Cross Country Ski Headquarters One of 10 Best Cross Country Ski Destinations in North America!
Cross Country Ski Headquarters (XC Ski HQ) was voted a winner of the 2018 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice travel award for Best Cross-Country Ski Resort. This 10Best Readers’ Choice Award contest was launched on Monday, October 29th, and revealed the category’s 20 nominees. After 4 weeks of voting, the contest closed on the November 26th noon. Rules allowed the public the right to […]
Ski Report for Thursday, December 7th
The trails have taken a hit with the warm weather last night, so the trails across the street are closed for right now. The practice area still has a good base and is open for skiing. We WILL have a free ski lesson this Saturday, December 9th! And, while the Stone Turtle Cafe is not officially open until December 16th, we will have chili, […]
Ski Report for Wednesday, December 6th
While the snow is holding up remarkably well considering the lack of base and the warmer daytime temps (there is still snow in the trees!), conditions are fair to marginal. There are some really good stretches of full snow coverage where, if you let your mind wander, you might think it’s mid-winter. There are also many thin spots, and several bare spots – some […]
Ski Report for Monday, December 4th
We received a grand total of 4-5″ of snow throughout yesterday and last night. Groomer Butch rolled the Trappers Cabin, Adventure, and Rolling Hills trails, and it’s just gorgeous out there. Most of the trail surface is completely covered, but there are of course some thin spots under the big trees. All trails are open and “B” skis are still recommended – stop by […]
Ski Report – Sunday, December 3rd
It’s snowing again! We have received about 2 inches of dense snow this morning, and the trails are open for skiing. Come rent some “B” skis (“rock” skis) for free, and enjoy an outing through the snowy woods! The practice area has manmade snow, and is in good shape for skate and classic demos. Come demo some skis for free any time during store […]
Ski Report: December 1st, 2023
After cooling off a bit last night, most of the practice area is groomed and ready for demos! A short track has been set and the snow on the field is very firm. Because of the warmer weather yesterday, there is no skiing across the street, The shop is open! Get fitted for a ski package by one of our ski experts, get your […]
Ski Report for Wednesday, November 29th
Oh what fun it is to be in winter wonderland this week! We have received about 5″ of very fluffy lake effect snow since Sunday, plus much more on the practice area where we’ve been making snow. The grooming team will roll the trails this morning in an effort to compact the snow into a base. The trails are open for skiing! We recommend […]
Ski Report – Monday, November 27th, 2023
Snow snow snow! We’ve gotten a couple inches of snow since Sunday morning. As of this morning, our snow gun is hard at work, adding more white stuff to the mix! We should be able to make snow continuously for the next couple of days, which will help build the base for the practice area. This cold snowy weather is getting us very excited […]
Adventure Skiing & Getting off the Beaten Path
This winter, ski the paths less traveled. Explore nature’s hidden gems on a pair of metal edged adventure skis! What’s the advantage of a metal-edged ski? Metal-edged or “back country” skis are wider than average touring skis, giving them more stability and better flotation in deeper snow. With a stainless steel edge, they cut through crusty, icy snow and track exceedingly well. Metal-edge skis […]
Crazy, Hard, and Worth It
Why the most challenging ski races often are the most memorable, and why we shouldn’t avoid them. It was 4:45am. I waited, car running, outside my brother’s house. The thermometer read -2F. I sipped my coffee, chased it with water, and double checked my Google map. In two hours, we’d be at the starting line of the most grueling ski race on the Michigan […]
The Spider Bite
How an unsuspecting speedster succumbed to the bite of the Spider Written by XC Ski HQ Shop owner, Mariah Frye Colie Over the years, the HQ crew has developed a deep love for, and loyalty to, a handful of certain skis. These tend to be skis that have a wide application and high enjoyment rate, and whose design is difficult to improve upon. One […]
Skin-y Little Secret on Skin Skis
XC SKI HQ Manager and Race Team Member George Frye shares his skin ski breakthrough from the race course last season: Oh, I remember it well… It was the Hanson Hills Classic race last winter and I was skiing on some Fisher Twin Skin Carbon Pros, sized perfectly for my build. I was blown away at how fast they glided on the well packed […]
Saturday, Dec 16th – 10:30am: Free Beginner Ski Lesson
Learn how to cross country ski at our FREE beginner ski lesson! You will learn the basics of traditional (classic style) XC ski technique, plus hill climbing, descending, and turning. You will even learn how to get up when you fall down! Free lessons are limited to 25 people. Ski rentals are available at the rental desk on a first-come, first-served basis (we do […]
Saturday, Dec 23rd – 10:30am: Free Beginner Ski Lesson
Learn how to cross country ski at our FREE beginner ski lesson! You will learn the basics of traditional (classic style) XC ski technique, plus hill climbing, descending, and turning. You will even learn how to get up when you fall down! Free lessons are limited to 25 people. Ski rentals are available at the rental desk on a first-come, first-served basis (we do […]
Monday, December 25th: Christmas
Closed for Christmas, parking lot and trails open, on the house!
