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Category: Ski Conditions

Gorgeous SUnny Day XC Ski HQ

Cross Country Ski Report – Sunday, February 26thk\[‘

We received another 3-4 inches of light, fluffy snow yesterday morning. Groomers Butch and Mike snowcombed and set fresh tracks on all the trails last night. Conditions are excellent! Today is the 30th Annual Junior Muffin Race! The race starts at 10:30am and will utilize the trail head and the Rolling Hills trail, which will be closed to the public from 10:25am until approximately

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XC SKI HQ Midwinter great conditions

Cross Country Ski Report – Saturday, Febraury 25th

As of 7:30am, we’ve received about one inch of new snow overnight and looks to continue snowing until mid-morning. Groomer Mike is snow-combing all the trails this morning. The classic tracks which were set on Thursday afternoon are in great shape. Expect overall great conditions for skating and classic skiing today! There is 8-9″ of snow in the woods, and 3-5″ of packed snow

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Tall Pines great tracks

Cross Country Ski Report – Friday, February 24th

After Groomer Butch put in a long day Thursday packing and grooming up all that new snow, the trails have turned out great.  Classic tracks were set yesterday afternoon, and Groomer Mike is snowcombing all the trails this morning.  There is 7-8″ of snow in the woods, and 3-4″ of packed snow on the trails.  We may get another inch or two of more

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Ribs & Blues XC Ski HQ

Cross Country Ski Report – Thursday, February 23rd

Old Man Winter has returned. As of 8am, we’ve received about 6″ of snow overnight, though difficult to measure with the blowing winds/drifts, with a bit more snow expected today and tomorrow. Groomer Butch is packing, snowcombing and setting classic tracks on all the trails this morning.  Today’s forecast: Snow flurries and snow showers. High 29F. Winds ENE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance

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Trappers Cabin will be serving hot cocoa and hot dogs this weekend.

Cross Country Ski Report – Wednesday, February 22nd

As of 8:00am, we’ve received 2″ of new snow overnight, and are forecasted for continuing snow showers throughout today and through Thursday.  Total forecasted accumulation by Friday morning is 8″ to 12″, which should be plenty to have all our trails open and in great condition for classic and skating for the weekend.  This morning, Groomer Mike is snowcombing Trappers Cabin Trail and the

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Rick Halling Fischer XC Ski HQ in Higgins Lake

Cross Country Ski Report – Tuesday, February 21st

We received a heavy dusting of snow last night, and we are happily moving away from the daily thaws for while.  Groomer Mike has snowcombed Trappers Cabin Trail and the Practice Area this morning, which is a nice mixture of tilled-up man-made snow and the new snow from last night.  Skating will be good today with a few hard-pack spots, but George’s snow-moving efforts

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Mariah and George after Hanson Hills Classic Ski Race XC Ski HQ

Cross Country Ski Report – Monday, Feb 20th – UPDATED

UPDATE – Unfortunately, the trails got much icier than expected overnight. The only trails recommended for today are the Trapper’s Cabin trail and the practice area. George and Mitch are working on moving snow to the iciest spots currently, and we’re hoping to be able to open more trails throughout the day as we patch things up. Stone Turtle Cafe is open today serving

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Happy Skiers XC Ski HQ

Cross Country Ski Report – Sunday, February 19th

Good morning! Groomer Mike will snowcomb the skate lanes on all trails this morning. While the classic tracks that were set on Friday are getting “worn-in” in spots, the snow is holding up well after all the skiers and the sunshine yesterday! Overall conditions are good to great on all trails, with just a few thin spots. MORE SNOW is in the forecast for

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Great Conditions and Tracks XC Ski HQ

Cross Country Ski Report – Saturday, Feb 18th

Winter wonderland is back! The grooming team will snowcomb the skate lanes on all trails this morning. Fresh classic tracks were set on all the trails yesterday. Overall conditions are good to great, with some thin spots on all trails from the blowing snow. Ski out to Trapper’s Cabin today from 11am-4pm for hot cocoa and a bonfire, and enjoy the Gourmet Mac ‘n

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The Big Snow XC Ski HQ Higgins Lake

Cross Country Ski Report – Friday, Feb 17th

What a 24-hour swing!  We received 7-8″ last night, and now it is a total Winter Wonderland here in Higgins Lake! Groomers Mike and Groomer Butch are working hard this morning packing, snow-combing and setting tracks on all the trails. It’s going to be an absolutely beautiful weekend of skiing! We’ve got a ton of fun events in store, including Winter Fest Kick-Off today

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Free Ski Lesson at Cross Country Ski Headquarters

Cross Country Ski Report – Thursday, Feb 16th

Colder temps have returned, and despite our trails taking a hit from the rain, our base is mostly in tact, and snow is forecasted to begin this afternoon.  Forecasts range from 4″ up to 8″ accumulation before Friday morning, which will set our trails up for an amazing weekend of skiing.  This morning, Groomer Butch will groom the man-made snow on the Practice Field

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Cross Country Ski Report – Wednesday, Feb 15th

