocking most of the trail at around 3:30. Marv, Vasili and I cleared most of it. Otherwise, the trail in the woods was great, pretty fast. No connector. Had to walk across the golf course
Huron Meadows Metropark: Bucks is open. No connector. It is pretty much how you’d expect. Fast and a bit icy in a couple spots, but mostly controllable for skating. There are tracks which looked solid but some parts looked quite icy. Only one small dirt spot near the top of the “big hill. There is however quite a bit of small debris blown on to it.
Hanson Hills: 12/19/2025
Trail Closure Update
Trails are OPEN! As of 1:30pm we have combed Red, Yellow, Blue, M-93 Hills. Tracks have been set on All Trails out to Blue, Blue to Sue's Return.
Huron Meadows Metropark: Posting from Huron Meadows Metropark website: "Bucks Run will be groomed for skate and classic skiing today, but please know that there is no connector trail available. Without the connector available you will have to walk to the start of the trail. For your safety and the safety of our staff please adhere to Bucks Run hours. Bucks Run is open Monday – Friday 12 pm – 7:45 pm and Saturday – Sunday 9 am – 7:45 pm, weather and conditions permitting.
Due to the weather conditions yesterday no other trails are available at this time."
Hanson Hills: Operations Update
Trails will remain closed today.
The rain has moved on, and now we’re in patient mode—waiting for that moisture in our snow base to lock back up so we can safely fire up the grooming equipment. Cold temps, do your thing.
Forbush Corner: Larry is grooming east side trails. Current temp is 19. Moist new snow over skate deck. Same for tracks.
Hiawatha Highlands: Happy Friday! It is snowing up here (great job keeping your dancing shoes on)! However, the conditions this morning are icy on top with slush underneath due to the amount of rain we got yesterday and into the evening.
The groomers rolled all the systems yesterday in preparation for the dropping temperatures. Tracks were not set. They will be waiting until we get more snow to get back out on the trails.
Reminder: Jackrabbit program runs tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 12 noon.
We hope everyone has a great Friday!
Cross Country Ski Headquarters: Although the temps have gotten back below freezing, we still need to let the trails firm back up from the warm wet weather yesterday. The trials will be closed today in order to make sure we can have good skiing for the weekend. Luckily, we still have a good base, and, it is snowing right now and we should see a little accumulation today. We plan to head out either sometime later today or tomorrow morning to scrape up the crusty top coat and blend it with the new snow to get some great skiing for tomorrow and through the weekend. We'll be skiing again in no time!
Forbush Corner: Winter has returned overnight. Flash freeze, lake effect and windy conditions will contribute to taking longer today to determine a grooming plan, so consider delaying coming out right away.
THU, DEC 18
Forbush Corner: Just confirming that we will be closed today due to the rain and warm up. Cold temperatures will return tomorrow along with some lake effect snow. We do plan on reopening tomorrow and welcome the return of winter over the weekend.
Hanson Hills: Trail Closure Update
Due to today’s rain and warmer temperatures, we are temporarily closing our Cross Country and Fat Bike Trails until colder conditions allow the trails to firm back up. This helps protect the trail surface so we can get back to great conditions as soon as possible.
Please be mindful if you are skiing, walking, hiking, or snowshoeing. A good general rule of thumb: if you are sinking in and leaving ruts or footprints, the trails are too soft and we ask that you discontinue that activity.
Thank you for your patience and for helping us protect the trails—we’ll be back to smooth conditions soon.
WED, DEC 17
Hiawatha Highlands: Happy Middle-of-the-Week Wednesday :) Wow, it was a windy one overnight....and continuing with quite a bit of wind this morning, kind of felt like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz.
There was no grooming overnight. The groomers will be out today cleaning up the trails.
Note: There is a big branch down on the Pinder 4k halfway to the White Pine extension over the skate lane.
Have a fantastic Wednesday!
Cross Country Ski Headquarters: The trails will be closed today and tomorrow to try to protect the base though the warm weather over the next 2 days. Things should get cold again Thursday night into Friday morning with a bit snow, so with any luck, we should still have good skiing by the weekend!
Huron Meadows Metropark: Skated Coyote from 8 to 10.
Softer and more control than Tuesday. Tracks are good with a lot of leaves.
Forbush Corner: Based on the predicted rain/warm temperatures we will continue to be closed today and Thursday. Should be able to reopen on Friday based on cooler temperatures returning.
Hanson Hills: It’s currently 36° and raining in Grayling, and with snow preservation in mind, we’ve made the decision to close the Cross Country Trail System for the day.
Warm rain is tough on our trails, and taking a short pause now helps protect the snow base so we can get everyone back out skiing sooner once conditions improve. We truly appreciate your cooperation and ask that you please respect the closure as we do our best to care for this precious winter resource.
Thank you for your understanding—and fingers crossed for colder temps ahead!
Huron Meadows Metropark: I skied from 10-11:30 today. A very icy wind blown skate deck but still fun. Classic tracks were mostly intact on cedar trace and coyote run, but wind had filled them in on hawks hills. I had a very nice ski.
Huron Meadows Metropark: I skied from 10-11:30 today. A very icy wind blown skate deck but still fun. Classic tracks were mostly intact on cedar trace and coyote run, but wind had filled them in on hawks hills. I had a very nice ski.
More trail reports...
