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!
2007 Muffin Race Results
2/26/2007 - By Mike Muha
Hannah Ciesla and Brendan Baic were the top juniors at teh Muffin Race pursuit. Both skiers had the fastest classic and freestyle times for girls and boys in the race.,
Hanson Hills 12K Classic Results
2/26/2007 - By Mike Muha
Skier spent much time testing kick waxes, scraping off the wax that wasn't working and putting on warmer wax just to make it up the first hill without having to herringbone most of the way.,
Zack Simons and Kate Whitcomb Claim Victory at Birkie 2007
2/25/2007 - By Birkie
Zack Simons, Park City, Utah, and Kate Whitcomb, Ketchum, Idaho, skied to victory at the 25-kilometer Subaru American Birkebeiner in Cable and Seeley today.,
Michigan Cup Marathon Results
2/25/2007 - By Mike Muha
Steve Kuhl and Amy Powell win the Michigan Cup Marathon in great conditions. Many skiers originally heading to the Birkie turned around to take advantage of the better snow at Hanson Hills.,
Randall Earns Best Worlds Pursuit Finish
2/25/2007 - By US Ski Team
Russian Olga Savialova edged Czech Katerina Neumannova by a half-second Sunday in the women's 15K (7.5K CL+7.5K FR) pursuit at the 2007 FIS Nordic World Ski Championships. Kikkan Randall was 41st and Lindsey Weier 52nd.,
Nordic Notes: Dyed Hair and 'The Office'
2/24/2007 - By US Ski Team
Kikkan Randall will bring her pink-dyed hair to the women's 15K pursuit (7.5K CL+7.5K FR) Saturday and Lindsey Weier (Mahtomedi, MN), her teammate on the 2002 and '06 Olympic Team, will make her first start of the World Championships,
Freeman Finishes 30K Pursuit in Lead Pack
2/24/2007 - By US Ski Team
Kris Freeman skied with the lead pack throughout the race and survived a late crash to finish 19th Saturday in the men's 30K pursuit (15K CL+15K FR) as cross country racing switched from sprints to distance at the World Ski Championships.,
Former MI Cup Racers Now With US Ski Team
2/24/2007 - By Aaron Saari
Right now is very busy. We are at the World Championships in Sapporo, Japan. One of our sprinters placed 5th which is the best finish for a US sprinter at any major championship. The great thing is, the guy knows he can do better. ,
Nordic Notes: Mid Distance Races Next
2/24/2007 - By US Ski Team
With the individual and team sprints completed at the 2007 FIS Nordic World Ski Championships, the cross country focus turns to distance races with the first competition Saturday - the men's 30K pursuit.,
More on Team Sprint
2/23/2007 - By US Ski Team
In the team sprints, each skier races three loops - in tag-team format - with the top five teams in each of two semifinal rounds moving into the medal round.,
Randall, Valaas Just Miss Team Sprint Finals
2/23/2007 - By US Ski Team
U.S. sprinters Kikkan Randall and Laura Valaas narrowly missed qualifying for the freestyle team sprint final heats. Italy won the men's 1.4K event with the U.S. team finished 15th,
Toko and Swix Wax Recommendations for the Birkie
2/23/2007 - By Toko and Swix
Toko and Swix Wax Recommendations for the 2007 Birkie.,
UPCOMING
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)
WED, FEB 18, 2026
American Birkebeiner, Kortelopet & Prince Haakon Open Track
Hayward, WI
2026 Winter Olympics - Team Sprint Women's/Men's Qual.+ Final
Tesero Cross-Country Skiing Stadium, Italy
FRI, FEB 20, 2026
Kortelopet 29K Race
Samuel C. Johnson Family Outdoor Center, 12205 County Hwy-B W, Hayward, WI 54843 (OO Trailhead)
Prince Haakon 15K
Phipps Road, north of Hayward, WI
SAT, FEB 21, 2026
American Birkebeiner 53k Classic Race / 50k Skate Race
Cable to Hayward, WI
2026 Winter Olympics - 50 km classic style women
Tesero Cross-Country Skiing Stadium, Italy
Free Beginner Ski Lesson
Cross Country Ski Headquarters, 9435 N. Cut Rd., Roscommon, MI 48653 (800-832-2663)
2026 Winter Olympics - 50 km classic style men
Tesero Cross-Country Skiing Stadium, Italy
Ribs and Blues Celebration!
Cross Country Ski Headquarters, 9435 N. Cut Rd., Roscommon, MI 48653 (800-832-2663)
SUN, FEB 22, 2026
33rd Annual Junior Muffin Race
Cross Country Ski Headquarters, 9435 N. Cut Rd., Roscommon, MI 48653 (800-832-2663)
TUE, FEB 24, 2026
CANCELLED: Detroit Public Schools kids learn to ski
Huron Meadows Metropark, 8765 Hammel Rd, Brighton, MI 48116
WED, FEB 25, 2026
CANCELLED: Detroit Public Schools kids learn to ski
Huron Meadows Metropark, 8765 Hammel Rd, Brighton, MI 48116
THU, FEB 26, 2026
CANCELLED: Detroit Public Schools kids learn to ski
Huron Meadows Metropark, 8765 Hammel Rd, Brighton, MI 48116
More events...