We received rain last night and with warm temps today, all trails will be closed today.  Once trails dry out by Thursday or Friday, we will be able to groom the man-made snow on Trappers Cabin Trail and the Practice Field.  There is SNOW IN THE FORECAST for Thursday afternoon and evening ranging from 4″ to 8″ forecasted, and if the forecasts are accurate,

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4H Olympics XC Ski HQ

Cross Country Ski Report – Tuesday, Feb 14th

The sun is beginning to take a toll on the ski trails. We will be grooming the Trapper’s Cabin trail this morning, which has a think layer of man-made snow on it.  We will also be grooming the Practice Area and Blizzard trail to prepare for the 4H Olympics this afternoon, where 36 local youth skiers will participate in ski racing and a picnic

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Great conditions XC Ski HQ Higgins Lake

Cross Country Ski Report – Monday, Feb 13th

We had a fabulous weekend of skiing. The snow on the trails held up to the warm temps beautifully, creating fun and enjoyable conditions both days. Groomer Butch will snow comb all the skating lanes this morning. Conditions today should be good to great, with some fast spots under the big trees and in the lower areas. The Stone Turtle Cafe is open for

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Happy Group XC Skiing Xc Ski HQ

Cross Country Ski Report – Sunday, Feb 12th

It was a fabulous day of skiing yesterday! Groomer Butch worked tirelessly and was able to set fresh tracks on Manitou and Wild Turkey yesterday. Groomer Mike will snow comb all the skating lanes this morning. Expect overall good to great conditions today – fast and fun! Watch for ice in the low spots on the Tall Pines trail. Join us for Mas Tacos

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Snowy Conditions XC Ski HQ

Cross Country Ski Report – Saturday, Feb 11th

Happy snowy morning! After the 2-3″ snowfall Thursday night and the firming-up throughout the day yesterday, Groomer Butch’s grooming efforts yesterday afternoon yielded mostly great results. He was able to snow comb all the trails, and will snow comb them again this morning. The classic tracks are still in tact, and are well formed with fresh snow in them. The only trail that is

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Learning to XC Ski on a blue bird day XC Ski HQ

Cross Country Ski Report – Friday, February 10th

We received two inches of snow last night, after mixed precipitation during the day yesterday. We are letting the wintery mix underneath the fresh snow harden throughout the day today before we groom it. This should result in very good ski conditions for the weekend! It’s looking like some really nice “late-season” conditions are in store for Saturday and Sunday – sunny skies during

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Mas Tacos Cross Country Ski Headquarters

Cross Country Ski Report – Thursday, Feb 9th

We are expecting some mixed precipitation today, with best-case forecasted for up to 3 inches of snow before tomorrow morning — keep your fingers crossed. The trails are open today, but we are not going to groom until we see what kind and quality of accumulation we get in the next 24 hours. If we do get even a little fresh snow on top

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Spring Ski Conditions at XC Ski HQ

Cross Country Ski Report – Wednesday, February 8th

We are glad to report that the trails still have full snow coverage after the freezing rain Monday night, and the trails are quite skiable. There will be a few crusty and potentially slick spots this morning before it warms up, but there should be a nice window late morning/early afternoon where the snow softens up and isn’t too warm. Think of today as

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Night Skiing XC Ski HQ

Cross Country Ski Report – Tuesday, February 7th

We received freezing rain last night, which has frozen into a solid layer atop the snow. Due to the warmer temps today and tomorrow, will not be grooming for the sake of snow preservation. Skiing is not recommended due to the ice. Our snow moving team is working this week to spread man-made snow onto the trail system, which will enable us to have

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Tall Pines Trail XC Ski HQ Excellent Conditions

Cross Country Ski Report – Monday, February 6th

Conditions remain in great shape after a super fun, Pure Michigan winter weekend at XC Ski HQ. Groomer Butch is snowcombing the skate lanes on all trails this morning. There are classic tracks on all trails that are still in good shape from Saturday morning. We have a 5-6 inch base packed on the trails, and 9-10 inches in the woods. Today’s forecast: Sun

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Sunset excellent conditions XC Ski HQ

Cross Country Ski Report – Sunday, February 5th

Groomer Mike snowcombed the skate lanes on all the trails last night to prepare for this morning. The classic tracks are still in good to great shape. Overall conditions are excellent and today will be another great day to XC ski! We have a 5-6 inch base packed on the trails, and 9-10 inches in the woods. Treat yourself to a Fire Grilled Burger

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Trappers Cabin XC Ski HQ

Cross Country Ski Report – Saturday, February 4th

In addition to the 1-2 inches of snow that we received Thursday night, we received flurries throughout most of the day on Friday.  Groomer Butch set new classic tracks on all the trails on Friday night, which had all night to firm up.  Groomer Mike is snowcombing all the the skate lanes early this morning.  With this new snow and moderate temps today, the

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Winter Feast Cross Country Ski Headquarters

