Due in large part to volunteers and donations, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is happy to announce that of the 27 cross-country ski trails located throughout the state forests, 15 will be groomed this season. The remaining 12 trails will be available for un-groomed cross-country skiing. Many of the un-groomed trails will have plowed parking lots.

“Unfortunately outdoor recreation is not immune to the overall budget problems in the state,” says Lynne Boyd, chief of the DNR’s Forest Management Division. “We are lucky to have the support of local volunteer groups and skier donations to help groom the trails. Their support, along with a small grant program, means we are able to help Michigan remain a winter wonderland for outdoor enthusiasts.”

In the Upper Peninsula the following trails will be groomed:

• Algonquin in Chippewa County (DNR through private donation)
• Paradise in Chippewa County (volunteer)
• Days River in Delta County (volunteer)
• Canada Lake in Luce County (volunteer)
• Blueberry Ridge in Marquette County (grant funded contract)
• Indian Lake in Schoolcraft County (volunteer
• In the Northern Lower Peninsula the following trails will be groomed:
• Chippewa Hills in Alpena County (volunteer)
• Norway Ridge in Alpena County (volunteer)
• Wildwood Hills in Cheboygan County (DNR through private donation)
• Muncie Lake in Grand Traverse County (DNR through private donation)
• VASA in Grand Traverse County (grant funded contract)
• Ogemaw Hills in Ogemaw County (grant funded contract)
• Pine Baron in Otsego County (DNR through private donation)
• Cadillac in Wexford County (grant funded contract

A 2011-2012 State Forest Cross-Country Ski Pathways (XC) list may be found on the DNR website at www.michigan.gov/dnr under Recreation & Camping, Seasonal Recreation Opportunities. The XC list includes all pathways, county names, contact information and their grooming status. It is suggested that visitors call the contact number to check conditions and grooming prior to their trip.