Thu, Dec 11: Cross Country Ski Headquarters (Higgins Lake)
Tracks were set yesterday, and after 2-3 more inches last night, we'll set tracks again this morning. It is absolutely gorgeous out there! We'll be snowcombing the fresh powder this morning and it should be heavenly today and through the weekend. We have about 5-8" of packed snow on the trails, and 12-15" in the woods.
- XCSKIHQ
Thu, Dec 11: Hanson Hills (Grayling)
Lodge and Trails open 9am.
Another 1+ inches of snow. Groomer Dan is out Combing skate lanes and setting fresh tracks on the Inner Trails (Green, Blue, Brown,Yellow, Easy Return)
- Justin Andre
Thu, Dec 11: Forbush Corner (Frederic)
No lack of snow over the last few days and more to come. Most of the East side trails will be groomed today. Open 9 to 5.
If you need to wax your skis we added a wax room over the summer!
- MDB
Wed, Dec 10: Nubs Nob (Harbor Springs)
Perfect grooming with the big groomer, trail was excellent on upper red loop. Perfect temperature, fast snow.Have to enter the trail from Valley road.
- Scott Hotchkiss
Wed, Dec 10: Big M (Cadillac)
About 6? of fresh snow fell last night. The following trails were groomed this evening: Corkpine, most of Lumberjack, most of Camp 24, Big Wheel, Double Bit, Ryberg Rd and Catamount.
The plan is to groom all of the trails again on Friday or Saturday, so conditions should be excellent for when most people can get to Big M!
- Sue Stroope
Wed, Dec 10: Nubs Nob (Harbor Springs)
Nubs Nob has nailed it today ! A flat firm skate deck and classic track have fresh snow groomed thru the upper trails . LF 7 was the skate perfect wax. . Great depth and coverage . The ice storm clearance is impressive .
- Steve Biggs
Wed, Dec 10: Michaywe (Gaylord)
Received 2-3 inches of snow last couple days. All trails were groomed and track set today. Conditions are good with just a little drifting in the open areas, mainly on the golf courses.
- Michael Normand
Wed, Dec 10: Cross Country Ski Headquarters (Higgins Lake)
We received about 3' more inches last night and it's still snowing as we speak. Groomer Mike rolled everything this morning and is now out snowcombing and setting classic tracks. Hallelujah!! The trails are looking picturesque, we have about 4-7" of packed snow on the trails, and 10-14" in the woods.
- XCSKIHQ
Wed, Dec 10: Hanson Hills (Grayling)
Lodge Closure Notice
Consumers Power and our local electricians will be updating the electrical service to our Main Lodge today. This upgrade requires a full power shut-off for most of the day, which means no lights, no heat, and no water in the building.
Because of this, the Lodge and Offices will be closed today.
The good news: Our Trails remain open for use, and the DHHS Family Christmas Giving Donation Drop-Off will still be available as planned.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we complete these important improvements. Stay warm and enjoy the trails!
Trail Report: 1/2inch of new snow overnight. Groomer Dan will be combing and resetting tracks on Green, Blue, Brown, M-93.
- Justin Andre
Tue, Dec 9: Vasa Trail (Traverse City)
There was a little drizzle this morning in town, but when I got to Timber Ridge, the tracks & skate deck were perfect silky glide. I skied the 25k to the Special K, then the 10k to the 25k split & back, passing several ski friends along the way enjoying the mild weather & great grooming.
- Sara Cockrell
Tue, Dec 9: Cross Country Ski Headquarters (Higgins Lake)
It is snowing this morning, and as of this writing, we have about 2 inches of fresh snow. More snow is forecast to fall in the next 24-36 hours. Groomer Mike is snowcombing the trails this morning. The skating is wonderful, and classic skiing is really nice even without tracks. The grooming team plans to set classic tracks tomorrow. We have about 4-7" of packed snow on the trails, and 10-14" in the woods. The Stone Turtle Cafe is open for lunch, snacks, and beverages! Join us this coming Sunday for live music with Derek Boik from 2-4pm!
- George, Mariah, Stu, Erin, Missy, Krista, Alex & the HQ crew
Tue, Dec 9: Hanson Hills (Grayling)
Grayling Weather Update + Trail Report
Light snow is falling in Grayling this morning, setting us up for another gorgeous winter day!
Lodge and Trails open at 9am.