Cross Country Ski Report – Friday, Feb 3rd

We received 1-2 inches of snow throughout the day yesterday and last night. The grooming team will be packing it down and snowcombing the skate lanes throughout the day today. The classic tracks are in great shape, and they will be reset today or tomorrow morning. The conditions will be excellent for the weekend. We have a 5-6 inch base packed on the trails,

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Happy Skiers XC Ski HQ

Cross Country Ski Report – Thursday, Feb 2nd

Happy Groundhog Day! We’re glad to see that winter will last another 6 weeks – of course we’d take another 16 if it were up to us ;). The trails remain in excellent shape and are snowcombed as of this morning. Classic tracks remain in good to great shape. We have a 4-6 inch base packed on the trails, and 8-10 inches in the

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Great Classic Tracks Cross Country Ski Headquarters

Cross Country Ski Report – Wednesday Feb 1st

The conditions are excellent. All trails are in great shape and will be snow combed today. Classic tracks remain in good to great shape on all trails. We have a 4-6 inch base packed on the trails, and 8-10 inches in the woods. The Stone Turtle Cafe is open for lunch today. More snow is in the forecast for tomorrow! Enjoy this winter wonderland!!

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Chili on Sun Deck XC SKI HQ

Cross Country Ski Report – Tuesday, Jan 31st

Another perfect day awaits on the Cross Country Ski Headquarters trail system! All trails are in excellent condition and will be snow combed today. Classic tracks remain in good shape on all trails. We have a 4-6 inch base packed on the trails, and 8-10 inches in the woods. The Stone Turtle Cafe is open for lunch today. Come out and enjoy these long-awaited

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Midwinter Conditions Mid-Winter Conditions XC Ski HQ

Cross Country Ski Report – Monday, Jan 30th

It is absolutely gorgeous on the Cross Country Ski Headquarters trail system! The trails are in excellent condition. We received more snow throughout the day yesterday and last night, which Groomer Butch will snowcomb this morning. He will set fresh classic tracks where needed as well. All trails have classic tracks and groomed skate lanes. We have a 4-6 inch base packed on the

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Trappers Cabin Hot dogs XC Ski HQ

Cross Country Ski Report – Sunday, Jan 29th

Its a Winter Wonderland!  We received about 3 inches of snow overnight. Groomers Mike and Butch are packing, snowcombing, and rolling in tracks on all trails this morning. After today’s grooming, we will have a 4-6 inch base packed on the trails, and 8-10 inches in the woods. Ethan the Cabin Boy will have a bonfire, hot dogs, and hot cocoa at Trapper’s Cabin

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Trappers Cabin XC Ski HQ

Cross Country Ski Report – Saturday, Jan 28th

The conditions are getting better every day! We received more snow yesterday and last night, and 1-2 inches forcasted for tonight. Groomer Mike’s plan is to snow comb all the trails this morning, and set new classic tracks.  We have about a 3 inch base on most of the trail surface, with about 6-8 inches in the woods. There is plenty of man-made snow

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Groomed Trails XC Ski HQ

Cross Country Ski Report – Friday, Jan 27th

The conditions were the best they’ve been all season yesterday, and will be even better today after the fresh snow we received yesterday. Groomer Mike will snow comb the trails this morning. We rolled in classic tracks on Blizzard and Trappers Cabin Trails yesterday, and will attempt to set more tracks on more trails this morning. We have about a 2-3 inch base on

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Smiley Face Cross Country Ski Headquarters Smile

Cross Country Ski Report – Thursday, Jan 26th

Old Man Winter has finally arrived.  We received just under two inches of fresh dense snow last night which is exactly what the trails needed to result in great ski conditions.  Groomer Butch has snowcombed Blizzard, Rolling Hills, Trappers Cabin, Mackinac Cut, Wild Turkey, and Adventure Trails this morning.  Butch also rolled in classic tracks on Blizzard and Trappers Cabin Trails, but left decent

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Smiley Face Cross Country Ski Headquarters Smile

Cross Country Ski Report – Wednesday, Jan 25th

It snowed more yesterday, and we are getting more snow this morning. The Trappers Cabin, Manitou, and upper section of Rolling Hills have almost full snow coverage, and are very skiable. Manitou has decent skied-in classic tracks as well. With the snow we get today, and with more man-made snow spread on the trails in the next couple of days, we are hoping to

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XC SKI HQ

Cross Country Ski Report – Tuesday, Jan 24th

We received a half inch snow overnight, which will add to the 2″ base on the trails across the street. These trails remain open but ungroomed for the time being, as there is some grass still sticking up in some places. They are in pretty good shape, considering the snow, but “B” skis are still recommended. The Pond Loop and practice area have a

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XC Ski HQ Higgins Lake

Cross Country Ski Report – Monday, Jan 23rd

We received a dusting of snow throughout the day yesterday, which will freshen up the trails nicely today. All trails are open for skiing. Groomer Mike has been spreading man-made snow onto the main trail system, and will continue throughout this week. There are about 2 inches of dense snow covering most of the trail surface, however  “B” skis or rental skis are recommended,

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