Tuesday, Dec 26th: Joe Frye Live
From 2:00pm to 4:00pm, enjoy live music by Joe Frye! Bring your friends and relax with a snack and a hot toddy from the Stone Turtle Cafe.
Saturday, Dec 30th – 10:30am: Free Beginner Ski Lesson
Learn how to cross country ski at our FREE beginner ski lesson! You will learn the basics of traditional (classic style) XC ski technique, plus hill climbing, descending, and turning. You will even learn how to get up when you fall down! Free lessons are limited to 25 people. Ski rentals are available at the rental desk on a first-come, first-served basis (we do […]
Sunday, Dec 31st: George Frye Live
From 2:00pm to 4:00pm, get down to some live, musical entertainment by George Frye! Kick back by the fire, indulge in some food and a beverage from the Stone Turtle Cafe, and enjoy a mix of covers and originals on acoustic guitar.
January 2nd – 31st: Discover Michigan Cross Country Skiing Program
Cross Country Ski Headquarters has teamed up with Michigan Ski Industries Association to offer a very affordable introduction to the sport of cross country skiing! Discover Michigan is designed to introduce this healthy, fun, outdoor activity to anyone with an interest in outdoor winter recreation. The program includes a beginner group ski lesson, full day ski equipment rental, and XC SKI HQ facilities pass […]
Saturday, Jan 6th: “Pure Michigan” Winter Trails Day with the Great Lakes Winter Trails Council
Entering its 27th year, Winter Trails Day invites adults and children for a free Facilities Pass and cross country ski lesson, plus a complimentary hot cocoa and hot dog cookout on the ski trails. Bring your friends and family for a fantastic day on the snow, and discover how fun winter in Northern Michigan can be! Check-in is at 10:00am. Please click here to […]
Saturday, Jan 6th – Sunday, Jan 7th: Skate and Classic Ski Clinics with Jordyn Ross
Northern Michigan University Nordic Team Alum and top Michigan Cup racer, Jordyn Ross, is back for another outstanding clinic series. Divided into two days, this updated clinic series will be geared towards beginner, proficient beginner, and intermediate skiers on Saturday, and advanced-intermediate and expert level skiers on Sunday. Cost for a clinic is $20. Please click here to sign up in advance (space is […]
Monday, Jan 8th – Friday, Jan 12th: Silver Streak Week
If you are age 60 or older, you are entitled to a complimentary XC SKI HQ Facilities Pass, plus a coffee or hot cocoa on the house, all week long! Enjoy our meticulously groomed trails, relax in our cozy Day Lodge, peruse the menu at the Stone Turtle Café, and try out a pair of new skis for FREE at our demo center!
Wednesday, Jan 10th – 10:30am to 2:00pm: Golden Years Ski School!
Intended for both beginners and people who have not skied in many years, the Golden Years Ski School is an introduction (or reintroduction) to the sport of cross country skiing for people aged 55+. This learn-to-ski workshop is tailored to each participant’s goals and ability levels, and aims to teach participants the skills required to truly enjoy cross country skiing. Participants will begin the […]
Saturday, Jan 13th – 12pm to 3pm: Gourmet Lunch at Trapper’s Cabin, Mac ‘n Cheese Bar, Free Lesson
Join us for a hearty lunch of beef stew and rustic bread at Trapper’s Cabin! Warm your body and spirit around the bonfire, and enjoy your meal under towering white pines, amidst the peace of the forest. Learn how to cross country ski at our FREE beginner ski lesson! You will learn the basics of traditional (classic style) XC ski technique, plus hill climbing, […]
Saturday, Jan 20th: Bavarian Ski Festival, 10:30am: Free Beginner Ski Lesson
Dust off your Lederhosen and join us for a taste of the Alps! Enjoy skiing on the HQ trail system, then test your strength at Masskrugstemmen, with stein-holding contests for men and women starting at 2:00pm. Make a team of three, and ski in unison atop our giant pair of “Team Skis” in the Team Ski Time Trials, beginning at 3:00pm. Of course, we […]
Sunday, Jan 21st – 2:00-4:00pm: Eric McDonald Live, 11am: Learn to Skate Ski Clinic
Enjoy some great tunes by local guitar player, singer and songwriter, Eric McDonald! Bring your friends and delight in some food and drink from the Stone Turtle Cafe. Have you been thinking about trying skate skiing, but aren’t sure how to get into it? Join us for our Learn How to Skate Ski Clinic, which includes a Facilities Pass, and 90 minute group skate […]
