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.
 

Day 42: Figure Friday! 🎨🌲 Today’s painting is so incredibly special. I painted my youngest child at one of our absolute favorite happy places: Mackinac Island! I really enjoyed the process of building this scene. I started with a pale blue sky wash specifically so it would peek through the leaves later! After a burnt sienna wash for the stairs and adding tree trunks, I used three different shades of green to stipple in the leaves and give them lots of depth. Once that all dried, I used a ruler and a watercolor pencil to crisp up the stairs and the railing. It is such a great trick for straight lines! I added some loose watercolor details to my youngest, grounded the scene with shadows, and finished it off with a gray pen for soft definition. I think it turned out great! What is your favorite happy place to visit? Let me know below! 👇 🛒 Shop my exact art supplies at www.watercolorwithnikki.com! Like and follow for Day 43! #watercolorwithnikki #figurefriday #mackinacisland #watercolorportrait #watercolortechnique #watercolor #watercolorpractice #artjourney #dailyartchallenge #watercolorpencils #stippling

Day 42: Figure Friday! 🎨🌲 Today’s painting is so incredibly special. I painted my youngest child at one of our absolute favorite happy places: Mackinac Island! I really enjoyed the process of building this scene. I started with a pale blue sky wash specifically so it would peek through the leaves later! After a burnt sienna wash for the stairs and adding tree trunks, I used three different shades of green to stipple in the leaves and give them lots of depth. Once that all dried, I used a ruler and a watercolor pencil to crisp up the stairs and the railing. It is such a great trick for straight lines! I added some loose watercolor details to my youngest, grounded the scene with shadows, and finished it off with a gray pen for soft definition. I think it turned out great! What is your favorite happy place to visit? Let me know below! 👇 🛒 Shop my exact art supplies at www.watercolorwithnikki.com! Like and follow for Day 43! #watercolorwithnikki #figurefriday #mackinacisland #watercolorportrait #watercolortechnique #watercolor #watercolorpractice #artjourney #dailyartchallenge #watercolorpencils #stippling ...

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Day 42: Figure Friday! 🎨🌲 Today’s painting is so incredibly special. I painted my youngest child at one of our absolute favorite happy places: Mackinac Island! I really enjoyed the process of building this scene. I started with a pale blue sky wash specifically so it would peek through the leaves later! After a burnt sienna wash for the stairs and adding tree trunks, I used three different shades of green to stipple in the leaves and give them lots of depth. Once that all dried, I used a ruler and a watercolor pencil to crisp up the stairs and the railing. It is such a great trick for straight lines! I added some loose watercolor details to my youngest, grounded the scene with shadows, and finished it off with a gray pen for soft definition. I think it turned out great! What is your favorite happy place to visit? Let me know below! 👇 🛒 Shop my exact art supplies at www.watercolorwithnikki.com! Like and follow for Day 43! #watercolorwithnikki #figurefriday #mackinacisland #watercolorportrait #watercolortechnique #watercolor #watercolorpractice #artjourney #dailyartchallenge #watercolorpencils #stippling

Day 42: Figure Friday! 🎨🌲 Today’s painting is so incredibly special. I painted my youngest child at one of our absolute favorite happy places: Mackinac Island! I really enjoyed the process of building this scene. I started with a pale blue sky wash specifically so it would peek through the leaves later! After a burnt sienna wash for the stairs and adding tree trunks, I used three different shades of green to stipple in the leaves and give them lots of depth. Once that all dried, I used a ruler and a watercolor pencil to crisp up the stairs and the railing. It is such a great trick for straight lines! I added some loose watercolor details to my youngest, grounded the scene with shadows, and finished it off with a gray pen for soft definition. I think it turned out great! What is your favorite happy place to visit? Let me know below! 👇 🛒 Shop my exact art supplies at www.watercolorwithnikki.com! Like and follow for Day 43! #watercolorwithnikki #figurefriday #mackinacisland #watercolorportrait #watercolortechnique #watercolor #watercolorpractice #artjourney #dailyartchallenge #watercolorpencils #stippling ...

