Happy 50th Anniversary Cross Country Ski Shop! Northbound Outfitters purchased the Cross Country Ski Shop in the fall of 2011 from owner Dick Fultz and looked forward to carrying on his 34-year presence in the Grayling community. And they did!
Northbound Outfitters / Cross Country Ski Shop owner Heather Compton received a plaque from the Michigan Cup that she awarded to Dick in honor of his founding the Cross Country Ski Shop 50 years ago. And it was party party party at the store after the Cote Dame Marie!
What's new for the 2022-2023 Michigan Cup?
11/13/2022 - By Mike Muha
The Michigan Cup skiathlon is a highlight of the upcoming race season!
What's new at the Cross Country Ski Headquarters?
11/8/2022 - By Mariah Frye Colie
At Cross Country Ski Headquarters, getting people on the snow and having fun is our number one priority. This winter, we’re adding some new and bringing back some favorite special events to amplify the fun.
Nubs Nob extends XC ski trails
10/27/2022 - By Nubs Nob
Nubs Nob in Harbor Spring, Michigan, has added some new cross-country terrain. The Upper Red Loop was extended by a 1/2 mile on its northern extremity and Nubs re-routed the Lower Red Loop to follow flatter, more forgiving terrain for beginners.
2022-2023 US Cross County Ski Team announced
10/19/2022 - By US Ski and Snowboard
hree-time Olympic medalist Jessie Diggins, and two-time Olympians Rosie Brennan and Scott Patterson return to lead the team into the 2023 World Championship season.
2023 North American Vasa Registration is open!
10/15/2022 - By Gussie Peterson
Mark your calendar for February 11 & 12, and plan to join us for another great skiing and winter sports bash.
Grinder Rollerski Race CANCELLED
10/9/2022 - By Tim Furbacher
Many of our Junior slkiers have conflicts with their Cross-Country Running schedules and are not able to compete, so we've cancelled the event until next summer.
Crystal Mountain to hold rollerski race to top of the mountain, Oct 16
9/13/2022 - By Tim Furbacher
Crystal Community Ski Club Programs plans an 8k (senior) and 5k (junior) rollerski race to the top of Crystal Mountain on October 16, 2022.
Noquemanon Ski Marathon registration opens
9/5/2022 - By Noquemanon Ski Marathon
Registration for the 2023 Noquemanon Ski Marathon is now open! The registration pricing schedule for all events is listed below - note that our best rate of $75 is available throughout the entire month of September.
Michigan Tech releases first details around 2023 US XC Ski Championships
8/1/2022 - By Michigan Tech
Michigan Tech will host the 2023 Toyota U.S. Cross Country Ski National Championships presented by Hampton Inn & Suites of Houghton at the Tech Trails from January 2-7, 2023.
2022-23 Junior National Qualifying events announced
7/22/2022 - By Nick Baic
The CXC Cup Schedule for the Junior National Qualifying events is now set for 2022-2023 ski season. Two of the events will be held in Michigan, including races at Hickory Hills in Traverse City on January 28-29 and another weekend in Houghton on December.
103 Miles for a cause
6/24/2022 - By Jeff Moore
I am seeking your support again this year to help raise a minimum of $3,000 for cancer research via Pelotonia 2022. You may recall that I rode 103 miles for Pelotonia last year and with your help, I was successful raising over $10,000.
FIS votes for equal distances for women and men
6/3/2022 - By Mike Muha
The FIS Cross Country Committee (CCC) votes 57% to 33% that women and men will race the same distances starting with the upcoming World Cup season. The vote was approved by the FIS Council.
UPCOMING
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
WED, FEB 4, 2026
Masters World Cup 2026 in Sappada/ITA - Long Distance Races
Sappada - Forni Avoltri, Italy
Kids Learn to Ski Program
Huron Meadows Metropark, 8765 Hammel Rd, Brighton, MI 48116
THU, FEB 5, 2026
Masters World Cup 2026 in Sappada/ITA - Long Distance Races
Sappada - Forni Avoltri, Italy
SAT, FEB 7, 2026
Super Bowl Foodie Face-Off!
Cross Country Ski Headquarters, 9435 N. Cut Rd., Roscommon, MI 48653 (800-832-2663)
White Pine Stampede
Mancelona High School, 9300 W Limits Rd; Mancelona MI 49659
Pre-Birkie 26K and 42K
Hayward, Wisconson
Valley Spur Classic 5/10k
Valley Spur, E8017 State Highway M-94, Munising, MI
Free Beginner Ski Lesson
Cross Country Ski Headquarters, 9435 N. Cut Rd., Roscommon, MI 48653 (800-832-2663)
Barnelopet
Maasto Hiihto, Hancock
2026 Winter Olympics - Women's 10 + 10 km Skiathlon
Tesero Cross-Country Skiing Stadium, Italy
SUN, FEB 8, 2026
Super Bowl Foodie Face-Off!
