Michigan Ski Blog – Skiing and Snowboarding in Michigan

Porcupine Mountains State Park Cross Country Ski Trails – Silver City, MI

Four main and several smaller trails combine to form the 42 KM Nordic Trail System at the Porcupine Mountains State Park.

The cross country ski trails encircle the lift-served Alpine Ski Area with numerous scenic loops. Trails are track set with a power-tiller equipped groomer.

Warming huts are located along the Log Camp Loop and Union Spring Trails. Daily and season trail passes are available at the chalet and include a one-ride lift ticket to the summit.

Winter interpretive activities include guided snowshoe hike and lantern light skiing. Check at the chalet for scheduling.

Lantern Light Cross-Country Skiing: (Selected Saturdays During the Season) Old-fashioned kerosene lanterns illuminate the trail during this night ski. Lanterns are placed along the entire one-mile loop for a remarkable night skiing experience. Stop about halfway around the loop at the warming shelter where the park naturalist will have a blazing fire going. This trail has an “easy” difficulty rating; however, skiing at night is always a challenge.

This program may be canceled due to weather. To inquire about cancellations call (906) 885-5206.

All programs are free; however, all motor vehicles entering a Michigan state park or recreation area must display a valid Motor Vehicle Permit, available for purchase at the park entrance.

Porcupine Mountains Cross Country Ski Trail Map

Porcupine Mountains Nordic Ski Trails

Porcupine Mountains Yurts

Would you like a true winter wilderness experience? Try spending a winter night or two (or more) in the Porcupine Mountains in a yurt. Yurts are sturdy, tent-like structures, that originated in central Asia. The park’s three yurts will provide visitors with a snug, weather-tight shelter that is close to the park’s hiking, biking and cross-country ski trails.

Each of the 16-foot-diameter yurts are available year-round, will sleep four people and are equipped with bunk beds, mattresses, wood stove, axe, bow saw and cooking and eating utensils. Running water and electricity are not provided, but an outhouse is nearby and wood is provided for heat in the colder months.

The park’s yurts are accessed only by trail. The distance and degree of challenge required to reach them will vary with the season. The rental fee is $60 per night and there is an $8 reservation fee.

For reservations call 1-800-447-2757 or online at www.midnrreservations.com.

For additional information, contact Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park at (906) 885-5275, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information on Yurt Lodging in the Porkies click here.

– – – – – Porcupine Mountains Area Lodging Packages – – – – – –

 
 

Mackinac Island Cross Country Skiing

Mackinac Island Cross Country Trails

The Mackinac Island Ski club grooms trails on the east and north side of the Island in Mackinac Island State Park.

The cross country ski trails wind through the pristine woods of Mackinac Island State Park and allow the winter visitor to see all of the natural and historical landmarks of the island.

You can follow the ski trails to the interior of the island and take in the vistas from the highest point on the island at Fort Holmes. Or ski through the woods to Arch Rock and enjoy the view of Lake Huron from the bluffs on the eastern side of the island.

Cross Country Ski Trails

Cross-Country Ski Rentals

Cawthorne’s Village Inn (906) 847-3542
www.grandhotel.com/dining/cawthornes-village-inn

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Visit Ski Mackinac Website >>>>

Here’s a collection of photos of Mackinac Island during the winter:

January 2, 2016

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December 30, 2015

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Mackinac Island Photos – Instagram

Here are the latest photos of Mackinac Island via Instagram (hashtags #mackinac or #mackinacisland).

Do you have an instagram account? Tag your Mackinac Island instagram photos with #mackinac or #mackinacisland and they will appear here in our Mackinac Island Instagram Photo Stream.
 

bestie summer round ✌🏻is so close! ☀️🚲🌸💜🥹
icedlatteswithlex 
#mackinacisland #besties #ribs #lorde #summervibes

bestie summer round ✌🏻is so close! ☀️🚲🌸💜🥹
icedlatteswithlex
#mackinacisland #besties #ribs #lorde #summervibes
...

