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Kids - the next generation of racers - line up to race the 2026 North American Vasa!

Kids - the next generation of racers - line up to race the 2026 North American Vasa!

Wax recommendations: Cote, Nub's, Flying Squirrel races!
Wax recommendations: Cote, Nub's, Flying Squirrel races!

Wax recommendations: Cote, Nub's, Flying Squirrel races!

1/15/2026 6:53:07 AM - By Mike Muha

Toko and Rex wax recommendations for Saturday's Cote Dame Marie, and Sunday's Nub's Nob Classic 5k & 12k and CCSC Flying Squirrel Nordic races.

Haberkorn, Smith, Davis, and Davis lead 2026 Michigan Cup
Haberkorn, Smith, Davis, and Davis lead 2026 Michigan Cup

Haberkorn, Smith, Davis, and Davis lead 2026 Michigan Cup

1/14/2026 11:58:39 AM - By Mike Muha

We are five races into the 2025-2026 Michigan Cup season - one junior race and four senior races - and Ken Dawson has released the individual standings to date.

UPDATED! Help let Detroit students experience cross country skiing
UPDATED! Help let Detroit students experience cross country skiing

UPDATED! Help let Detroit students experience cross country skiing

1/14/2026 5:00:00 AM - By Mike Muha

NEW DATES! Last year, Team NordicSkiRacer volunteers assisted students from the Detroit Public Schools with learning how to cross country ski. We're looking for volunteers for this year!

www.tokous.com
FLASH RACE to support Reid Goble on Jan 24
FLASH RACE to support Reid Goble on Jan 24

FLASH RACE to support Reid Goble on Jan 24

1/14/2026 3:00:00 AM - By Cross Country Ski Headquarters

Join us for an informal race around the Trapper’s Cabin Loop and help support Reid Goble, Michigan’s U.S. SuperTour Series and International cross-country ski racer!

Swix has new World Cup series of racing glide wax
Swix has new World Cup series of racing glide wax

Swix has new World Cup series of racing glide wax

1/14/2026 - By Swix

The Swix World Cup series has been built on the principle that you’ll always find the right wax if you follow three steps: first, identify the snow type, then check the humidity, and finally, the temperature.

Contest ends Jan 15 - Win Toko Jet Liquid Blue, Red, and Yellow!
Contest ends Jan 15 - Win Toko Jet Liquid Blue, Red, and Yellow!

Contest ends Jan 15 - Win Toko Jet Liquid Blue, Red, and Yellow!

1/13/2026 8:00:00 AM - By Mike Muha and Ian Harvey

Toko Giveaway Contest finishes at the end of Thursday, Jan 15! Get your free entry in for a chance to win one each of Toko Jet Liquid Blue, Red, and Yellow, a $405 value!

www.crosscountryski.com/
Cote Dame Marie Ski Loppet – New Course, Big Giveaways
Cote Dame Marie Ski Loppet – New Course, Big Giveaways

Cote Dame Marie Ski Loppet – New Course, Big Giveaways

1/13/2026 1:43:10 AM - By Justin Andre

We are excited to welcome you back to Hanson Hills for the Cote Dame Marie Ski Loppet on Saturday, January 17th! Trail conditions are looking great, and we can’t wait to host another memorable race day with all of you.

Rebecca Davis and Bradley Baas doublepole to Krazy Klassic victory
Rebecca Davis and Bradley Baas doublepole to Krazy Klassic victory

Rebecca Davis and Bradley Baas doublepole to Krazy Klassic victory

1/12/2026 10:11:40 AM - By Mike Muha

Rebecca Davis powered over her rivals in the 2026 Krazy Klassic while Bradley Baas used strategy to win over Michael Davis.

Results! Vasa Raptor Rush Nordic Ski Race
Results! Vasa Raptor Rush Nordic Ski Race

Results! Vasa Raptor Rush Nordic Ski Race

1/12/2026 8:00:00 AM - By Mike Muha

Junior teams Vasa Raptors, Crystal Nordic, Nub's Nob, and the Cross Country Ski Shop competed at Hickory Hills Ski Area in Traverse City, MI on January 10 for the 2nd annual Raptor Rush fundraiser.

www.xcskiworld.com/about
Karin Rand and Bradley Baas dominate Frosty Freestyle
Karin Rand and Bradley Baas dominate Frosty Freestyle

Karin Rand and Bradley Baas dominate Frosty Freestyle

1/10/2026 12:03:06 PM - By Mike Muha

There was sugar, there was slush, there was ice. It was good enough considering the balmy temps lately. Most important, there was a race! The Frosty Freestyle maintained its reputation of putting on the race when others would have screamed Uncle!