Cross Country Trail Report:
Groomer Dan is out for a short morning spin in the groomer, but today’s plan is to let the fresh snow build naturally on our already beautiful base. Think of it as Mother Nature adding the perfect finishing touch.
Enjoy the peaceful snowfall, get out for some winter adventure, and we’ll keep the trails in top shape as this new snow settles!
- Justin Andre
Mon, Dec 8: Reindeer Run Nordic Center (Empire)
Snowmobile trail head parking plowed but the logging operation also plowed the trail! So if you have D rated skis forget that trail till later.
- Kevinski slowski
Mon, Dec 8: Sleeping Bear Dunes (Empire)
Um, the glen Arbor to empire was groomed today surprisingly so good news bad news the classic tracks were very good. But of course the skate portion had the traditional groomer grove in the center of the narrow skate lane insulted walkers on the fresh groomed trail. As impressive as it was traditional way that they groom, not really good.
There is a impressive base this early in the season but it is lost with not a comprehensive rail plan.
Choose wisely as skaters are not a priority
Kevinski slowski
- Kevinski slowski
Mon, Dec 8: Crystal Mountain (Thompsonville)
Groomed everything today. Still trying to figure out the new Polaris tracked vehicle. Having a hard time making sharp left hand turns for some reason- snow too soft, operator error? Idk. With that being said please br careful on down hills like the last curve on Nepsa and the last one on hawks and squirrel. Other than that, trails turned out pretty good with deep trackset
Skating lanes are still soft but hey we got good snow:)
- Kathloon
Mon, Dec 8: Cross Country Ski Headquarters (Higgins Lake)
Bitter cold temps through the night have given way blue skies and beautiful trails! The skating lanes are excellent. Conditions for classic skiing are very good, too, though we still need a couple more inches of snow to set classic tracks. There is more snow forecasted early in the coming week, and we hope to get enough to have classic tracks by Wednesday! We have about 4-6" of packed snow on the trails, and 10-12" in the woods.
- XCSKIHQ
Mon, Dec 8: Forbush Corner (Frederic)
Fresh grooming in progress on east side trails. Ridge and the 240 loop are closed due to snowmaking over the weekend. The whales are drying out. Please for your safety, do not ski these trails. All other trails are open. Refer to Nordic Pulse for the latest fresh groom.
- MDB
Mon, Dec 8: Hanson Hills (Grayling)
Trail Update – Today in Grayling, MI ??
??? Temps today: Starting out cold at -5 °F (-21 °C) this morning, warming to a high near 22 °F (-5 °C).
? Lodge & trails open at 9 AM!
Trail Reports:
• Fat Bike Trail: Firm and fast — Groomer Jorden gives it a 9/10!
• Cross Country Trails: Groomer Dan is out with the Pisten Bulley this morning, leveling and smoothing skate lanes.
Downhill / Tubing: Snowmaking is going strong! Groomers have been pushing and shaping lanes on our main tube hill. We’re hopeful to announce an early tubing opening… stay tuned!
- Justin Andre
Mon, Dec 8: Dunes Golf Club (Empire)
Lots of snow
Plowed parking at entrance
Perfect classic conditions
Make your own tracks
Wilderness skiing on a golf course with hills
4 MI east of Empire on m-72
- Kevinski slowski
Sun, Dec 7: Vasa Trail (Traverse City)
Thanks TART groomers for the perfect classic tracks this afternoon for my ski from Timber Ridge to The Rock & back on the 25k Vasa trail. It was well worth the wait for mid-season conditions, though I realize there is not much base. I could have used my skin skis the tracks were that good! It was fun seeing so many friends out skiiing, too! LET IT SNOW! ?????? Don’t forget to get your TART grooming badge & Timber Ridge Season Pass, to show your support!
- Sara Cockrell
Sun, Dec 7: Forbush Corner (Frederic)
Very fine 15km classic ski, 1 thin layer Swix purple grip wax added late yesterday was smoothed out today. Skis not as fast as yesterday, a combination of colder temp, 19° F with brisk wind and 1” fresh snow. Slower speed was less noticeable where skiers had been through, a slight glaze in the track. With snow making in progress, I skied a bypass to Pancake, and the flatter West side trails, as my legs were quite weary. Particularly nice was the Pines trail- both free of debris and out of the wind. The straight trail leading to ‘D’ had shallower track after 1st groom yesterday and fresh snow, but no dirt showing through. Less than a handful of short areas grass showing, on the windy areas of the freeway trail.