6 1
We expected a beautiful sunny drive across the Mackinac Bridge this time, but mother nature had other plans for us. We always roll with it and enjoy puremichigan Pure Michigan adventures, 

#michigan #puremichigan #michigantravel #mackinac #mackinacbridge

We expected a beautiful sunny drive across the Mackinac Bridge this time, but mother nature had other plans for us. We always roll with it and enjoy puremichigan Pure Michigan adventures,

#michigan #puremichigan #michigantravel #mackinac #mackinacbridge
...

7 2
“Stop and Smell the Lilacs.”

What a beautiful reminder—not only for this year’s Mackinac Island Lilac Festival Poster Competition theme, but for life itself.

I was honored to attend the Artist Reception on Mackinac Island and accept Third Place in this year’s competition. Sharing this experience with so many talented artists, meeting the organizers, and celebrating the creativity inspired by this special island made the event truly memorable.

As artists, we’re often focused on what’s next—the next painting, the next goal, the next dream. This experience reminded me to pause, appreciate the journey, and celebrate the moments along the way.

My heartfelt thanks to the festival organizers, judges, volunteers, fellow artists, and everyone who makes this beloved tradition possible. Your dedication creates opportunities for artists to share their work and connect through creativity.

Congratulations to all of the artists whose work was selected and exhibited. It was an honor to be among such talented company.

And thank you, Mackinac Island, for the lilacs, the inspiration, the friendships, and the reminder to slow down and savor the beauty that surrounds us.

💜

#MackinacIsland #LilacFestival #StopAndSmellTheLilacs #MichiganArtist #shineforward

“Stop and Smell the Lilacs.”

What a beautiful reminder—not only for this year’s Mackinac Island Lilac Festival Poster Competition theme, but for life itself.

I was honored to attend the Artist Reception on Mackinac Island and accept Third Place in this year’s competition. Sharing this experience with so many talented artists, meeting the organizers, and celebrating the creativity inspired by this special island made the event truly memorable.

As artists, we’re often focused on what’s next—the next painting, the next goal, the next dream. This experience reminded me to pause, appreciate the journey, and celebrate the moments along the way.

My heartfelt thanks to the festival organizers, judges, volunteers, fellow artists, and everyone who makes this beloved tradition possible. Your dedication creates opportunities for artists to share their work and connect through creativity.

Congratulations to all of the artists whose work was selected and exhibited. It was an honor to be among such talented company.

And thank you, Mackinac Island, for the lilacs, the inspiration, the friendships, and the reminder to slow down and savor the beauty that surrounds us.

💜

#MackinacIsland #LilacFestival #StopAndSmellTheLilacs #MichiganArtist #shineforward
...

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All things purple ahead💜

#hornsbar #mackinacisland #lilacfestival

All things purple ahead💜

#hornsbar #mackinacisland #lilacfestival
...

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Our new series! The Hotel Iroquois Series. #mackinacisland #hoteliroquois #mackinac

Our new series! The Hotel Iroquois Series. #mackinacisland #hoteliroquois #mackinac ...

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#mackinacisland #travelgram #puremichigan #explore #michigan 

Michigan,lake,island life

#mackinacisland #travelgram #puremichigan #explore #michigan

Michigan,lake,island life
...

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☀️ August is one of the best times to visit Northern Michigan!

Imagine spending your mornings on the beach, afternoons exploring Mackinac Island, and evenings watching freighters pass by from the shoreline.

We still have August availability at  Island View Shores⁠, but summer weeks tend to disappear quickly once July arrives.

🏖 Lake Huron beachfront
🌉 Views of Mackinac Bridge
🚢 Freighters passing by daily
🐶 Dog-friendly
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Room for the whole family

Message us for available dates!

#mackinawcity #mackinacisland #vacationvibes #vacationrental

☀️ August is one of the best times to visit Northern Michigan!

Imagine spending your mornings on the beach, afternoons exploring Mackinac Island, and evenings watching freighters pass by from the shoreline.

We still have August availability at Island View Shores⁠, but summer weeks tend to disappear quickly once July arrives.

🏖 Lake Huron beachfront
🌉 Views of Mackinac Bridge
🚢 Freighters passing by daily
🐶 Dog-friendly
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Room for the whole family

Message us for available dates!

#mackinawcity #mackinacisland #vacationvibes #vacationrental
...

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#mackinacisland #diml #island

#mackinacisland #diml #island ...