Photos from 2026 Winter Wolf Skiathlon
Photos from 2026 Winter Wolf Skiathlon

Photos from 2026 Winter Wolf Skiathlon

1/8/2026 6:17:12 PM - By Mike Muha

Photos from the Winter Wolf Skiathlon were taken by Chris Larner! Lots of photos.

Wax Recommendations: Frosty Freestyle, Raptor Rush, Krazy Klassic
Wax Recommendations: Frosty Freestyle, Raptor Rush, Krazy Klassic

Wax Recommendations: Frosty Freestyle, Raptor Rush, Krazy Klassic

1/8/2026 11:10:00 AM - By Mike Muha

Wax recommendations for this weekend's Michigan Cup races from Toko and Rex: Frosty Freestyle, Raptor Rush, and Krazy Klassic

More News...

www.northboundoutfittersmi.com/xc-ski.html

UPCOMING

SAT, MAR 7, 2026

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)

Great Bear Chase
Calumet, MI 49913

SUN, MAR 8, 2026

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME
Spring forward!

Michigan Cup Relays at XC Ski HQ
Cross Country Ski Headquarters, 9435 N. Cut Rd., Roscommon, MI 48653 (800-832-2663)

MON, MAR 9, 2026

2026 Cross Country Junior National Championships - 7.5/5K Freestyle Interval Start
American Birkebeiner Trailhead, Cable, WI

WED, MAR 11, 2026

2026 Cross Country Junior National Championships - Classic Sprint
American Birkebeiner Trailhead, Cable, WI

FRI, MAR 13, 2026

2026 Cross Country Junior National Championships - 14.6/11.3/8K Classic Mass Start
American Birkebeiner Trailhead, Cable, WI

SAT, MAR 14, 2026

2026 Cross Country Junior National Championships - 4-Person Mixed Gender Freestyle Relay
American Birkebeiner Trailhead, Cable, WI

More events...

www.hammernutrition.com/?utm_source=nsr&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=nsrbanner

LATEST TRAIL CONDITIONS

TUE, MAR 3

Hickory Hills: The best skiing in Traverse City is at Hickory. Both the Meadows and Hills were Pisten Bully groomed this morning. Everything is well covered with the exception of gray ice at the top of the first hill east of the parking lot, and some exposed gravel on The Beast. Skating is a bit soft, but fast. Classic tracks are well formed and deep. I used “B” skis, but “A” skis would be fine if you’re careful. Assuming they use the PB tomorrow, it should be great in the morning.

Hiawatha Highlands: Good Morning!! It's a calm, milder morning....temperature -8 C.

The groomer headed out this morning -- he will be freshening up the skate lanes with the Ginzu, beginning with the Pinder system, the Crystal system will be next and then the Red Pine system.

Have an awesome day!

Cross Country Ski Headquarters: Similar conditions to yesterday, Groomer Mike is snow combing the fresh man-made snow, and Trappers Cabin, Rolling Hills, Adventure, and Blizzard are holding up fairly well. All other trails are closed. Expect good conditions in the morning, softening up in the afternoon. Tomorrow looks like the same story. Thursday and Friday do not look promising, and we may have to close the trails to preserve the base for the relay race on Sunday. We'll see if the forecast changes, but right now, it does not look great for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. We'll send another update Thursday morning.

Hanson Hills: Lodge and trails open 9am (Lodge closes at 3pm). My turn to sit in the PB100. Tracks and fresh comb are being reset on Yellow, brown, blue and easy return this morning.

Hanson Hills: Lodge and trails open 9am (Lodge closes at 3pm). My turn to sit in the PB100. Tracks and fresh comb are being reset on Yellow, brown, blue and easy return this morning.

MON, MAR 2

Hanson Hills: Perfect spring trail conditions today. I skated this afternoon, yellow,brown, blue and m-93 hills. All freshly groomed. K Gary classic skied all trails and novice loop where the ice of yesterday was crushed and re tracked. So much better. I had blue skies and 33 degrees. I so wanted one more day at Hanson and I got it. Other happy skiers were there as well. Debris light and no bare spots!!!

Huron Meadows Metropark: Monday evening: pretty good conditions considering the weather lately. Skate deck was hard and slick, but still very skiable. Classic tracks looked fine all the way around

Vasa Trail: I started at the Rock today to avoid the icy sections when starting at the TH. The cognoscenti had the same idea as the little parking lot at the Rock was overflowing at my early afternoon arrival. From the Rock's 12K signpost I skied the course backwards (CCW) taking the Wall-bypass to the 8K signpost, then reversed course back towards TR to the 13K signpost. I saw no ice, just hardpack white snow, and could have gone farther in either direction but was just looking for a 10K skate today. I saw a couple of classic skiers as those tracks were nice and deep.

