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One of the best ways to experience the natural winter beauty of Michigan is through cross country skiing. It has around three thousand miles of groomed trails for your XC adventures, spoiling you with trail options to choose from. Let us take a detailed look at different parts of Michigan and the cross country ski facilities they offer.
Upper Peninsula Cross-Country Ski Trails
Here are the cross country ski trails in the upper peninsula:
ABR Trails in Ironwood, MI
- Trail length: 45.3 miles
- Classic grooming: Available
- Skate grooming: Skate/Classic Combo Trails
- Dog friendly: Skijoring trails available
- Lighted: No
- Snowmaking: No
Considered as one of the country’s best XC ski areas by Men’s Journal, the ABR Trails have been featured in many magazines and websites. They are located in Ironwood which lies in the far west of the Upper Peninsula. The picturesque view on the trails include meadows, hills, hardwood forests, wetlands, ash swamps, cedar swamps, thick balsam forests, along with multiple breathtaking landscapes along the Montreal River.
Formerly known as the Active Backwoods Retreat, the ABR Trails proudly offers the maximum miles of groomed XC ski terrain and are confined within 1,100 acres track. Each trail ranges from one to 8.5 miles and the best part is, ABR Trails have the longest ski season in Michigan where you can enjoy reliable snow until April.
Lodging
There are different kinds of lodging facilities available. The Hilltop House is spacious enough for 14 skiers to comfortably stay. It has 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a fireplace, a jacuzzi.
The River House is another lodging facility perfect for 10 people. It boasts 3 bedrooms, an electric sauna, and a lovely fireplace.
Other than these lodges, there are three cozy cabins available for accommodation. These rustic cabins can be reached by ski or snowshoe as they are located on the trails. One of these cabins can accommodate eight guests, while the other two are good for six skiers each.
Warming Shelters
You can also find a nice, warm, and comfortable warming shelter here.
Other Services
Changing room, indoor restrooms, a huge wax area, and a ski shop are also available here. You can also rent ski and ski accessories from here.
Porcupine Mountains Ski Area & Wilderness State Park
- Trail length: 90 miles (15 groomed trails)
- Classic grooming: Available
- Skate grooming: No
- Dog friendly: –
- Lighted: No
- Snowmaking: No
Located on the west of the Upper Peninsula on the Lake Superior shore, you can go to Ontonagon’s Porcupine Mountains Ski Area and Wilderness State Park to enjoy some of the finest trails in Michigan’s largest state park.
With more than 200 inches of snowfall each year, you get to enjoy skiing on fresh powder snow. You can do XC skiing in 90 miles of trails here. Also, 26 miles of trails are groomed with double tracks.
The length of the trails varies greatly, with some trails as short as 1.5 miles while others reaching 12 miles. From the trails, you can view the breathtaking old forests, frozen waterfalls, secluded lakes, and some jaw-dropping landscapes with ample wildlife.
Lodging
The Kaug Wudjoo Lodge comfortably accommodates 12 skiers and has a breathtaking view as it overlooks Lake Superior.
There are 3 rustic cabins available along with 3 yurts. A yurt is a strong tent-like shelter that many skiing enthusiasts go for. Each yurt here is 16 feet in diameter and has bunk beds to accommodate 4 people comfortably. You can also find wooden stoves, bow saw, axe, and utensils there. Although there is no electricity or running water, yet you can get wood for heat from the nearby outhouse. These yurts can only be accessed through the trails.
Warming Shelters
2 warming shelters that are nicely stocked with wood.
Other services
Apart from cross country skiing, you can also enjoy snowmobiling here.
Keweenaw Trail System
- Trail length: 67 miles
- Classic grooming: Available
- Skate grooming: Available
- Dog friendly: Skijoring/Dogs on leash permitted on specific trails of Michigan Tech and Swedetown
- Lighted: 3 miles
- Snowmaking: No
Located along the Houghton (Michigan Tech), Hancock (Maasto Hiihto/ Churning Rapids), Chassell, and Calumet (Swedetown) areas, the Keweenaw Trail System has four trails giving you 67 miles of groomed cross country ski experience.
You can enjoy 22 miles of skiing on 700 acres when on the trails of Michigan Tech University. These trails have loops for all levels of XC skiers and have 4.5 miles of lighted trails. The Maasto Hiihto and Churning Rapids trails add up to 15.5 miles. They pass through the John Christianson Wildlife Preserve and feature some of the finest landscapes that include meadows, forests, marshes, and breathtaking views of the Portage Lake.
The 19 miles of groomed trails of Swedetown have around 3 miles lit up daily until 9 pm. The Chassell trails are considered to be a hidden gem and have a length of 6.2 miles. The best part about this trail system is that all the four trail networks are within twenty miles so you can visit them all over the weekend.
Lodging
You can find a lot of lodges, motels, hotels, cabins, cottages, and campgrounds in Keweenaw.
Warming Shelters
There is a warming shelter with restrooms.
Other Services
There are also snow bike and mountain bike trails for you to enjoy. The Maasto Hiihto and Churning Rapids trails take the skiers through the John Christianson Wildlife Preserve.
