Ski Michigan – Cross Country Ski Photos
Michigan Ski Areas – Cross Country Ski Photos – 2024/25
FROM Forbush Corner Cross-Country Skiing >> Forbush Opener Kicks Off Michigan Cup Season with Snow and Speed!.... #forbush #crosscountry #snowphotos #SkiMichiganForbush Opener Kicks Off Michigan Cup Season with Snow and Speed!
The 2025 Michigan Cup XC Race Series officially started with a bang at the Forbush Opener on Saturday, December 13, 2025! Hosted at Forbush Corner Nordic in Fredric, Michigan, the event saw pristine, snow-covered trails—a testament to Forbush Corner's excellent grooming and snowmaking capabilities.
A big thank you to Munson Medical for supporting this premier cross-country skiing event and the local Nordic community.
Long Race Highlights
The competition was fast and fierce:
Overall Winner: Jorden Wakeley, M, 35, took 1st place with a blazing time of 19:11!
Top Female Finisher: Kaitlyn Vanias, F, 35, impressed with a 9th place finish overall (22:08).
Podium: Alex Vanias (2nd, 20:40) and Kevin Tarras (3rd, 20:46).
Nordic Skiing: A Lifelong Sport Showcased
The Forbush Opener truly celebrated the multi-generational appeal of cross-country skiing, with athletes proving that fitness endures through the years!
We celebrate the incredible performances by our senior participants in the Long Race:
Dennis Paull (M, 61) finished an amazing 5th place overall with a time of 21:54!
Glenn Goodman (M, 59) cracked the top 10, finishing 7th overall at 21:58.
Ken Dawson (M, 75) finished the Long Race in a phenomenal time of 24:20.
Karin Gillis (F, 64) was the top female finisher in her age bracket and 22nd overall (24:57).
In the Short Race, Steve Smigiel (M, 80) and other racers in their 70s and 80s showed incredible stamina, reinforcing that XC skiing is the perfect, low-impact, full-body workout to maintain a competitive spirit for life.
Short Race Successes
Overall Winner: Zack Dunne, M, 15 (14:03).
Top Female Finisher: Lindsay Smith, F, 15 (2nd overall, 16:15).
📸 Photo Credit
Thank you to Jess Hartman Photography for capturing the determination and camaraderie on the trails!
We look forward to seeing everyone at the next Forbush Event, The Forbush Moonlight Snowshoe 5k! Keep training.
For more on Forbush Corner Nordic, visit forbushcorner.com
#ForbushOpener #XCSkiing #MichiganCup #NordicSkiing #CrossCountrySkiing #LifelongSport #WinterSports #PureMichigan #FitnessOverFifty #Michigan
FROM Vasa Trail Ski Conditions >> From the Groomers -
Greetings Badgers,
Winter trail grooming began at 5:00 AM with Dave and Brian on the trail. Due to the lack of new snow and a thin base in the classic tracks, the focus was on renovating the skate lane.
The skate surface is turning out very well for the most part, though some bridging from yesterday’s PistenBully run remains, along with areas of leaves and dirt brought up in spots, especially in turns.
Grooming was completed on the 5K, 10K, Riley’s to the singletrack trailhead, and the Timber Ridge loop, with work currently underway on the 25K.
Cheers,
The Winter Grooming Crew
Report #16
Date: 12/16/2025
Time: 7:45 AM #vasa #crosscountry #snowphotos #SkiMichigan
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When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.FROM Hanson Hills >> ❄️ Cross Country Trail Update ❄️
Lodge and Trails Open 9am!
Fresh corduroy is laid down on Blue, Brown, Yellow, and M-93 Hills this morning.
Wilderness has fresh classic tracks set yesterday—prime conditions to get out and ski!
Tubing Operations resume this weekend!
Downhill Opening December 20th!!! #hansonhills #crosscountry #snowphotos #SkiMichigan❄️ Cross Country Trail Update ❄️
Lodge and Trails Open 9am!
Fresh corduroy is laid down on Blue, Brown, Yellow, and M-93 Hills this morning.
Wilderness has fresh classic tracks set yesterday—prime conditions to get out and ski!
Tubing Operations resume this weekend!
Downhill Opening December 20th!!!
FROM Vasa Trail Ski Conditions >> ❄️The PistenBully Has Awakened❄️
From the Groomers-
Greetings Badgers,
With yesterday’s mechanical issues resolved, the grooming team is back on the trail getting everything dialed in for today’s skiing. Last evening, groomer Jim completed a full pass of the entire trail network with a snowmobile and roller to pack down the snow that fell Saturday night and throughout the day Sunday. 👍🏼
This morning, Jim and Glen are out in the PistenBully for Piper’s season debut. They’ve completed the 5K and 10K loops and are currently working their way along the 25K. Corduroy has been set on the Riley’s Connector to Supply Rd.; however, you’ll notice there are no classic tracks on that section.
Additional trail work is needed for the PistenBully to safely fit through that corridor, and that work is scheduled for the coming off-season.
Their report indicates the trail is shaping up nicely and is in good condition, with only a few spots still showing dirt.
