29 Oct Michigan XC Skiing is a Mecca
You may not know this but Michigan is steeped in skiing history. Michigan is home to the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame and some of the first and largest ski jumping competitions originated there back in the early 1900s. While not many of us want to hurl ourselves off an Olympic regulation ski jump, getting out on Michigan’s cross country (XC) ski trails is something everyone can enjoy and at the same time, reap the benefits of XC skiing. Those benefits of the sport are associated with exercise and wellness of the natural outdoors amidst the snow covered forests.
The Michigan Snowsports Industries Association (MSIA) https://www.goskimichigan.com/ offers programs to help you ski affordably such as Cold is Cool for 4th and 5th graders and Discover Skiing Month in January. Check the MSIA website for details.
Here’s a sampling of places to XC ski in Michigan:
Ski Brule in Iron River, MI in the Upper Peninsula is an alpine ski area that also has 33 km of tracked and flat groomed XC ski trails along the Brule River. They’ve got rental equipment for XC skiing, snowshoeing, or fat biking. The wooded and rolling terrain along the Brule River is in a series of trail loops of varying lengths and levels. The Ski Brule alpine ski area lift ticket includes access to the XC and snowshoe trails and the resort has available lodging.
Boyne Mountain in Boyne Falls, MI is another alpine ski area with with 35 km of trails for XC skiing, snowshoeing, and fat biking. They also have rental equipment, ski lessons and lodging. Get one lift ride included with trail pass to access upper trails. An Introduction to Cross Country Package includes rentals, a 30-minute lesson, and a trail pass offered hourly starting at 10 AM. Group lessons and private lessons are available and there’s a 2-hour guided tour for intermediate or better skiers which includes the chairlift ride to the upper trails.
Cross Country Ski Headquarters in Roscommon, MI is a leading XC ski outfitter and ski area in Michigan since 1974 and a premier destination for XC skiing in the Midwest. The Higgins Lake region is in the heart of Michigan and the ski area has 18 km of trails on site meticulously groomed for classic and skate skiing for skiers of all abilities. There’s snowmaking at the Headquarters and there are also miles of trails all around the region. XC Ski HQ is known for its friendly and experienced staff and retail operation.
Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa in Thompsonville, MI is an alpine ski area with 14 trails for 25 km of XC ski and snowshoeing. The resort has gear rentals and tours, fat bike rentals, and lodging. The Michigan Legacy Art Park is a destination for XC skiers and snowshoers with a 30-acre land preservation outdoor art exhibit that celebrates Michigan’s history.
Forbush Corner in Frederic, MI has 25 km of rolling, wooded trails that are carefully designed for all levels of ability and immaculately groomed by the largest fleet of Nordic only grooming equipment in the Midwest. Combine that with the Frederic micro climate of early and frequent snowfalls. The trails are groomed for classic and skate skiing that include 5% steep, 45% hilly, 35% moderate, and 15% flat. For guaranteed snow, there’s a 2 km loop covered by snowmaking.
Nub’s Nob in Harbor Springs, MI is an alpine ski area with 4 XC ski trail loops including 21 km for XC skiing or snowshoeing. There have rental equipment, lessons, and lodging. Snow is plentiful in this part of Michigan and Nubs Nob gets snow early and often. Trails accommodate classic or skate skiers and on Wednesday nights there is a skill clinic and time trial series followed by free appetizers in the pub.
Hanson Hills Recreation Area is in Grayling, MI at an alpine ski area with 35 km of XC ski trails that are groomed daily for classic and skate skiing. There are 5 km of snowshoe trails in loops from 2 km to 12 km on trails with plenty of hills. Trails are groomed for classic and skate skiing. XC ski rental equipment and lessons are available at Hanson Hills.
Treetops Resort in Gaylord, MI is an alpine ski area and golf course resort with lodging and three connected XC ski trail loops for XC skiing and snowshoeing or visit nearby Forbush Corner. Enjoy the slopes, some XC skiing or snowshoeing, or a tubing session that leaves everyone smiling. When it’s time to unwind, enjoy some leisurely ice skating, a horse-drawn sleigh ride, go for a walk and savor nature, or retreat to cozy accommodations. The Serenity Weekend Spa Package is one of the special offers at Treetops.
The west central region of Michigan has the Muskegon Winter Sports Complex in Muskegon, MI with 15 km of trails (including 2.5 km of lighted trails) for XC skiing and snowshoeing. There is rental equipment and ski lessons are available. The majority of the terrain is gentle and winds through the woods, along the dunes, Lost Lake bog, and nearby Lake Michigan allowing you to explore a variety of Muskegon State Park’s natural features. The trails are groomed for both skate and classical skiing when conditions allow.
Many people who tried the sport for the first time during the pandemic are returning to the trails and are bringing their friends and families with them. XC skiing brings people together, and gets them in touch with nature while doing something healthy, simple, and fun. See the entire list of XC ski areas at https://www.goskimichigan.com/