- Mary McKinley
Sun, Dec 7: Vasa Trail (Traverse City)
Best conditions of the early season so far. An extra inch of snow over the past day freshened up the trail system, with another 1/2 inch on top of this mornings groom of the skate lane and reset of the classic tracks. Up to 10" in the woods with compacted 2" base. Only a few thin spots on the 10K with the worst being the usual spot just past the bridge, where a couple spotted some Salmon in the stream today, and where I heard a loud splash from one a few days ago.
- Jim Datsko
Sun, Dec 7: Michaywe (Gaylord)
Full groom with new tracks set on both Golf course loops, the Lake Loop, Herringbone and River trails. We have good coverage overall with a few thin spots that are easy to avoid.
- Jamie
Sun, Dec 7: Hanson Hills (Grayling)
Grooming Update: Due to a mechanical with our snowmobile, RED will not receive fresh corduroy this morning. Still very skiable as we received just a dusting of snow overnight.
- Justin Andre
Sun, Dec 7: Cross Country Ski Headquarters (Higgins Lake)
After a light dusting of snow throughout the night, the trails continue to get better! The skating lanes are excellent. Conditions for classic skiing are very good, too, though we still need a couple more inches of snow to set classic tracks. There is more snow forecasted early in the coming week, and we hope to get enough to have classic tracks in a few days! We have about 4-6" of packed snow on the trails, and 10-12" in the woods.
- XCSKIHQ
Sun, Dec 7: Forbush Corner (Frederic)
We received a dusting of snow overnight. Trails remain in excellent condition. The entire trail system was groomed yesterday.
We commenced snow making operations on the loop and valley yesterday evening and will continue on the Ridge trail today.
We have groomed an access trail from the shop to the Pancake trail to access all the non-snowmaking trails.
- TRH
Sun, Dec 7: Hanson Hills (Grayling)
Lodge and Trails open at 9am!
A friendly reminder that trail passes are required and can be purchased at the ticket window in the Lodge.
Cross Country Trail Update:
Groomer Dan is out again this morning combing skate lanes on Red, Yellow, Brown, Blue, and the M-93 hills.
Classic tracks are set across the entire system, and Wilderness is absolutely beautiful right now.
Come enjoy some perfect Nordic conditions.
- Justin Andre
Sat, Dec 6: Big M (Cadillac)
Grooming update 12/6/25: all the trails were groomed today except Catamount and Ryberg Rd, plus from markers 11-12 on Camp 24 (but that should have a hint of tracks from the previous groom). Catamount and Ryberg Rd may have downed trees you will need to go around, if you ski those trails, as those have not been cleared yet this season. The snow conditions are great - get out there! The parking lot is partially plowed and very passable.
- Sue Stroope
Sat, Dec 6: Forbush Corner (Frederic)
Excellent classic trail conditions. 33 km over 2 days Swix pink glide/Rode Super-blue grip, 27°, with light snow and moderate wind, temp falling to 23° late today. Packed powder was fast; particularly nice long stretches on pine connector pristine track. Pineneedles and leaves in some areas stuck to the kick wax. Snowmaking commenced this afternoon on the loop, the wet snow much stickier than natural (wiped out on home run hill ??)
- Mary McKinley
Sat, Dec 6: Cross Country Ski Headquarters (Higgins Lake)
The grooming team snow combed the entire trail network last night, and conditions are very good. The skating lanes are excellent. Conditions for classic skiing are very good, too, though we still need a couple more inches of snow to set classic tracks. We have about 4-6" of packed snow on the trails, and 10-12" in the woods. The Stone Turtle Cafe is open!
- George, Mariah, Stu, Erin, Missy, Krista, Alex & the HQ crew
Sat, Dec 6: Forbush Corner (Frederic)
Full system groom this morning - East Side, West Side, Pines Loop, everything - amazing for early December. Skate deck everywhere and classic tracks most everywhere !!!
- TRH
Sat, Dec 6: Hanson Hills (Grayling)
Who’s Ready to Glide, Ride, and Explore?
Lodge and trails open at 9am, and we’ve got another beautiful winter day lined up for you!
Cross Country Update:
Just a light dusting of snow overnight, but Groomer Dan is already out there working his magic—combing skate lanes on ALL trails including Blue, Brown, Yellow, Red, M-93, and Easy Return.
Tracks may be a few days old… but trust us, they’re still glorious. Wilderness is holding tracks too, so plenty of smooth, scenic miles await.