Nubs Nob: Today , Monday , was a pinnacle day for Nubs Knob Nordic . The groomers have the packed base they have wished for. And they are using it !
The temperature swings this week will provide a late AM sweet spot that should not be missed .

Dunes Golf Club: Poor crust condition
Lower slab of frozen snow is good but upper crust from recent has not fully developed and has large areas of sheet ice which is generally dangerous.
Not recommended for skiing.
Will update if it improves.
Kevinski slowski

Forbush Corner: I’m not sure it gets better than today. Skied classic and it’s perfect

Independance Oaks: Last call for skiing. Did east side of the lake from boat launch to south end. Dense packed snow over ice. Kick and glide only
Pretty as a picture. Blue sky and 25 degrees. Going to be all gone by tomorrow. Until we ski again.

Hanson Hills: Nordic grooming update: PB100 is on the trail setting fresh track and comb on Yellow,brown, blue, green, and easy return.

Cross Country Ski Headquarters: After more snow-moving last night, Groomer Butch is out snowcombing this morning. It looks like Trappers Cabin, Rolling Hills, Blizzard and Adventure trails will be open, but Tall Pines, Manitou and Wild Turkey will be closed due to thin/bare spots. Use caution on downhills. No fresh tracks, but the skate lanes should still be in pretty good shape for both skate and classic, especially where we have moved snow, so the best tip is to follow the good snow!

Hanson Hills: We will continue Nordic operations and grooming efforts through March 7th (Lodge and Trails Open 9:00am–Lodge Closes at 3:00pm).
Current Trail Conditions
• Overall conditions are fast
• Track set is icy
• Expect firm, spring-like surfaces, especially in the mornings
Grooming Plan – March 2–7
Groomer Dan will be out this morning with the Tidd Tech combing skate lanes on:Yellow, Brown, Blue, Easy Return. This will help refresh the skate deck and improve edge control in the firm conditions.
The PB100 did not want to start this morning. We will need it operational in order to fully tear out and reset the classic track. Maintenance is working on getting it up and running, and once operational, we plan to, tear out the existing icy track and reset fresh track where conditions allow.
We appreciate everyone’s patience as we work through spring conditions and equipment challenges. Late-season skiing can be some of the fastest and most fun of the year, just come prepared for firm surfaces.
Thank you for supporting Nordic operations through the final week of grooming.

Forbush Corner: What a busy weekend. We greeted a lot of new skiers discovering Forbush Corner for the first time. Today we will be re-grooming selected trails on the east and west side for skate and classic. All trails are tracked. Open at 9. Trails and buildings close at 5.


SUN, MAR 1

Vasa Trail: I wasn't planning on skiing today with some concern over the trail condition from the recent 50 degree rain, meltdown and hard refreezing, but then I saw the two trail reports filed yesterday, so I decided to ski it with caution. I then enjoyed a late morning fast ski this morning. The expert skaters coming off the trail just as I started both gave it a favorable review, except for Anita's Hill that was reported icy, but no factor for me on the 10K loop. The most dangerous part is the boilerplate ice skating rink of a parking lot at the TH. Once on the 10K loop things did improve after the first K or so that had more than its share of ice. Overall the morning groom by the Pisten Bully did result in fast and fun skiing on the 90% of the trail that still had good corduroy for skating. About 3% of the trail was hard gray ice that provided no control, especially since some of it was on the downhills, such as the first downhill departing from the TH, then both sides of the bridge had gray ice patches, and much of the ledge did too. The other 7% was refrozen hardpack white snow that had not yet converted to ice, and did provide some control if your skis still have sharp enough edges to bite into the hardpack. With the ice and slick hardpack it is not very suitable for novices or infrequent skiers. Only bare spot I saw was a very small one at the edge of the trail. Spring skiing is usually much better starting out by the Rock due to more abundant snow there, and less ski traffic to compact it too much.

Forbush Corner: Fantastic conditions for classic and skate today. Fast classic tracks and firm skate lane. All trails groomed this morning. Great day to be out.
Thanks everyone at Forbush!

Cross Country Ski Headquarters: Thanks to the valiant efforts of our snow making and grooming teams, the trails are in much better shape today! We moved a bunch of snow around at the trailhead and throughout some of the main network and the corduroy is looking and feeling good! Skiers yesterday reported fun conditions even with the little glaze. We were able to chew up Trappers cabin, Adventure, and Rolling hills, and all three of those trails are in pretty darn good shape. Manitou did not get touched is only recommened to advanced skiers who know how to ski through icy patches. Tall pines is closed, and Wild Turkey has a few bare spots, but other than that we're quite pleased with how the trails look! No tracks, but fresh corduroy and a nice bit of sunshine are making today look pretty darn nice!

Live music in the day lodge today from 1-3pm!

More trail reports...

www.skifastwax.com/
www.cross-country-ski.com


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