Cross Country Ski Headquarters, 9435 N. Cut Rd., Roscommon, MI 48653 (800-832-2663)
Nordic Ski Junior Racers training session (Team NordicSkiRacer)
Huron Meadows Metropark, 8765 Hammel Rd, Brighton, MI 48116
Forbush Memorial Classic Race
Forbush Corner, 4971 W County Road 612, Frederic, MI 49733 (989-889-2843)
Learn to Skate Ski Clinic
Cross Country Ski Headquarters, 9435 N. Cut Rd., Roscommon, MI 48653 (800-832-2663)
2026 Winter Olympics - Men's 10 + 10 km Skiathlon
Tesero Cross-Country Skiing Stadium, Italy
TUE, FEB 10, 2026
2026 Winter Olympics - Men's/Women's Sprint qual.+ final
Tesero Cross-Country Skiing Stadium, Italy
THU, FEB 12, 2026
2026 Winter Olympics - 10 km freestyle women
Tesero Cross-Country Skiing Stadium, Italy
FRI, FEB 13, 2026
Winter Fest Kick-Off
Cross Country Ski Headquarters, 9435 N. Cut Rd., Roscommon, MI 48653 (800-832-2663)
2026 Winter Olympics - 10 km freestyle men
Tesero Cross-Country Skiing Stadium, Italy
SAT, FEB 14, 2026
50th Annual North American Vasa Freestyle
Timber Ridge Resort, 4050 E. Hammond Road, Traverse City, MI 49686
Loppet Junior Qualifier & SuperTour (JNQ) - Classic Mass Start
Theodore Wirth Park, Minneapolis, MN
Gourmet Mac ‘n Cheese Bar
Cross Country Ski Headquarters, 9435 N. Cut Rd., Roscommon, MI 48653 (800-832-2663)
Nordic Ski Junior Racers training session (Team NordicSkiRacer)
Huron Meadows Metropark, 8765 Hammel Rd, Brighton, MI 48116
Free Beginner Ski Lesson
Cross Country Ski Headquarters, 9435 N. Cut Rd., Roscommon, MI 48653 (800-832-2663)
2026 Winter Olympics - Women's 4x7.5 km Relay
Tesero Cross-Country Skiing Stadium, Italy
SUN, FEB 15, 2026
Loppet Junior Qualifier & SuperTour (JNQ) - Freestyle Individual Star
Theodore Wirth Park, Minneapolis, MN
Gourmet Mac ‘n Cheese Bar
Cross Country Ski Headquarters, 9435 N. Cut Rd., Roscommon, MI 48653 (800-832-2663)
50th Annual North American Vasa Classic
Timber Ridge Resort, 4050 E. Hammond Road, Traverse City, MI 49686
2026 Winter Olympics - Men's 4x7.5 km Relay
Tesero Cross-Country Skiing Stadium, Italy
MON, FEB 16, 2026
Gourmet Mac ‘n Cheese Bar
Cross Country Ski Headquarters, 9435 N. Cut Rd., Roscommon, MI 48653 (800-832-2663)
More events...
LATEST TRAIL CONDITIONS
SUN, FEB 1
Huron Meadows Metropark: Bucks run in great condition for classic or skate from building and back. Nice deep fast tracks and skate lane getting a little faster with some warmer temps.
Skating was also great on the whole golf course and Cedar Trace even without it being groomed today.
Thanks everyone at HM.
Vasa Trail: Best day of the ski season so far: (1) freshly groomed flat and level skate lane, (2) perfect machine set classic tracks, (3) moderate temps, (4) under bright sunny sky brought out a good weekend crowd of happy skiers. LF6 worked well on my skate skis, especially fast in the sunny areas resulting in my fastest 10K lap time of the season, though my lap times are nothing to get excited about these days.
Michaywe: All of the ski trails received a full groom this morning with fresh tracks. It’s a great day to get outside and enjoy an afternoon skiing!
Cross Country Ski Headquarters: Groomer Mike is out snowcombing and setting fresh tracks where need be today. Great conditions on all trails, and a high of 26 today! Come ski with us!
Forbush Corner: It’s been a pleasure to post that all of our trails have 100% coverage pretty much all winter long. Temps are chilly again but moderating as the day goes on. East and west side trails get the fresh groom today. Pines loop was recently groomed and is in great shape as well. Open at 9. Gates close at 5pm.
Hanson Hills: The Meijer State Games – Hanson Hills Classic Ski Race will be held this morning.
Nordic trails will open to the public at 11:00 AM once the race concludes. Thanks for your patience and good luck to all racers!
SAT, JAN 31
Independance Oaks: Any update on IO?
