Cross Country Ski Report – Monday, December 2nd: 5 inches of snow and trails open!
We received more snow last night, bringing the total on the trails to about 5 inches. I had a wonderful time skiing the Manitou trail this morning on my Fischer Spider 62’s (with plenty of liquid glide wax on the bases to prevent the fresh snow from sticking too much)! While coverage is quite good, rock skis are still recommended, just in case. Groomer […]
Cross Country Ski Report – Sunday, December 1st
It’s a beautiful, snowy morning in Northern Michigan! We have received about 2 inches of snow, and it continues to fall heavily. We made snow for the last two nights on the practice area, which is progressing towards full coverage with a base of 10-20″. The trails have trace amounts of snow, and are not skiable yet. Depending on the weather, we are tentatively […]
How to Ski Farther
Are you intrigued by the idea of skiing farther this winter? Finding the incredible vista, pushing yourself, getting to the more remote areas of nature, where it’s quieter, wilder, and more pristine? Finding yourself in places that remind you of the vast greatness of this beautiful world? We are, too. Skiing farther doesn’t only have to do with your technique and your skis. How […]
New Year, New Gear: New Equipment for the 2024-25 Ski Season
We’re excited to be carrying some new gear this year, starting with a few new skis from Fischer. We were lucky enough to demo the Orbiter Crowns last winter and found them to be just a riot! They are a short cut ski with Fischer’s reliable “Vario-Crown” pattern for grip, which is cut to be less aggressive at the tips and tails (to increase […]
Why We’re Here: Reflections of nature and purpose.
The seasons of Northern Michigan are captivating. In spring, muddy brown gives way to glistening green, and the return of regular sunshine brings tears to the eyes. In summer, we swim in crystal lakes and paddle winding rivers, grow bountiful food, and take respite in vibrant green forests bustling with wildlife. In fall, the leaves of the maples, birches, aspens and oaks shock us […]
Looking back on 50 years: An interview with the founders, Bob and Lynne Frye
Stu: What was the inspiration or catalyst for starting Cross Country Ski Headquarters in 1974? Bob: I had gone out to Jackson Hole Wyoming to go downhill skiing and it was so cold, the hydraulic fluid in the chairlift froze, so they closed the lift. So my friend Archie Macgillivray and I found, in the corner of a downhill ski shop, some cross-country skis […]
World Cup Recap: A Weekend at the races in Minneapolis
New Swix Styles Are Here!
Check out New Styles from Swix!
Coming Up: The Labor Day Weekend Sale!
Ski Season is on the horizon! Between fresh inventory rolling in, and strong stock in existing gear, the harvest is bountiful this year. The Labor Day Weekend Sale is the best time to get outfitted for winter, due to the great prices and vast selection. Don’t miss this flagship sales event! Cross Country Ski Headquarters is proud to offer one of the largest selections […]
Why We’re Here – On Nature, Skiing, and Our Mission
The allure of summer in Northern Michigan is undeniable, with crystal lakes and rivers, bountiful food and foliage, and the Cross County Ski Headquarters trails bustling with wildlife. This vivid aliveness envelops us in a warm, inescapable embrace. We are constantly beckoned to be outdoors, to feel the breeze in our hair, our feet on the earth, and sun on our skin. Why does […]
Cross Country Ski Report: Friday, March 22nd
We’ve got about 2 inches of fluff, it’s still snowing, and pretty skiable! The snow is a little sticky, but if you keep moving and put a little liquid glidewax on the skis, you can ski right along! We are offering free ski rentals on our trails all weekend long, as well as a limited cafe menu with $5 paninis! We will not be […]
Spring Hours and Trail Update
We are still holding out for an early spring snow storm, but until then, the trails are open for hiking and bike riding! The shop is open 7 days per week until March 31st with the following hours: Mon-Sat: 10am to 5:30pm Sunday: 10am to 5:00pm Store hours starting April 1st: Monday through Friday: 9:15am to 4:15pm