Saturday, Jan 27th – 10:30am: Free Beginner Ski Lesson
Learn how to cross country ski at our FREE beginner ski lesson! You will learn the basics of traditional (classic style) XC ski technique, plus hill climbing, descending, and turning. You will even learn how to get up when you fall down! Free lessons are limited to 25 people. Ski rentals are available at the rental desk on a first-come, first-served basis (we do […]
Sunday, Jan 28th – 12:00pm and 2:00pm: Paella on the Sun Deck
A favorite XC Ski HQ tradition, Paella on the Sun Deck celebrates a world-renowned, Spanish rice dish, and offers skiers a hearty, flavorful (and entertaining!) feast. Prepared in a massive cast iron pan over an outdoor fire pit, this lunch comes from an authentic Spanish recipe from Paella master Ayo from Nerja, Spain, and is served piping hot with Saffron-spiced chicken, shrimp, mussels and […]
Friday, Feb 2nd – 6:00pm: Winter Feast – Dinner in Italy
Indulge in a gourmet, four-course meal in the rustic Stone Turtle Day lodge at Cross Country Ski Headquarters. This year’s theme is Dinner in Italy, featuring creative and exquisite Italian dishes to satiate your soul on a cold winter’s night. New this year, add a wine pairing to your feast! Wine pairings will feature fine wines from Italy, Portugal, and California. Bring a date […]
Saturday, Feb 3rd – 10:30am: Free Beginner Ski Lesson, Get your Fill at the Grill
Learn how to cross country ski at our FREE beginner ski lesson! You will learn the basics of traditional (classic style) XC ski technique, plus hill climbing, descending, and turning. You will even learn how to get up when you fall down! Free lessons are limited to 25 people. Ski rentals are available at the rental desk on a first-come, first-served basis (we do […]
Sunday, Feb 4th: Forest Parker Live, Get your Fill at the Grill
Kick back to an Americana extravaganza with live music from Forest Parker from 2:00-4:00pm! Indulge in a hot toddy and hot bavarian pretzel from the Stone Turtle Cafe. An HQ favorite foodie event! Get your fill of a Black Bean Veggie Burger, Lean Beef Burger, or Beyond Meat Plant-Based Burger, grilled to perfection over open flame and served with your choice of toppings. If you […]
Saturday, Feb 10th – 10:30am: Free Beginner Ski Lesson & Super Bowl Foodie Face-Off
Learn how to cross country ski at our FREE beginner ski lesson! You will learn the basics of traditional (classic style) XC ski technique, plus hill climbing, descending, and turning. You will even learn how to get up when you fall down! Free lessons are limited to 25 people. Ski rentals are available at the rental desk on a first-come, first-served basis (we do […]
Sunday, Feb 11th – 2:00pm: Live Music with Kat and Wil, Learn to Skate Clinic, Super Bowl Foodie Face-Off
Jam to the fun sounds of this great local duo. Warm up by the fire in the Stone Turtle Day Lodge and Cafe with a beverage and a snack, and let the music move you! Have you been thinking about trying skate skiing, but aren’t sure how to get into it? Join us for our Learn How to Skate Ski Clinic, which includes a […]
Friday, Feb 16th – 10:00am to 5:30pm: Winter Fest Kick-Off
For only $5, visitors to the Higgins Lake/Roscommon area can purchase a Winter Fest badge and enjoy a day of cross country skiing or snowshoeing at XC Ski HQ. The badge gets you an XC Ski HQ facilities pass for the day, plus complimentary hot cocoa and bonfire at Trapper’s Cabin from 3:30-5:30. It also gets you access to lots of other fun local […]
Saturday, Feb 17th to Monday, Feb 19th – Noon to 4:00pm: Gourmet Mac ‘n Cheese Bar, Free Beginner Lesson 2/17
Prepare to indulge in this decadent classic comfort food, complete with a toppings bar that includes onions, tomatoes, spinach, jalapenos, feta cheese, peas, hotdogs, and bacon. So rich and delicious, this mac-sterpiece lunch is the perfect complement to a day on the ski trails! Free Beginner ski lesson at 10:30am on Saturday 2/17.
Saturday, February 24th – 1:00pm: Ribs & Blues, 10:30am: Free Beginner Lesson
A favorite XC Ski HQ tradition, Ribs & Blues features an afternoon of fantastic live music from Rhett’s Eastside Blues Band, as well as German Dave’s famous BBQ ribs. It’s a perfect day to hit the trails, then kick back by the fire and enjoy great music and outstanding ribs, scalloped potatoes, and coleslaw. There is also a free beginner ski lesson at 10:30am.