LATEST TRAIL CONDITIONS
WED, FEB 11
Cross Country Ski Headquarters: Just got off the trails 4 30. Light snow all afternoon. Beautiful groom with solid Trax. 27 degrees, Swix blue with a little blue Xtra for Rolling Hills. If it keeps snowing tomorrow could be special. Get it while you can.
Huron Meadows Metropark: Snow was added to trail today. So it is a little soft for skating. But still very skiable from building and back is still there.
Disappointing to see the snow guns put away today. Long term forecast shows cold for several weeks after this few day warm up. Looks like they are giving up already.
Independance Oaks: Icy boiler plate around the lake but the Spring Lake loop is more skate-able. It is not ideal for skating but doable, classic skiing would be better if you are double poling but diagonal striding will be a challenge with no discernible set tracks. The skiing is best in the woods west of the lake as it is more crusty than icy. Please be cautious on the down hills.
Independance Oaks: Icy boiler plate around the lake but the Spring Lake loop is more skate-able. It is not ideal for skating but doable, classic skiing would be better if you are double poling but diagonal striding will be a challenge with no discernible set tracks. The skiing is best in the woods west of the lake as it is more crusty than icy. Please be cautious on the down hills.
Independance Oaks: Icy boiler plate around the lake but the Spring Lake loop is more skate-able. It is not ideal for skating but doable, classic skiing would be better if you are double poling but diagonal striding will be a challenge with no discernible set tracks. The skiing is best in the woods west of the lake as it is more crusty than icy. Please be cautious on the down hills.
Independance Oaks: Icy boiler plate around the lake but the Spring Lake loop is more skate-able. It is not ideal for skating but doable, classic skiing would be better if you are double poling but diagonal striding will be a challenge with no discernible set tracks. The skiing is best in the woods west of the lake as it is more crusty than icy. Please be cautious on the down hills.
Independance Oaks: Icy boiler plate around the lake but the Spring Lake loop is more skate-able. It is not ideal for skating but doable, classic skiing would be better if you are double poling but diagonal striding will be a challenge with no discernible set tracks. The skiing is best in the woods west of the lake as it is more crusty than icy. Please be cautious on the down hills.
Independance Oaks: Icy boiler plate around the lake but the Spring Lake loop is more skate-able. It is not ideal for skating but doable, classic skiing would be better if you are double poling but diagonal striding will be a challenge with no discernible set tracks. The skiing is best in the woods west of the lake as it is more crusty than icy. Please be cautious on the down hills.
Independance Oaks: Icy boiler plate around the lake but the Spring Lake loop is more skate-able. It is not ideal for skating but doable, classic skiing would be better if you are double poling but diagonal striding will be a challenge with no discernible set tracks. The skiing is best in the woods west of the lake as it is more crusty than icy. Please be cautious on the down hills.
Independance Oaks: Icy boiler plate around the lake but the Spring Lake loop is more skate-able. It is not ideal for skating but doable, classic skiing would be better if you are double poling but diagonal striding will be a challenge with no discernible set tracks. The skiing is best in the woods west of the lake as it is more crusty than icy. Please be cautious on the down hills.
Boyne Mountain: Trail conditions are excellent! Nice deep base. A little crusty this morning, but it has softened up since then.
Stokely Creek: Primo untouched fresh tracks and corduroy on the Hakon Lien this morning, plus sun. I would have recommended it to Klaebo with complete confidence that he would have found it a pleasure to ski. No pressure, just creamy snow perfection.
Michaywe: Combed out the skate deck and reset track on the lake loop, herringbone, the river trail, and both golf course loops. We are getting some light lake effect with wind, so there is some drifting in the open areas on the golf courses. Conditions remain good.
Hiawatha Highlands: It's a gorgeous sunny morning -- happy happy!!! It's a beautiful -6 C.
The groomer is currently out -- the Pinder system was fully Piston Bully groomed for both classic and skate, as was the 2k Lighted. He is currently on the Crystal system. Stay tuned for an update on the Red Pine system.
We hope everybody has a fantastic day!!
Cross Country Ski Headquarters: After some slightly warmer temps yesterday, below freezing temps overnight, a bit of fresh snow, and fresh grooming this morning, the skating is the best of the season! Classic tracks are also intact and in good shape on all trails. Watch for oak leaves in the tracks on Manitou. Enjoy it out there, it's fantastic!
Hanson Hills:
Nordic Trail Update:
Fresh grooming is underway this morning on Red, with new corduroy and classic track being set to keep conditions in top shape.
A great midweek opportunity to get out and enjoy the trails—see you at Hanson Hills!