Overall, skiing should be fantastic today—if a bit windy. Warmer temperatures are in the forecast over the next few days, and we’ll continue to share grooming updates as conditions evolve.❄️❄️
Cheers,
The Winter Grooming Crew
Grooming Report #15
Date: 12/15/2025
Time: 7:45 AM #vasa #crosscountry #snowphotos #SkiMichigan
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When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.FROM Friends of Valley Spur >> 12/15, Wow Snowmageddon at VS for last two days. Thank you Miss Superior for The Lake Affect. John will be grooming the system today. John reports 18 inches of snow in the woods and 6 to 8 inches packed on the trails. Lodge open 7 days a week from 10 am to 4 pm. Volunteers staff the desk Thursday-Sundays. UPDATE: John went through H Trail for the 1st time today. It is very rough. I would avoid that trail until we get more snow. #valleyspur #crosscountry #snowphotos #SkiMichigan
FROM Anderson Bluffs & River Trails Foundation Inc. >> Several of our snowshoe loops are open, cleared, and packed including the Cabin Trail (y-shaped out and back), Cedar Loop (orange), Bear Paw Loop (red), Meadow Loop (green, partial). The snowshoe trails are well marked with ribbons coordinating to the trail color. The highlighted map shows the open trails. The entrance to the snowshoe trails is just before the woodshed on the west side heading south from the chalet before the practice loop. The green Meadow Loop is accessible on the east side of the practice loop along the woods/fence.
We have snowshoes for rent. Enjoy the trails! #abrtrails #crosscountry #snowphotos #SkiMichigan
FROM Vasa Trail Ski Conditions >> From the Groomers❄️-
Greetings Badgers,
Groomers Randy and Brian are getting a later start than usual this morning due to the winter weather advisory, with lake-effect snow and strong winds expected to continue into early afternoon.
Timing today’s groom will help maximize packing of the falling snow and keep it on the trail rather than blowing into the woods.
While today’s work is being done with snowmobiles, groomers Glen and Dave took Piper the PistenBully out for a test run yesterday and found that it was still pulling up a fair amount of dirt from beneath the tracks. As a result, they’re holding off for now, though all signs point to being closer to a PistenBully groom thanks to the weather and winter conditions so far this season.
And finally—thank you to everyone who stopped by yesterday’s Vasa Open House! A big thanks to our volunteer cookie bakers and all who helped create such a festive atmosphere.
Cheers, The Winter Grooming Crew❄️
Report #14
Date: 12/14/2025
Time: 8:00 AM #vasa #crosscountry #snowphotos #SkiMichigan
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When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.FROM Forbush Corner Cross-Country Skiing >> The fall cold and snow and consistent grooming are creating a solid trail system for winter. Pines connector and loop will get a fresh grooming this morning with additional trails on east and west, groomers choice. Check out Nordic Pulse on our website for the latest. Thanks to all the racers for participating in yesterday’s opener! #forbush #crosscountry #snowphotos #SkiMichiganThe fall cold and snow and consistent grooming are creating a solid trail system for winter. Pines connector and loop will get a fresh grooming this morning with additional trails on east and west, groomers choice. Check out Nordic Pulse on our website for the latest. Thanks to all the racers for participating in yesterday’s opener!
FROM Corsair Ski Trails >> And a new ski season begins! Corsair Trail Council groomers, Dan and Karl, have been working long hours the past few days. They’ve been packing, grading snow and setting tracks on the Corsair and Silver Valley trail sections. The Wright’s Lake section is packed and graded. Skiers were enjoying the freshly groomed tracks this afternoon, taking advantage of the early season snowfall and good trail conditions.. #corsairs #crosscountry #snowphotos #SkiMichiganAnd a new ski season begins! Corsair Trail Council groomers, Dan and Karl, have been working long hours the past few days. They’ve been packing, grading snow and setting tracks on the Corsair and Silver Valley trail sections. The Wright’s Lake section is packed and graded. Skiers were enjoying the freshly groomed tracks this afternoon, taking advantage of the early season snowfall and good trail conditions,
FROM Forbush Corner Cross-Country Skiing >> Welcome to race day at Forbush! Racing will be on the east side trails from 10 am to 11 am. Trails on the west side will be available to non-racers. When parking, please be efficient. Grooming will be done as needed.
Pines Loop yesterday. #forbush #crosscountry #snowphotos #SkiMichiganWelcome to race day at Forbush! Racing will be on the east side trails from 10 am to 11 am. Trails on the west side will be available to non-racers. When parking, please be efficient. Grooming will be done as needed.
Pines Loop yesterday.
FROM Friends of Valley Spur >> 12/12 John did some work on H to get rid of downed trees before the freeze hits. We need more snow and cold weather to give it a groom. All the other trails are in good shape. #valleyspur #crosscountry #snowphotos #SkiMichigan12/12 John did some work on H to get rid of downed trees before the freeze hits. We need more snow and cold weather to give it a groom. All the other trails are in good shape. John did groom BD and Y today. We have snow in the forecast and he plans to groom everything Saturday except for H. Beginning of C trail is rough today from tractor tracks.