Don’t forget to stop into the Lodge for your daily or season trail pass before heading out!
Fat Bike Trail:
The Fat Bike loop is open and ready for adventure!
If you roll today, please remember to feed the Blue Donation Tube at the MTB trailhead — it keeps the good times spinning.
?? Trail Etiquette Reminder:
We love hikers, but please remember:
Regular boot traffic should remain off the Mountain Bike Trail and Overlook Trail to protect groomed surfaces.
Snowshoers are welcome, just please give bikers the right of way.
Little Smokey, Pines, Guyton, and Oak Ridge Trails are open for hiking!
Bundle up, breathe in that fresh northern Michigan air, and let the trails show you a great time today!
- Justin Andre
Fri, Dec 5: Big M (Cadillac)
I skied today starting around 1:30 conditíon were excellent. just missed the groomer. most trails have been groomed. apparently 10-14 inch powdery base. beautiful
- Jim Coe
Fri, Dec 5: Big M (Cadillac)
I skied today starting around 1:30 conditíon were excellent. just missed the groomer. most trails have been groomed. apparently 10-14 inch powdery base. beautiful
- Jim Coe
Fri, Dec 5: Big M (Cadillac)
I skied today starting around 1:30 conditíon were excellent. just missed the groomer. most trails have been groomed. apparently 10-14 inch powdery base. beautiful
- Jim Coe
Fri, Dec 5: Big M (Cadillac)
Corkpine, Lumberjack, Big Wheel and Camp 24 are all packed and tracked (except for the small portion between 3 and 14, see map). Groomers will also be out Saturday morning, after some more snow falls tonight (hopefully), to get the rest of the trail system. Plenty of snow! Enjoy.
- Sue Stroope
Fri, Dec 5: Hartwick Pines (Grayling)
Whole trail system groomed for classic skiing. Excellent coverage. Grooming good but some foot traffic. Fun ski.
- KGR
Fri, Dec 5: Elk Rapids Golf Course (Elk Rapids)
Windswept conditions so you're only skiing through an inch of snow with grass poking through in most areas until you come to one of the few drifted areas of a foot or more depth. But the classic skis were gliding well, and started literally from my front door, so it's all good. Highlight was skiing along the scenic shore of Elk Lake as close as you dared to the water.
- Jim Datsko
Fri, Dec 5: Forbush Corner (Frederic)
I don't know that I have ever seen early season conditions this good in the lower peninsula. Larry and the Forbush crew did an incredible job of packing, rolling, and grooming a colossal amount of snow (probably had to manage lots of downed branches and detritus as well).
I skied Thursday night at dusk—the moon so bright I didn't even need a headlamp—and Friday around lunchtime. The whole system is in mid-winter shape, but mamma mia Rollercoaster and Crybaby are hard packed and fast!! I skate skied both days but the classic tracks looked sublime.
Well worth the drive, especially now that there are more tables in the yurt. So fun to see all the updates the Forbush crew did over the summer: new carpet, they took out the s-curve on Crybaby, I'm even more out of shape, etc. Pack a lunch (and a flask of something to keep you warm).
Nordic Pulse seems to be working out some early-season kinks so this is probably the only weekend you can ask Mike what was groomed without getting in trouble.
- Bill Bradley
Fri, Dec 5: Michaywe (Gaylord)
Groomed out and set track on the lake loop, maple ridge, herringbone, the river trail, and the back 9 loop. Snow conditions are mostly good with a few thin areas. Trails going through the wooded areas have some leaves or pine needles due to the recent high winds.
- Michael Normand
Fri, Dec 5: Hanson Hills (Grayling)
Lodge and Trails open 9am.
Groomer Dan is out combing skate lanes again this morning, and reports that classic tracks are still looking great!
Remember Trail Passes are required, stop in to purchase your daily or season pass.
- Justin Andre
Fri, Dec 5: Cross Country Ski Headquarters (Higgins Lake)
Groomer Butch snowcombed all the trails yesterday, and the skate deck is hard and fast! We have about 4-6" of packed snow on the trails, and 10-12" in the woods. We'll finish snowmaking on the field today to be ready for lessons and demos tomorrow.
- XCSKIHQ
Fri, Dec 5: Forbush Corner (Frederic)
West side, Pines connector (easy and hard) and some of the Pines loop were packed with the PB. All east side trails are groomed with tracks. The pines have been shedding their pine needles here and there due to the gusty winds over the last few days. Good thing we don’t need klister!
- MDB
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