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Cross Country Ski Headquarters

Trail Details

County
Roscommon
Regions
Heartland
Latitude
N 44° 28' 18.84"
Longitude
W 084° 39' 46.44"
Distance
15 kilometers
Trail Type
Cross-Country Ski and snowshoe trails
Terrain
Flat to rolling woods
Difficulty
Easy to Moderate
Nearest City or Town
Roscommon
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Cross Country Ski Headquarters is where Nordic skiing begins in Michigan. While other ski centers and trail systems pitch their hilly terrain, Lake Michigan vistas or even a "wilderness-like experience," the Headquarters sells snow, enough of it to track, groom and glide across whether you skate, stride or snowshoe. Located on the east side of Higgins Lake, Cross Country Ski Headquarters has seven trails groomed for both skating and classic skiing that total 12 kilometers and Aspen Wilderness, 1.6-mile loop for snowshoers.
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Description
For a trail map go to Files and click on "Cross Country Ski Headquarters Trail Map" 

Cross Country Ski Headquarters is where Nordic skiing begins in Michigan. While other ski centers and trail systems pitch their hilly terrain, Lake Michigan vistas or even a "wilderness-like experience," the Headquarters sells snow, enough of it to track, groom and glide across whether you skate, stride or snowshoe.

So dedicated to providing snow that in 1999 the Nordic center became the first in the Midwest to purchase a snow gun and is still the only one in Michigan that uses one. When there is an abundance of natural snow, the center uses the gun and a tractor to maintain the trail system, making and moving snow where the base has worn through due to sun, wind or excessive use.

Located on the east side of Higgins Lake, Cross Country Ski Headquarters has seven trails groomed for both skating and classic skiing that total 12 kilometers and Aspen Wilderness, 1.6-mile loop for snowshoers.

The beginner’s 0.6-km Blizzard Trail is on the west side of Country Road 100. The rest of the system is on the east side and includes the Manitou Trail, the longest at 4.7 kilometers, and the 2.7-kilometer Rolling Hills Trail.

In the middle of the trail system is Trappers Cabin, a log shelter where every Saturday afternoon the staff warms up skiers with hot chocolate and hot dogs enjoyed around a crackling fire.

Cross Country Ski Headquarters offers a free beginner ski lesson every Saturday at 10:30 a.m. No registration is required. Equipment rentals are available at a first come, first served basis and rental skis are available beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Saturdays.
Amenities & Services
Difficulty - Easy
Difficulty - Moderate
Dog Friendly
Groomed Classic Skiing
Groomed Skate Skiing
Trail Guide

For a trail map go to Files and click on "Cross Country Ski Headquarters Trail Map" 

Cross Country Ski Headquarters grooms into a trail system of almost 19 kilometers that includes a variety of terrain from tall pines and wooded rolling hills to open bogs and meadows.

The most natural route is to combine the Trappers Cabin Loop with the Manitou, Adventure, and Rolling Hills trails for a run of 8 kilometers.

You begin in a stand of red pine at the trailhead and, within a couple of kilometers, arrive at Trapper\'s Cabin, a three-sided log shelter. Inside is a wood-burning stove and on Saturdays, a pot of hot chocolate for those who are chilled or in need of a boost of energy.

You continue on the Manitou Trail. This is the longest loop at the center with the highest hill, an easy climb up, a nice view from the top, and a fun run down its backside.

After returning to Trappers Cabin Loop and adding the 1.2-km Adventure Loop, you arrived warmed up for the best stretch of trail, Rolling Hills.  True to its name, the wooded 2.7-kilometer loop provides skiers with the opportunity to enjoy a series of short slopes and quick descents.

Facilities

Cross Country Ski Headquarters may lack the extensive trail system or the change of elevation found further north, but the Nordic center more than makes it up in amenities.

The ski shop in the center’s Stone Turtle Day Lodge and Café is one of the best in Michigan. It\'s packed to the rafters with the latest skis, boots, clothing, gloves, and outerwear for skiers.

The long, rambling lodge also includes a warming area where tables and couches surround a huge stone fireplace, while the café has its own full-time chef who whips up an extensive menu for just-off-the-trail skiers. Outside is the center\'s sun deck, a popular spot to enjoy a mid-day picnic or a bottle of wine after a late winter run in February and March.

The center also has rental equipment, lessons, and a variety of special events throughout the winter.

Hours & Fees

Off Season Hours (April 1 through October 29):
Monday – Friday: 10 am to 4 pm

In-Season Hours (October 30 through March 31):
Monday – Thursday: 10 am to 5:30 pm
Friday: 10 am to 6 pm
Saturday: 9 am to 6 pm
Sunday: 9 am to 5 pm

A trail pass at Cross Country Ski Headquarters is $9 for adults and $5 for children.

Directions

Cross Country Ski Headquarters is south of Grayling and reached from I-75 by departing at exit 239. Head south for a block then turn west on County Road 103 for three miles. At the blinker turn north on County Road 100 for a half mile.

Information

For current trail conditions or more information, call the center at (800) 832-2663 or check its website at www.cross-country-ski.com.

Files

Geo-referenced maps from MichiganTrailMaps.com range from $1.99 to $2.99 each.

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