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.
 

She is definitely Grand! 

This place is so many things:
unique
beautiful
peaceful. 
It requires slowing down. 

We love getting away to this place just the two of us to celebrate our anniversary ❤️

#anniversarytrip #grandhotel #mackinacisland #slowdown #husbandandwife

She is definitely Grand!

This place is so many things:
unique
beautiful
peaceful.
It requires slowing down.

We love getting away to this place just the two of us to celebrate our anniversary ❤️

#anniversarytrip #grandhotel #mackinacisland #slowdown #husbandandwife
...

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Biking Mackinac Island on my Birthday 🎂 in case you were curious, It’s a pretty cool experience! Highly recommend it. #mackinacisland 🚴 #DaysGoBy

Biking Mackinac Island on my Birthday 🎂 in case you were curious, It’s a pretty cool experience! Highly recommend it. #mackinacisland 🚴 #DaysGoBy ...

2 0
Swooning over my husband. And my wedding photos!
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•
•
#Marriage #Mackinac #MackinacIsland #Michigan #Wedding

Swooning over my husband. And my wedding photos!



#Marriage #Mackinac #MackinacIsland #Michigan #Wedding
...

8 0
Home for the week, but first...
This was a new adventure for us...We made it to Mackinaw Mill Creek Camping and got checked in at about 3:45 ET.  Got backed in and started setting up and then the slide on the camper wouldn't go out.  The motor was working, but it wasn't engaging.  Jeff got the manual crank out, but we soon realized that the rod that you crank was not in the correct position.  Jeff cut a hole in the underbelly of the camper and it looked like the cotter pin that attached the manual rod to the slide mechanism was missing.  At this point we were able to get the slide to go out, but it wouldn't come back in.  Smitty's RV repair was recommended by the campground so I called them at 4:30 just 30 min before they closed for the weekend.  They called back about 45 min later and sent a technician out who arrived about 6:15.  Smitty's RV repair was incredible!  A bent bracket is what caused the issue.  Mike unbent the bracket, reattached it, put the manual crank rod back on, and patched the hole in the underbelly in less than an hour. $270 ($ BARGIN $) and we are back in business.  I am a happy camper now!  Let the vacation begin!  Thank you Mike and Smitty's!

#werv #puremichigan #michigan #mackinac #mackinaw #Lakehuron #mackinacbridge #upnorth 
#campinglife #rvlife

Home for the week, but first...
This was a new adventure for us...We made it to Mackinaw Mill Creek Camping and got checked in at about 3:45 ET. Got backed in and started setting up and then the slide on the camper wouldn't go out. The motor was working, but it wasn't engaging. Jeff got the manual crank out, but we soon realized that the rod that you crank was not in the correct position. Jeff cut a hole in the underbelly of the camper and it looked like the cotter pin that attached the manual rod to the slide mechanism was missing. At this point we were able to get the slide to go out, but it wouldn't come back in. Smitty's RV repair was recommended by the campground so I called them at 4:30 just 30 min before they closed for the weekend. They called back about 45 min later and sent a technician out who arrived about 6:15. Smitty's RV repair was incredible! A bent bracket is what caused the issue. Mike unbent the bracket, reattached it, put the manual crank rod back on, and patched the hole in the underbelly in less than an hour. $270 ($ BARGIN $) and we are back in business. I am a happy camper now! Let the vacation begin! Thank you Mike and Smitty's!

#werv #puremichigan #michigan #mackinac #mackinaw #Lakehuron #mackinacbridge #upnorth
#campinglife #rvlife
...

1 1
The sun peeking through before a wicked night of wind.  It’s possible we see northern lights tonight and it’s also possible to see 40 knots of wind.  I prefer one over the other. Glad I’m not pounding against a dock!! 

#adventureswithvagari #svvagari #lakehuron #storm #northernlights #mackinacisland #straitsofmackinac #mackinacbridge #fall #sailing #sailboat

The sun peeking through before a wicked night of wind. It’s possible we see northern lights tonight and it’s also possible to see 40 knots of wind. I prefer one over the other. Glad I’m not pounding against a dock!!

#adventureswithvagari #svvagari #lakehuron #storm #northernlights #mackinacisland #straitsofmackinac #mackinacbridge #fall #sailing #sailboat
...

3 1
The sunset didn’t hold back for my last evening on the island. Thanks #mackinacisland #artistresidency

The sunset didn’t hold back for my last evening on the island. Thanks #mackinacisland #artistresidency ...

9 0
Lake Huron, Michigan 💙

#greatlakes #michigan #fall2024 #clear #mackinacisland #lakehuron

Lake Huron, Michigan 💙

#greatlakes #michigan #fall2024 #clear #mackinacisland #lakehuron
...

3 0
Ferry to Mackinac Island, Michigan 

#mackinacisland #mackinac #lakehuron #michigan #michiganphotography #grandhotel

Ferry to Mackinac Island, Michigan

#mackinacisland #mackinac #lakehuron #michigan #michiganphotography #grandhotel
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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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