Cross Country Ski Headquarters Invites Skiers to Embrace Winter in Northern Michigan

HIGGINS LAKE, MICH. — In the heart of Northern Michigan, with its frozen lakes, winding rivers, rolling terrain and snow-covered forests, winter isn't something to endure. It's something to cooperate with and enjoy.

For more than 50 years, Cross Country Ski Headquarters has been helping people do just that.

The family-owned Nordic ski center near Higgins Lake is gearing up for another season of cross-country skiing, fireside lunches, free ski lessons, winter festivals and the kind of old-fashioned Up North hospitality that has kept generations of skiers coming back.

“We want people to genuinely look forward to winter,” said George Frye of Cross Country Ski Headquarters. “There’s something pretty special about spending a day outside moving through the snow, then coming into the lodge for good food, a drink and a fire. You don’t have to be an expert skier to experience that. You just have to come out and give it a try.”

A NORDIC HOME BASE IN NORTHERN MICHIGAN

Centrally located amidst some of Michigan's best cross-country ski country, Cross Country Ski Headquarters offers miles of groomed trails winding through woods and gently rolling terrain, along with ski and snowshoe rentals, free weekly ski lessons, and an award-winning Nordic ski shop.

Inside the rustic day lodge, skiers gather around the massive stone fireplace for homemade food, hot drinks and après-ski camaraderie.

And for visitors looking to make a weekend of it, Headquarters can serve as a home base for exploring numerous other groomed Nordic trail systems throughout Northern Michigan.

MORE THAN A DAY ON THE TRAILS

Weekends throughout the winter bring a lineup of events that have become traditions of their own, mixing skiing with food, music and plenty of Northern Michigan character.

Season highlights include Winter Trails Day, a free learn-to-ski event for beginners; the Golden Years Ski Club for skiers 55 and older; the beloved Bavarian Ski Festival; the gourmet Winter Feast; Ribs & Blues; and the Muffin Race, Michigan's longest-running junior cross-country ski race.

Winter Trails Day: Saturday, January 9th
Golden Years Ski Club: Sunday, January 10th
Bavarian Ski Festival: Saturday, January 23rd
Winter Feast: Friday, January 29th
Ribs & Blues: Saturday, February 20th
Muffin Race: Saturday, February 27th

But the experience doesn't require a special event—or even much skiing experience.

Beginners can rent equipment, take a free lesson and head onto the trails the same day. Experienced skiers can find high-quality grooming, equipment and knowledgeable staff, while families can spend a winter day outside without the expense and logistics of a large downhill resort.

After more than five decades, that's still at the heart of what Cross Country Ski Headquarters is about: getting outside, embracing winter and sharing a really good day with other people.

Whether it's your first time on skis or an annual pilgrimage Up North, there's always a place for you by the fire.

ABOUT CROSS COUNTRY SKI HEADQUARTERS

Cross Country Ski Headquarters is a family-owned Nordic ski center located near Higgins Lake in Northern Michigan. For more than 50 years, it has welcomed skiers of all ages and abilities with groomed trails, ski and snowshoe rentals, lessons, Nordic equipment and apparel, homemade food, winter events and a rustic day lodge centered around its iconic stone fireplace.

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