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.