Noquemanon Trail Network around Marquette, MI
- Trail length: 78 miles
- Classic grooming: Available
- Skate grooming: Available
- Dog friendly: Dogs on leash allowed on specific trails of Forestville Trails
- Lighted: Fit Strip Trail lit until 11 PM.
- Snowmaking: No
Located in the North Central area of the Upper Peninsula, the Noquemanon Trails surrounding Marquette offers 78 miles of cross country trails for different levels of skiers. It is also the annual site of the cross country ski event known as the Noquemanon Ski Marathon.
With breathtaking views of the Hogback Mountain, Lake Superior, and century old white pine trees, the Noquemanon Trails takes the skier on different kinds of terrains including flat lake crossings, large hilly areas, and gentle slopes.
Lodging
There are many hotels, vacation homes, cottages, etc. available near the Noquemanon trails. Due to Covid19, the accommodation status keeps on changing. Some areas have been closed while others remain open. Also, the closed accommodations are expected to open as soon as they are instructed to by the government.
Warming Shelters
One nice and cozy warming shelter equipped with a wood-fire located at the trailhead.
Other services
There are 7 trailheads that provide you with easy access – 3 around the downtown Marquette, 2 in the North, one in Ishpeming, and one in Big Bay. The trailhead facilities include restrooms, snacks, a wood-fired social area, as well as ski and snowshoe rental shop. You also get a free parking service here.
Northern Michigan Cross-Country Ski Trails
Here are some of the most exciting ski trails in Northern Michigan:
Cross Country Ski Headquarters at Higgins Lake, MI
- Trail length: 11 miles
- Classic grooming: Available
- Skate grooming: Available
- Dog friendly: No
- Lighted: Loop of 2.5 miles
- Snowmaking: Available
The Cross Country Ski Headquarters (XC Ski HQ) is your perfect destination for an adventure trip that is as much relaxing as it is exciting. Named as the Nordic Skiing Mecca by the Outside Magazine, this place is an ideal place to be in winter.
Lodging
The Stone Turtle Day Lodge & Café invites tired skiers to relax in its rustic lodge. Its roaring fireplace is the main attraction. Whether you want to relax before a ski session or unwind after one, you can order a delicious meal or enjoy a rejuvenating drink here.
Warming Shelters
The Trapper’s Cabin is at the trail system of the Cross Country Ski Headquarters and is an excellent rustic cabin to cozy up in, enjoy hot cocoa with snacks, and relax. With a bonfire and your friends and family around it, the Trapper’s Cabin provides you with breathtaking scenery when you stop by while skiing.
Other Services
If you are a beginner, you can join the weekly free beginner ski lessons held every Saturday at 10:30 am. You can also book a private lesson with a PSIA-certified ski instructor. Ski, as well as snowshoe gear, can be also be rented from the XC Ski HQ.
Bay Mountain, The Homestead Resort at Glen Arbor, MI
- Trail length: 11 miles
- Classic grooming: Available
- Skate grooming: Available
- Dog friendly: Not allowed
- Lighted: No
- Snowmaking: No
If you are looking for some challenging ascents and thrilling descents, there is no better cross country ski trail than the Bay Mountain at the Homestead Resort. Each bend on the trail offers you a mesmerizing view. You can also rent great quality ski gear from here. If you are a beginner or want to polish your XC skiing skills, you can find great instructors here as well.
Lodging
You have a lot of great options for accommodation at the resort hotels, condominiums, and vacation home rentals. Rent a condominium or vacation home and enjoy skiing, shopping, and exploring Glen Arbor, and relaxing at the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park.
The Homestead Resort offers you beachfront hotel rooms. You have so many options to choose from. The Inn has historic architecture and has impressive views of the river and Lake Michigan. The Fiddler’s Pond is a resort hotel alongside the pool and ponds. The Stony Brook Lodge is an all-suite hotel and Little Belle offers a romantic stay for couples.
Warming Shelters
The Bay View Trail here is only steps away from the Homestead resort village.
Other Services
Spa and salon services are also available. Spa Amira offers massage and facial packages to relax you after a long day on the slopes. The Lillyjade salon opens up its services to adults and kids for nail and hair services as well as bridal services.
Crystal Mountain at Thompsonville, MI
- Trail length: 18 miles
- Classic grooming: Available
- Skate grooming: Available
- Dog friendly: Not allowed
- Lighted: 2.5 miles
- Snowmaking: No
Termed as the number one cross country trail in Michigan by the Midwest Living Magazine, the Crystal Mountain is located in Thompsonville (thirty miles southwest of Traverse City) and offers you a great time in winter. You can visit the Kinlochen Nordic Shop to buy a trail pass – and once you are there, you will love every second of it.
Lodging
You are spoilt for choices when it comes to lodging and accommodation. Crystal Mountain offers you more than 250 hotel rooms, condominiums, suites, vacation home rentals, and townhomes to choose from.
Warming Shelters
The Crystal Mountain Resort was originally a warming shelter created for skiers. Now it is a grand resort that welcomes happy skiers from all over the world.