24 0
trianglethreads Thank you for this Amazing #mackinacisland state park sweatshirt. Beautiful screen print. Exactly what I was looking for. #mackinac #thankyou #appearal #parks

trianglethreads Thank you for this Amazing #mackinacisland state park sweatshirt. Beautiful screen print. Exactly what I was looking for. #mackinac #thankyou #appearal #parks ...

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mackinacislandcarriagetours is a MUST for families heading to the island! It’s the best way to see a ton of the island in a shorter time and avoid taxi rides, especially if your kids are too small for biking! 

🐴 Start downtown and weave through the historic streets and past the grandhotelmichigan 
🦋 Stop at Surrey Hill and head to wingsofmack1997 to enjoy the butterflies, the forge to watch the blacksmiths, and the carriage museum
🍩 Get a donut before you board your second carriage - it’s at Surrey Hill, but deserves its own call out
🪨 Head to Arch Rock for views and photo ops 
🐎 Board your carriage back to the downtown area to enjoy the rest of your day on the island

The guides were great, and it was such a fun way to explore mackinacisle with littles! Not only do you see the big sites, but the ride itself feels like an essential part of the island experience and something our kids thought was a highlight of the day! Shoutout to Lettuce, their favorite horse! 

puremichigan #mackinacisland #familyvacation #travelwithkids #midwest #summer

mackinacislandcarriagetours is a MUST for families heading to the island! It’s the best way to see a ton of the island in a shorter time and avoid taxi rides, especially if your kids are too small for biking!

🐴 Start downtown and weave through the historic streets and past the grandhotelmichigan
🦋 Stop at Surrey Hill and head to wingsofmack1997 to enjoy the butterflies, the forge to watch the blacksmiths, and the carriage museum
🍩 Get a donut before you board your second carriage - it’s at Surrey Hill, but deserves its own call out
🪨 Head to Arch Rock for views and photo ops
🐎 Board your carriage back to the downtown area to enjoy the rest of your day on the island

The guides were great, and it was such a fun way to explore mackinacisle with littles! Not only do you see the big sites, but the ride itself feels like an essential part of the island experience and something our kids thought was a highlight of the day! Shoutout to Lettuce, their favorite horse!

puremichigan #mackinacisland #familyvacation #travelwithkids #midwest #summer
...

9 0
Michigan is Paradise! Many don't even know it, but come see for yourself. #michgan #mackinac #mackinacbridge #fudge #upnorth

Michigan is Paradise! Many don't even know it, but come see for yourself. #michgan #mackinac #mackinacbridge #fudge #upnorth ...

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#my crazy boys #MackinacIsland #Michigan #2019memories

#my crazy boys #MackinacIsland #Michigan #2019memories ...

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island lilac in our straits one-piece🪻

inspired by lilac season on mackinac island where the streets are lined with blooms and time stands still 💜🚲☀️

available TOMORROW 6/10 at 10am 
limited quantities available and patterns won’t be restocked, so set your reminders and shop early if you have your eye on a favorite style or print 👙

#swimwear #mackinacisland #lilacfestival #northernmichigan #smallbusiness

island lilac in our straits one-piece🪻

inspired by lilac season on mackinac island where the streets are lined with blooms and time stands still 💜🚲☀️

available TOMORROW 6/10 at 10am
limited quantities available and patterns won’t be restocked, so set your reminders and shop early if you have your eye on a favorite style or print 👙

#swimwear #mackinacisland #lilacfestival #northernmichigan #smallbusiness
...

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What horseback riding dreams are made of 🐴.

#betweentheears #horsebackriding #mackinacisland

What horseback riding dreams are made of 🐴.

#betweentheears #horsebackriding #mackinacisland
...

20 4
A big thank you to the Challe Keith Challe and Torres Crystal Challe Torres, Mikayla Torres families for sending me this pic today of them in front of the Island Bookstore -holding my books on Mackinac Island! #IslandBookstore #beingethelauthor #lilacfestival #mackinacisland

A big thank you to the Challe Keith Challe and Torres Crystal Challe Torres, Mikayla Torres families for sending me this pic today of them in front of the Island Bookstore -holding my books on Mackinac Island! #IslandBookstore #beingethelauthor #lilacfestival #mackinacisland ...

