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Cross Country Skiing

Cross Country Skiing in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan
Situated on the southern shore of the largest freshwater lake in the world, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan is covered with an extensive cross-country trail system that makes it a nordic skiers paradise! With more than 3,400 kilometers of groomed cross-country ski trails and a variety of terrain to suit every skill level, the skiing opportunities here are almost endless. Both of our stores are located in areas dense with cross-country skiing opportunities. Stop in to get a fresh coat of wax and chat with our staff about conditions. We’d be happy to show you a map and offer up some route suggestions.

HOUGHTON AREA SKIING

Here on the Keweenaw Peninsula we are quite fortunate to receive almost 250″ of snow each season. This snow combined with a large variety of terrain and a dedicated volunteer base has created quite the cross-country skiing mecca. The Tech Trails, Maasto Hiito trails and Swedetown trails are probably the most well known. However, we have quite a few smaller areas that are very scenic, have incredible snow, and offer a slightly more secluded experience. The Keweenaw Nordic Ski Club is responsible for much of the development and maintenance of the trails in our area.



Check out the Keweenaw Trails website for up to date trails conditions and grooming information.

Michigan Tech Trails - More Info

The Michigan Tech Trails located on Michigan Tech’s campus offer 35km of well groomed skate and classic trails just minutes from downtown Houghton. The Tech Trails are easily some of the best trails in the country having hosted the 2006 Junior National Championships and the 2007 and 2008 U.S. Championships. With loops for all ability levels, 7.5km of lighted trails and daily grooming you are sure to have a great time and a good workout!

Maasto Hiihto & Churning Rapids - More Info

The Maastohiihto & Churning Rapids trails consist of 25km of regularly groomed striding-only trails located just on the other side of the canal in Hancock. These trails provide more of a backcountry experience at one point winding through the John Christiansen Wildlife Preserve.

Swedetown Trails - More Info

The Swedetown Trails are located 13 miles north of Houghton in the town of Calumet. They offer more than 30km of groomed cross-country skate and classic ski and snowshoe trails. The quality of the grooming is second to none and they even offer 5km of lighted trails for those of you that have to work late.

Keweenaw Mountain Lodge - More Info

Located in Copper Harbor, the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge offers 10 km of groomed, classic cross country ski trails. With multiple loop options you can head out for a quick ski or combine the loops for a longer day.

Young girl cross country skiing under the lights at Swedetown trails in Calumet

Cross Country Skiing the Pine Ridge trail at Swedetown trails in Calumet

MARQUETTE AREA SKIING

Deep snow leaves a skier stunned and happy in the U.P.

Cross Country Ski waxing clinic put on by TOKO wax at Down Wind Sports Houghton

Noquemanon - More Info

The Noquemanon trail have been described by some as – the most beautiful trails I have ever skied on, never dull, and deceptively tough. We think it’s fair to say that the Noquemanon trail has many faces, ranging from gently rolling hills and flat lake crossings to challenging climbs and hair-raising descents. Throughout it all one thing remains constant — the beautifully rugged U.P. wilderness that surrounds skiers throughout the course. The Noquemanon trail is a 45km trail system with multiple trailheads.

Al Quaal - More Info

Al Quaal is a 300-acre park on the north side of Ishpeming near Teal Lake. Al Quaal has an abundance of backwood trails that are great for cross country skiing. The main ski trails in Al Quaal are the Deer Lake Trail, Olympic Trail, Teal Lake Trail, and Baby Lake Trail. In total there are roughly 20km of trails.

Big Bay - More Info

This is a relatively small trail system with only 16km of classic skiing. However the terrain is quite varied and these trails are a lot of fun. If you need a change of pace or are just looking for something different this is not a bad place to check out.

Blueberry - More Info

One of Michigan’s most varied and picturesque trail systems lies in the red and jack pine forests only a few minutes south of the Upper Peninsula’s largest city. It has the bumps for advanced skiers and the flats for beginners, with plenty of scenery to please everyone, including a trail that’s lighted every night of the season. Groomed regularly. Traditional loops are double tracked. Skating loops are single tracked.

Saux Head - More Info

Saux Head Lake winds through rugged Huron Mountain land and is one of the best winter trails in the area with gorgeous vistas of Saux Head Lake and lake Superior.



MUNISING AREA SKIING

Group cross country skiing at night in the U.P.

Valley Spur - More Info

This 45km trail system located near Munising is groomed for both skate and classic skiing from December through March. There are no lighted trails and headlamps are recommended if heading out after dark.

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