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The 10 Best Cross-country Ski Areas in Michigan, United States
Think you need an ocean for a beach? Think again. There are miles and miles of sandy lakefront beaches in Michigan (thanks to the four Great Lakes that border it). The west coast of Michigan has especially nice beaches—try a rental in Muskegon, Grand Haven or Saugatuck. You won’t need a car when visiting Mackinac Island. In fact, they’re not allowed—this lovely Victorian resort town is pedestrian-only.
Restaurants in Michigan
1. Valley Spur
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 19 reviews
Only a few thousand people ski the 22-mile Valley Spur trail each year.
Reviewed By jayneschmekel - Traverse City, United States
An annual visit beautiful trails, lovely volunteers an all around tremendous Nordic ski area. There is always a ton of snow in this area and you can count on excellent groomed trails. When we have gone on weekends there has been homemade soup and bread served in the cozy warming house but you can always bring your own food. We love to end our ski with a great stay at Roam Boutique Hotel in Munising.
2. Forbush Corner Cross-Country Skiing
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By 2018NDIrish - Chicago, United States
My wife and I were there on December 30. The trails were newly groomed and conditions were outstanding. Trails are marked very well and it is impossible to get lost. It is a beautiful setting and offers excellent skiing for both classic skiers and skaters. The personnel was very friendly and helpful. We can't wait to get back and ski there again. Thanks to Mr. Forbush and all of the volunteers who have made this a must destination for cross country skiers.
3. Swedetown Ski Trails
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 30 reviews
Reviewed By Stonecroft7 - Rexburg, United States
We had a nice gathering of friends at the chalet at the top of the sledding hills. The place is not fancy, but was warm on a day when temperature was in the teens. Folks had reserved the second floor , where there is a little cafe run by a nice lady—you can buy simple foods. Sodas, warm beverages, etc. Our hosts had brought pizza and treats, which is also allowed. The kids had a blast on the well groomed hills. This is a great place!
4. ABR Trails
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By WiOutdoorGirl - Madison, United States
Skied here over the New Year holiday and was delighted by all the snow and well- groomed trails. I wasn't sure how I would like not having the warming shelter open, but it wasn't really an issue. We just used our car as a warm up shelter. I would recommend ABR for skiing. It was worth the trip for the snow and the well-groomed trails.
5. Cross Country Ski Headquarters
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 29 reviews
We are a Pure Michigan premier destination for cross country skiing in Michigan and the Midwest, and the best source for cross country skis, equipment, clothing, cross country ski packages, cross country ski and snowshoe rentals, ski lessons, and overall expertise. Founded in 1974, we are one of the oldest cross country ski facilities in the country. Our passion for nordic skiing is surpassed only by our passion for our skiers and customers! We are open every day from the first weekend of November through early April (except Thanksgiving and Christmas). Head to our website for more information.
Reviewed By 9curtisw
My wife and I visited XC Ski Hq after deciding to learn to ski. Bob Frye was very helpful in working with us to get us outfitted for this adventure. He sold us great skis and boots (perfectly fitted) and connected us with an instructor to get us started. Our instructor Erin helped us to at first stand on skis and then to move in a straight line without falling. Over the last two years we have indeed learned to skate on snow. What a wonderful experience! It has transformed our view of Michigan winters. Prior to learning to ski we dreaded the arrival of winter, now we can’t wait until it snows. In addition to fantastically well-groomed trails what makes this place special is the wonderful staff. They are always friendly and cheerful. They were extremely helpful with the selection of proper sets of layers for different conditions as well as answering questions about waxing. The lodge makes an outing there something special. The ambiance of the Stone Turtle café fits so well with cross country skiing. Starting the day with a great cup of coffee before hitting the trails followed by a perfect panini for lunch and finally a beer or glass of wine in front of the large fireplace after skiing makes for a perfect winter day. I can’t recommend XC Ski Hq highly enough. It’s a real Michigan treasure.
6. Saugatuck Dunes State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 357 reviews
The park's 850 acres include a beach, dunes and cross-country ski trails.
Reviewed By Trisha417
Great place to bring the family and the dogs. Hiking the trails to the dunes wasn’t too tiring. Beautiful view of Lake Michigan on top of the dunes. The dogs had a ball playing in the sand and one put her feet in the water. Enjoyed it so much that we visited twice during our vacation. Can’t wait to go back!
7. Hanson Hills Recreation Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 40 reviews
Reviewed By JanandClan - Luzerne, United States
We had a Blast. Most fun you can have for $10! It's run very well, efficient system to keep the fun going. No long waits. Highly recommend for any age.
8. Crystal Mountain
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 188 reviews
Four-season family resort has lots to do on and off the slopes.
Reviewed By mwfriederichs - North Webster, United States
70% of terrain open this weekend. Hit the black diamond runs off Buck quad first thing and all the runs on that side were very smooth and fun with a few inches of fresh snow. The runs off the Crystal Clipper were also great, along with the north face area, all groomed soft snow under a few inches of fresh snow. The runs served by the Loki quad were mostly good, though icy/crunchy under the fresh snow, and the black diamonds were pretty well scraped off by early afternoon.
9. Days River Natural Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
Features: Biking, Hiking, and Cross Country SkiingPicture yourself gliding silently past a clearwater stream gurgling in and out of pockets of glistening ice, or entering a pristine forest of pines and larch trees to see elk standing in the distant shadows, or even stopping with your companions in snow-draped woods to enjoy a steaming cup of hot chocolate.All these scenarios and more can be enjoyed on a day trip to one of the public cross-country ski pathways found in Michigan's beautiful state forests.
10. Young's Golf-Recreation-Dining
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17 reviews
Young’s Golf-Recreation-Dining is located on over 3,000 acres Iron County, MI. Founded by George and Margaret Young in 1984, Young’s is a public recreation facility that offers year-round recreational opportunities including an 18-hole golf course, a heated indoor swimming pool with hot tub and sauna, hiking and biking trails, snowshoe, cross-country ski, fat tire bike trails and ATV and snowmobile access. Young’s recently opened its new restaurant, FireBrick Bar & Grill, which features a delicious pub style menu that you can enjoy in the newly redesigned bar and dining area. FireBrick Bar & Grill pays homage to the Chicago Fire Brick Company, George and Margaret’s successful family business. * Young's recently made the Young family cabin available to rent during the summer season. This historic cabin on sparkling Chicaugon Lake sleeps up to 10 people. Visit our website for more information and to book your stay!