Huron Meadows Metropark: Any update on conditions at Huron Meadows for a late afternoon or early evening skate today would be much appreciated
Huron Meadows Metropark:
TUE, FEB 10
Huron Meadows Metropark: 2/10/26: went in the evening. Bucks run was very icy. Big dry spots on the golf course, so wouldn't recommend skiing on those trails. Seems like it might have been nicer during the day when things were still melting and hadn't iced over. Temps went down a bit as the evening progressed leaving Bucks feeling like an ice rink. I double-poled in the tracks for a bit, but skating felt precarious. No bare spots on bucks, but a few leaves & stuff on the trails
Maybury State Park: Tracks were still holding up but sticky at 2 pm. Leaf litter and some sticks. Used skin skis.
I will try tomorrow,probably double pole only.
Nubs Nob: Fresh groom this morning for the skate deck & classic tracks. Exceptional conditions!!!
Quail Hollow State Park: It's 50° and the snow is holding up better than I expected. I never wax! In the middle of doing all the purple trail and plan to do some or all of the green trail. Downhills still had deep snow on them and not icy. No bare spots yet. Back in the pines by Pontius there were occasional but very easily avoidable tree roots. Snow will probably hold until tomorrow. Get it while you can, Janis.
Huron Meadows Metropark: Brilliant sunshine & blue skies. 39 degrees when I finished skate skiing today. Blue high speed wax good to 21 degrees was good enough for me. No new grooming but Cedar Trace was lovely for two loops - only had to dodge a small bit of animal litter and footsteps (who in the world are these residents that walk on skate decks!? I always like to think they just need larger signage).
Bucks was soft....Was hearing the 1994 Tune, "Here Comes the Hotstepper" --- Am wondering if spreading of snow on the golf course and Coyote Connector could keep things covered in coming days. Snow dance underway...
Cross Country Ski Headquarters: Conditions are fabulous. Our base is very strong and the trails have a fresh snow comb as of this morning. Temps will rise today, so best conditions will be earlier. Enjoy lunch at the Stone Turtle Cafe today, and demo a new pair of skis for free!
Hanson Hills: TUESDAY UPDATE — FEBRUARY 10, 2026
Nordic Trail Report:
Fresh classic tracks are set on Yellow, Brown, Blue, and M-93 Hills. Skate lanes are looking great across the entire trail system, making for solid conditions no matter your style today.
Nordic Tuesday Special:
Enjoy the trails with $13 trail passes every Tuesday.
A great day to get out and ski—see you on the trails!
Hiawatha Highlands: Good Morning Snow Lovers!! We got quite a bit of snow overnight, but it's shaping up to be a fantastic day (but isn't it always if you're up here skiing?!). The temperature right now is -4 C.
The groomer is currently out -- the Pinder system is complete, both classic and skate, he is currently on the 2k lighted. The Red Pine and Crystal systems will follow. All systems Piston Bully groomed for both classic and skate.
Mabel Hills is now open as of yesterday afternoon :)
Have a great Tuesday....come on up and enjoy this awesome day!
MON, FEB 9
Towpath Trail: Trail by Center Road was wonderful. Snow holding up well. Surprisingly not bumpy as it's a multi use path.
Towpath Trail: Trail by Center Road was wonderful. Snow holding up well. Surprisingly not bumpy as it's a multi use path.
Independance Oaks: All trails freshly rolled this morning. No classic trax to speak of. Slightly softer with temps up to 25 degrees. Saw a pair of Asnes wood skis gliding through the woods. The good old days.
Forbush Corner: Excellent grooming, great snow
Forbush Corner:
Hanson Hills: After yesterday’s -14F start in the Forbush Classic, today’s balmy skate at Hanson at 28 degrees almost felt tropical. Flew around the red trail on immaculately groomed system. A few leaves on the skate deck which caught me on an uphill ( ugly) but not an issue elsewhere. Tracks were concentrating the leaves. I wish I knew what was on my skis as I was flying. Thank you for the excellent ski!!
Hanson Hills: Best grooming of the season. First tracks after 10 am every trail. Immaculate conditions today and great last week. Feeling so blessed to skate ski at Hanson this year!!!
Cross Country Ski Headquarters: After a great weekend of skiing, we're ready to get back at it! Groomer Butch is out freshening up all the trails and this week surely looks warmer than the last, with good skiing ahead!
Hiawatha Highlands: It's Monday morning....we hope everybody had a great weekend! The temperature right now is -11 C, with no snow overnight.
Due to the cold temperatures overnight, keeping the trails stable, no grooming was done.
In the words of the groomer, "the skate lanes and tracks are in immaculate shape."
Now, I'm no expert, but I am pretty sure that we'll never look back thinking "we went skiing too much!" So come on up and enjoy another fantastic day on the trails :)
Hanson Hills: Lodge and trails open at 9:00 AM. Grooming operations are underway this morning with fresh corduroy being laid on Red, Yellow, Brown, Blue, and M-93—great conditions to start the week.
Forbush Corner: After a very busy day yesterday, east trails and pines loop were regroomed after the classic race. The west side will get the fresh groom today along with the 240 loop. Conditions continue to be the best ever. Open 9 to 5 today. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday per usual.
More trail reports...