Want to hit it tomorrow but worried about the truck Tracks?
Independance Oaks: Skied at 11:30 around the lake was in good shape did not get to the hills
Independance Oaks: Any update on IO?
Want to hit it tomorrow but worried about the truck Tracks?
Huron Meadows Metropark: Simple as that. Skated entire golf course. Can’t be any better.
Some thin spots on the taller grass areas.
Thank you to the team.
Winter is rocking it!
Forbush Corner: 12° F and 10 mph wind at 1pm. The freestyle race had finished and I classic skied. Given the fresh groom and expected skied in track, I used Rode super blue grip. I found 3/4” dry, cold snow on areas that were not groomed for the race very slow, so I skied the racecourse. The classic track was not impacted at all by skaters, it was deep, firm and clean. Speed was medium, becoming quite fast as the sun, in a clear blue sky, warmed the snow surface. At the end, I couldn’t go uphill in the track. 19° F at 3pm. Beautiful views, snow in the trees. 15km/9.32 miles
Stokely Creek: 34k Loppet started at well below 0F, but bright sun and blue skies. Most folks were bundled and touring it to enjoy the scenery, a few went hard off the front - mostly to build heat and thaw out their thumbs. The brief view on Batchawana Mt across the bay before rocketing down Belleau Lk trail hill was the best I've ever seen. Reminiscent of a Cascadian snow capped volcanic peak. Tracks were hard and fast despite the cold.
Cross Country Ski Headquarters: It doesn't get much better than this, folks! Clear blue skies, fresh tracks and grooming, hot fires, good food, and tons of snow. This is the winter we've been waiting for!
Hanson Hills: Lodge and Trails Open 9am
The trail system is looking great! Classic tracks are set on Red, Yellow, Brown, Blue, M-93, Easy Return, and Wilderness.
Groomer Dan will be back out today freshening up the trails, and the skate deck is in great shape as well.
Hanson Hills Classic Update:
We have reopened online registration and it will remain open until 2:00 PM today. Register online to help us keep check-in running smoothly Sunday morning:
https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/Grayling/MeijerStateGamesHansonHillsClassic
FRI, JAN 30
Big M: All the ski trails were groomed Jan. 30th. Oh Me and Catamount look great, along with the rest of the trails. The tracks should be less sticky than they have been recently. The temperature is warming up into the 20"s so it should be a beautiful winter weekend.
Forbush Corner:
Some important information regarding tomorrow’s race.
- Day of Registration and bib pick up begins at 0830 in the yurt.
- Please park as efficiently as possible. Volunteers will help direct you.
- Overflow parking is on the east side of South Roberts Rd.
- 15k race starts at 10am on Linda’s Link near the flags.
- 5k race starts at 10:05.
- Finish for both races is by the ski school.
- Race course will have classic tracks.
- Course is marked with signs, arrows and v-boards. If it is not groomed, it is not the race course. There will be volunteers guiding skiers at selected intersections.
- There will be trails available for non-racers.
Huron Meadows Metropark: Friday 4:15pm beautiful sunshine but deceiving at 10° F. Skated contractors back meadows loop and Hawk Hills (south golf course). Plenty of snow and more firm with buttery soft pole plants compared to Bucks which was nice. Hoping HM crew can get a full groom in tomorrow morning which will make a great Saturday. Cheers!
Maybury State Park: Nose classic tracks around the whole system. They also set tracks on the the area west of the parking lot off 8 mile and they're nice.
Michaywe: I did a full groom today on the Lake Loop, Herringbone, River and both Golf Course trails. The trails are in very good condition!
Cross Country Ski Headquarters: Trails are looking gorgeous! Firm tracks and great skate deck on all trails. The sun is shining and the weather is going to start to warm up too! Come on out!
Hiawatha Highlands: Happy Friday Morning! It's a another gorgeous, calm morning up here....and it's warming up, currently -20 C :):)
No grooming was done overnight as, again, no snow fell, and the trails are in great shape.
The trails await....layer up and come ski your way into the weekend. Happy skiing and have a fantastic day!
Boyne Mountain: Another cold one, so layer up! Trails freshly groomed and hold up nicely with all the new snow added.
Hanson Hills: Lodge and trails open 9am.
Groomer Dan is out combing skate lanes this morning with the tidd tech. Red, Yellow, Brown, Blue, M-93, and Easy Return have 2 day old tracks. Stay warm this morning.
Forbush Corner: Opening today is once again delayed to 10am due to subzero temperatures. We do plan a full system groom for skate and classic. There is an event tomorrow, The Meier Winter Games Forbush Freestyle race. Racers will be utilizing most of the ski trails during the morning. Trails are not closed to non racers, however the event should be winding down by noon.
More trail reports...