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Mackinac Island, Michigan: Escape to this enchanting, car-free island paradise where the only traffic you'll encounter is from bicycles and horse-drawn carriages. 🌼 This charming destination is perfect for those looking to unwind and step back in time. Immerse yourself in the island's unique atmosphere, where you'll find historic architecture, stunning views of Lake Huron, and delicious local delicacies. Whether you're cycling along scenic routes or strolling through quaint streets, Mackinac Island offers a truly unforgettable experience. 🌿🚲 #MackinacIsland #CarFreeLiving #CharmingGetaway #TravelMichigan #StepBackInTime

Mackinac Island, Michigan: Escape to this enchanting, car-free island paradise where the only traffic you'll encounter is from bicycles and horse-drawn carriages. 🌼 This charming destination is perfect for those looking to unwind and step back in time. Immerse yourself in the island's unique atmosphere, where you'll find historic architecture, stunning views of Lake Huron, and delicious local delicacies. Whether you're cycling along scenic routes or strolling through quaint streets, Mackinac Island offers a truly unforgettable experience. 🌿🚲 #MackinacIsland #CarFreeLiving #CharmingGetaway #TravelMichigan #StepBackInTime ...

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On our way home 💕 #MackinacIsland #Mackinac #Lake

On our way home 💕 #MackinacIsland #Mackinac #Lake ...

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Ohana Passing Round Island Lighthouse at Sunset. .... The racing yacht Ohana charges past Round Island Lighthouse at the finish of the Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac. This powerful nautical image captures the intensity, beauty, and reward of reaching the finish line in one of America’s most iconic distance races.

Ohana Passing Round Island Lighthouse at Sunset. .... The racing yacht Ohana charges past Round Island Lighthouse at the finish of the Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac. This powerful nautical image captures the intensity, beauty, and reward of reaching the finish line in one of America’s most iconic distance races. ...

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Posting summer sunsets so the snow will melt 🔆

 #thisismackinac #mackinacstatehistoricparks #mackinacisland #mackinacisle

Posting summer sunsets so the snow will melt 🔆

#thisismackinac #mackinacstatehistoricparks #mackinacisland #mackinacisle
...

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Will we make it? #mackinaclife #mackinacisland #islandlife #greatlakes

Will we make it? #mackinaclife #mackinacisland #islandlife #greatlakes ...

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🌾 Mackinac Island, MI Mackinac Island sits in the straits between Lake Huron and Lake Michigan where no cars are allowed and the horses and bicycles have been the only transport since 1898. #MackinacIsland #Michigan #LakeHuron

🌾 Mackinac Island, MI Mackinac Island sits in the straits between Lake Huron and Lake Michigan where no cars are allowed and the horses and bicycles have been the only transport since 1898. #MackinacIsland #Michigan #LakeHuron ...

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Watercolor Cafe - Mackinac Island
#mackinacisland #michigan #coffeeinthefall

Watercolor Cafe - Mackinac Island
#mackinacisland #michigan #coffeeinthefall
...

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#video #vairal #bikerboysofinstagram💙🏍💙 #dosti_jaan_se_pyari😊firstlove❤photography☺️❤️💯💯💞💞💞😎😎✌️✌️ #mackinac

#video #vairal #bikerboysofinstagram💙🏍💙 #dosti_jaan_se_pyari😊firstlove❤photography☺️❤️💯💯💞💞💞😎😎✌️✌️ #mackinac ...

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How to spot a Michigander. 

I can be spotted in seconds—if you know what to look for. Here’s my giveaway playbook:

I use my hand as a map
Ask where I’m from and boom—my left hand goes up. The Lower Peninsula becomes my personal GPS.

#AMichiganThing #Michigander #MichiganLife #GreatLakesState #UpNorthVibes #LakeLife #LakeMichigan #TheUP #MackinacIsland #DetroitVsEverybody #OpeSorry #MidwestNice #MittenState #MichiganMade #TraverseCity  #ColdWeatherCrew #FourSeasonsState #GreatLakesPride

How to spot a Michigander.

I can be spotted in seconds—if you know what to look for. Here’s my giveaway playbook:

I use my hand as a map
Ask where I’m from and boom—my left hand goes up. The Lower Peninsula becomes my personal GPS.

#AMichiganThing #Michigander #MichiganLife #GreatLakesState #UpNorthVibes #LakeLife #LakeMichigan #TheUP #MackinacIsland #DetroitVsEverybody #OpeSorry #MidwestNice #MittenState #MichiganMade #TraverseCity #ColdWeatherCrew #FourSeasonsState #GreatLakesPride
...

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We’re honored to be on the ballot for the 2026 cntraveler Readers’ Choice Awards! A heartfelt thank you to everyone who’s already cast their vote 💚

Head to the link in our bio and show your love for Grand Hotel! 🗳️

#RCA2026 #GrandHotelMichigan #MackinacIsland

We’re honored to be on the ballot for the 2026 cntraveler Readers’ Choice Awards! A heartfelt thank you to everyone who’s already cast their vote 💚

Head to the link in our bio and show your love for Grand Hotel! 🗳️

#RCA2026 #GrandHotelMichigan #MackinacIsland
...

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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 >>>>

 
 
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