FROM Cross Country Ski Headquarters >> My GOODNESS it’s a beautiful day out here! Bluebird skies and wide open eyes! We are so grateful for this snow and all the merry skiers we have seen this weekend, and with more snow and cold temp on the way, we plan to make the most of every moment. Come ski with us! #xcheadquarters #crosscountry #snowphotos #SkiMichiganMy GOODNESS it’s a beautiful day out here! Bluebird skies and wide open eyes! We are so grateful for this snow and all the merry skiers we have seen this weekend, and with more snow and cold temp on the way, we plan to make the most of every moment. Come ski with us!
FROM Hanson Hills >> Lodge and Trails open at 9am!
A friendly reminder that trail passes are required and can be purchased at the ticket window in the Lodge.
Cross Country Trail Update:
Groomer Dan is out again this morning combing skate lanes on Red, Yellow, Brown, Blue, and the M-93 hills.
Classic tracks are set across the entire system, and Wilderness is absolutely beautiful right now.
Come enjoy some perfect Nordic conditions.. #hansonhills #crosscountry #snowphotos #SkiMichiganLodge and Trails open at 9am!
A friendly reminder that trail passes are required and can be purchased at the ticket window in the Lodge.
Cross Country Trail Update:
Groomer Dan is out again this morning combing skate lanes on Red, Yellow, Brown, Blue, and the M-93 hills.
Classic tracks are set across the entire system, and Wilderness is absolutely beautiful right now.
Come enjoy some perfect Nordic conditions
FROM Friends of Valley Spur >> 12/4 and I have great news. We will be officially opening for the season tomorrow Friday the 5th of December. The lodge will be open, trails will be groomed, the parking lot plowed, and shoveling crew has done their job. John Cromell has put in a lot of hours removing trees from the trails. Today he had Magnus out rolling trails. What a difference one good snowstorm can make at Valley Spur. #valleyspur #crosscountry #snowphotos #SkiMichigan
FROM Swedetown Trails >> A big shout out of thanks to our storm clean up volunteers this week and today, especially the Peninsula Nordic Ski Team and Tim with Tamarack Tree Service. We’ve made a lot of progress on what seemed like a daunting task last Wednesday. Many hands do make it happen though and the Swedetown Trails Club is very greatful! #swedetown #crosscountry #snowphotos #SkiMichigan
FROM Vasa Trail Ski Conditions >> Today's cool temps firmed up the grooming. Good coverage with some debris mixed in. Its a thin base so you can still feel the shape of the ground underneath. #vasa #crosscountry #snowphotos #SkiMichigan
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When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.FROM Hanson Hills >> Lodge and Trails open at 9am. Stop into the Lodge to purchase your Trail Pass or Season Membership and start your day on beautifully prepared terrain.
Trail Report:
All trails—Red, Yellow, Brown, Blue, Green, M-93, and Easy Return—were groomed yesterday with fresh tracks set. We picked up just a light dusting of snow overnight.
Today, Groomer Dan is out packing Konopnicki Kut and breaking trail on Wilderness, opening up even more miles for your Nordic adventure.
It’s a great day to ski Hanson Hills. See you out there.
Reminder: Offices will be open 10am-6pm today through Thursday. We still have Ski's and Boot's for sale. *Please note, we have limited quantity and sizes. First come first serve.
Photo Credit: Melissa Klungle #hansonhills #crosscountry #snowphotos #SkiMichiganLodge and Trails open at 9am. Stop into the Lodge to purchase your Trail Pass or Season Membership and start your day on beautifully prepared terrain.
Trail Report:
All trails—Red, Yellow, Brown, Blue, Green, M-93, and Easy Return—were groomed yesterday with fresh tracks set. We picked up just a light dusting of snow overnight.
Today, Groomer Dan is out packing Konopnicki Kut and breaking trail on Wilderness, opening up even more miles for your Nordic adventure.
It’s a great day to ski Hanson Hills. See you out there.
Reminder: Offices will be open 10am-6pm today through Thursday. We still have Ski's and Boot's for sale. *Please note, we have limited quantity and sizes. First come first serve.
Photo Credit: Melissa Klungle
FROM Forbush Corner Cross-Country Skiing >> Forbush today. Out on the west side clearing trails. Also worth mentioning that Cry Baby, on our south 80 acres, has never been in this good of shape so early in the season. #forbush #crosscountry #snowphotos #SkiMichigan
FROM Forbush Corner Cross-Country Skiing >> What a nice start start to the ski season. Over 100 skiers took advantage of light winds, mild temperatures and the first groom of two feet of snow on our east side trail system. Another 5 inches arrived last night! Our south trail, Cry Baby, was cleared yesterday and we can start working on the west side trails this week. Open 9 to 5. #forbush #crosscountry #snowphotos #SkiMichiganWhat a nice start start to the ski season. Over 100 skiers took advantage of light winds, mild temperatures and the first groom of two feet of snow on our east side trail system. Another 5 inches arrived last night! Our south trail, Cry Baby, was cleared yesterday and we can start working on the west side trails this week. Open 9 to 5.
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Cross Country Ski Photo Albums
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