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Visiting Mackinac Island? Come find your perfect piece at Dali’s Jewelry or shop online from anywhere. 🌊💍

Your next favorite sterling silver piece is waiting. 💙

 #MackinacIsland #mackinacislanddesigns #sterlingsilverjewelry #jewelrylover

Visiting Mackinac Island? Come find your perfect piece at Dali’s Jewelry or shop online from anywhere. 🌊💍

Your next favorite sterling silver piece is waiting. 💙

#MackinacIsland #mackinacislanddesigns #sterlingsilverjewelry #jewelrylover
...

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Visit Ski Mackinac Website >>>>

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Cross Country Skiing on Drummond Island

Rainbow TrailCross country skiers can enjoy outdoor beauty and serenity during the winter on groomed ski trails, catching glimpses of deer, fox, coyote, rabbits and a variety of birds who call Drummond Island their home.

Drummond Island Resort Trail

Drummond Island Resort grooms 15 miles of trails on our own private property for classic-style skiing. They also have top-of-the-line rental skis for adults and children that are available to our guests free of charge.

There’s also opportunities for snow shoeing during the winter. Drummond Island Resort has several sets of Iverson traditional-style snowshoes available for rent, but for guests they are free. There is no better way to see undisturbed winter scenes on the island than on a set of snowshoes. With a little cooperation outside, we hope to have a rink cleared behind The Lodge for skaters. Again, snowshoes and ice skates are available to our guests free of charge.

For more information visit the Drummond Island Resort website >>>>

Rainbow Trail

The Rainbow Trail was developed in 2002 by the Drummond Island Cross Country Club as a nature trail with groomed cross country skiing in the winter (only skiing, no snowshoeing) and walking, hiking and birding in the non winter seasons.

Located on state land on the west side of the Maxton Cross Road just south of Maxton Road, this trail is 5.0 miles long. Laid out over rolling terrain, through open spaces and hardwood forest, the main trail has a series of seven loops off of the “Main Street” and back to it again. There are three short trail segments that serve to interconnect the loops, making it easier to return to the trailhead for shorter excursions or provide variety for extended trips.

The trailhead is located on Maxton Cross Road, 0.2 miles south of the intersection of Maxton Cross Road and Maxton Road. Parking is available at the trailhead. Bathroom facilities are not available at the trail but are available at nearby Four Corners and The DI Resort and Conference Center.

For more information visit the Drummond Island Cross Country Club website >>>>

Heritage Trail

The Heritage Trail, located at the DI Township Park, is a hiking and snowshoe trail. It provides a unique experience for; birding, hiking or geocaching in the warmer months and snowshoeing, over terrain not suitable for skiing, in winter. Trail use is FREE.

The Lower Level leads you through beautiful woodlands to the Potagannissing shoreline. The Upper Levels wind along and up on to the top of unique limestone ledges and shallow caves.

There is a great variety of landscape for a trail of this size, (approximately 3 miles) and a drop of over 50 feet in elevation from the upper to the lower levels of the trail.

The majority of the trail can be hiked or snow shoed easily by the novice but the upper levels of the trail require some moderate ability to traverse very uneven terrain.

For more information visit the Drummond Island Cross Country Club website >>>>

Rainbow Trail – Photos





 
 

Crystal Mountain – Cross Country Skiing

Northern Michigan’s Cross-Country Skiing Destination

Looking for some of the best in northern Michigan cross-country skiing trails? Look no further than Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa. From gentle treks through the trees to the rolling terrain of our black diamond cross-country skiing trails, Crystal Mountain’s 40+km cross-country skiing trail network provides terrain for all ability levels, from novice to expert. We even have 4K lighted for night skiing.

Meticulously-groomed for both skating and traditional cross-country skiing, these picturesque northern Michigan cross-country skiing trails were rated #1 in Michigan by Michigan Living magazine readers. Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa… your northern Michigan cross-country skiing vacation starts here.

Current trail conditions >>

Trail Map Rates & Rentals Events & Lessons
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Crystal is Northern Michigan’s only Fisher Key Nordic Center

Visit Crystal Mountain Website >>>>

 
 
Michigan Ski Blog - Skiing and Snowboarding in Michigan - produced by Ski Michigan.