Other Services
Ski waxing services are provided here. Options for equipment rental and ski lessons are also available here. You can purchase a season pass or trail pass. Ski races and competitions are also held here. Video analysis is also available at the indoor training studio here.
South Michigan Cross-Country Ski Trails
In South Michigan, you can enjoy skiing on the following cross country ski trails:
Huron Meadows Metropark near Brighton, MI
- Trail length: 15 miles
- Classic grooming: Available
- Skate grooming: Available
- Dog friendly: Not allowed
- Lighted: 1.5 miles loop
- Snowmaking: 1.5 miles loop
The Huron Meadows Metropark in southeast Michigan is a great place to enjoy classic as well as freestyle skiing. The variations in terrain make this a great ski destination for all levels of skiers. There are 15 miles of groomed trails that offer easy to intermediate level of terrains for classic skiing, and 11 miles of moderate terrain with rolling hills for skating. There is also a 1.5 mile loop that is open at night and even when there is not much snow. Dogs are not allowed on these trails.
Lodging
There are many hotels in Brighton that are quite close to the Huron Meadows Metropark. Hotels include Wingate, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Hampton Inn, Best Western, and many more that cater to all budgets and family sizes. These accommodation facilities have all the basic amenities to make your stay as pleasurable and relaxing as possible.
Warming Shelters
Cedar Ridge restroom building is located on the trail head.
Other Services
Ski rental services (for both classic as well as skate skiing). A heated lounge, snacks, and restrooms are also available for skiers.
Some Photos of Huron Meadows Trails
Fort Custer State Recreation Area near Kalamazoo, MI
- Trail length: 45.6 miles
- Classic grooming: –
- Skate grooming: –
- Dog friendly: Sections of the yellow, red and green trails are open to dog sledding.
- Lighted: No
- Snowmaking: No
The Fort Custer State Recreation Area used to be a military training site for World War I and II. Located between Kalamazoo and Battle Creek, this area is now a great place to enjoy cross country skiing, biking, as well as hiking. There are five trails with the shortest one being the blue trail which has a length of 4 miles.
Lodging
There are many options to choose from – bed and breakfasts, campground and RV parks, hotels, motels, vacation rentals, and resorts that are either located near the park or in the vicinity from where you can access the area. Campgrounds include Forte Custer-Equestrian, Fort Custer-Group Use Area, Fort Custer Modern, and Forte Custer-Rustic Cabins.
Warming Shelters
A warming shelter with a bonfire where ski participants can gather and socialize.
Other Services
Mountain biking, hiking, dog sledding, fishing, and snowshoeing facilities are available here.
West Michigan Cross-Country Ski Trails
Here is what awaits you in the snowy winters of West Michigan:
Kent County Parks and Trails near Grand Rapids
- Trail length: 50+ miles
- Classic grooming: 6 miles in Palmer Park
- Skate grooming: –
- Dog friendly: Dogs are allowed on leashes, except for Pickerel Lake Park
- Lighted: No
- Snowmaking: No
The Kent County Parks and Ski Trails offer cross country skiers different levels of difficulty and terrain to ski on. Palmer Park is the only park with groomed trails. The rest of the parks, that include Seidman Park, Pickerel Lake Park, Millennium Park, Donald J Lamoreaux Park, Luton Park, Lepard Preserve, Provin Trails Park, Townsend Park, Rogue River Park, and Wahlfield Park, have ungroomed terrain for skiing.
The Palmer Park has 3 loops of the groomed trail with all the trails being approximately 2 miles long. The Seidman Park has 5 miles of ungroomed trails, Pickerel Lake Park has 4 miles, Millennium Park has almost 18 miles, Donald J Lamoreaux Park has 263 acre park with 1.5 miles of frontage, Luton Park has 10 miles, Lepard Preserve has 1 mile, Provin Trails Park has 46 acres of land, Townsend Park has 1 mile, Rogue River Park has 1.5 miles, and Wahlfield Park has various loops ranging from 1.5 miles to 4.3 miles of ungroomed trails.
Lodging
Campers can stay at the Wabasis Campground Reservations with a maximum stay of 15 nights and a minimum of 2 nights.
You can find more than a hundred hotels and vacation rentals near the Kent County Parks and Trails. Famous hotel chains like Hilton, Hayat, Holiday Inn, and Radisson Blue are also located in Kent County to make your winters as luxurious as you would like them to be.
Warming Shelters
All the trailheads are at the Kaufman Golf Course Clubhouse where you can relax, eat, and have access to heated washrooms.
Other Services
Portable restrooms are available in Luton Park, Provin Trails Park, and at the north parking lot of Seidman Park. The clubhouse offers heated restrooms, snacks, and beverages. You can also rent skis and ski gear from here. The park restrooms are closed between November 1 and April 30 as these restrooms are not heated and in order to prevent the water pipes from freezing, the restroom services are shut down.
Michigan is a great place to spend your winters – enjoying its countless cross country trails and indulging in comforting food and a comfortable stay. So the next time you feel like strapping your skis and venturing into a picturesque snowy landscape, you know Michigan will be the ideal place to be.
