Tundra Season is BACK in Detroit, unveiling unprecedented opportunities to dive into one of our region's favorite recreational pastimes: cross-country skiing. Here is our #ExpeditionEssentials guide to the best gear, destinations, and tips for launching into cross-country skiing near Detroit!
We've said it once, twice, and will probably say it a million times more: Winter is one of the Detroit region's greatest recreational assets.
Yes, we know that the real-feel temperature this morning was -23ºF (-30ºC). Extreme cold weather like this is undoubtedly the most severe natural risk to living and recreating in the Detroit region, so much so that we have published Expedition Detroit's own "Winter Survival Guide." I wore more layers of protective clothing on yesterday's 1 mile walk than I did on my summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Never underestimate a Detroit winter.
And yet, think of the alternative - like the lackluster winter that we endured last year. Winter sports annually contributes ~$3 billion to Michigan's $13 billion outdoor recreation industry. Last year, the infamous "Winter of '24" gutted this revenue with its record-high temperatures, prompting Governor Whitmer to appeal to Congress, the U.S. Small Business Association, and the Federal Emergency Management Authority for Federal financial aid. Detroit's "Big Four Ski Resorts" suffered their worst seasons on record, with most of which closing for the season before the end of February.
We did not make it out unscathed either. We did not lead a single guided snowshoe trek all last winter (hoping to reverse that trend in 2025 - pre-sale is on NOW!). Another of Expedition Detroit's greatest casualties from last winter involved cross-country skiing - a Detroit region favorite recreational pastime that we have been dying to dig further into since our genesis. Frustratingly, we never had the conditions to bring the sport to this platform.
Until now. Winter 2025 - pervasive tundra conditions and all - is dialed in for exploring ALL of the Detroit region's wintertime recreational opportunities. So while these primetime conditions are still in effect, we're launching headfirst into the world-class gear, destinations, and beginner tips for exploring of the best of cross-country skiing near Detroit.
GEAR UP: Cross-Country Skiing Gear Essentials
One of our core principles includes writing every Expedition Detroit article from a place of authenticity. "If you haven't lived it, then don't write about it," which is our shorthand iteration of the Henry David Thoreau quote "How vain it is to sit down to write when you have not stood up to live."
This expectant level of authenticity is especially relevant here since, as I mentioned before, cross-country skiing is entirely new to the Expedition Detroit platform. As such, if you are planning on tapping into cross-country skiing near Detroit this winter for the first time, then guess what - we're right there along with you. This article is meant exactly for you, because we're living and experiencing cross-country skiing right alongside you.
Since we just purchased our first cross-country skiing gear ever, this article provides our dollar-backed, top-of-market selections for the best cross-country skiing duds currently being offered. Let's get into it.
The Essentials: Cross-Country Skis, Boots, and Poles
Let's start with one massive positive about cross-country skiing near Detroit. The sport is SIGNIFICANTLY cheaper than downhill resort or backcountry skiing, both in terms of the average cost of equipment and accessibility (i.e., no lift tickets). All that's really required is a moderate upfront investment in "The Essentials" of skis, boots, and poles; after that, you can either utilize typical winter recreational clothing that you already own or splurge to look like a Norwegian olympian on the trails.
CROSS-COUNTRY SKIS: Spider 62 Crown Xtralite Cross-Country Skis with TURNAMIC Bindings
Brand: Fischer
Cost: $369
Skiing Style: Classic Cross-Country
Technical Features:
Wood cores utilize lightweight air-channeled wood for a lively feel and durable construction.
Progressive-depth Offtrack Crown pattern provides optimal grip and glide when touring and climbing in a wide range of snow conditions
TURNAMIC bindings are compatible with TURNAMIC, NNN® and Prolink® touring and race boot soles.
CROSS-COUNTRY BOOTS: XC 2 Cross-Country Ski Boots
Brand: Rossignol
Cost: $159.95
Skiing Style: Classic Cross-Country
Technical Features:
Tall cuffs and zip-up lace covers seal out snow, while foam linings wrap your feet for warmth.
Touring-specific soles and lateral heel supports provide stability for all-around trail skiing.
Touring soles feature flexible central inserts that reinforce comfort without reducing overall stiffness and torsional rigidity, which add stability while skiing.
Thermo-adjustable liners can be heat-molded around your feet for a customized fit and comfort.
CROSS-COUNTRY POLES: Focus Nordic Cross-Country Ski Poles
Brand: Swix
Cost: $28
Skiing Style: Classic Cross-Country
Technical Features:
Cylindrical aluminum shafts provide added strength.
Classic touring handles have adjustable straps.
Medium/large universal baskets work well in and out of groomed tracks.
Weight: shaft weight only: 110 g per meter; overall weight varies by size
Sold as a pair.
For more details on correct cross-country ski equipment sizing, check out this excellent sizing guide from our affiliate partner REI.
Note that this gear only covers "Classic Cross-Country Skiing" as opposed to other variations, such as "Skate Skiing." This is intentional since classic cross-country skiing represents the more accessible and predominant form of skiing across the Detroit region's vast trail system. Classic cross-skiing involves a straight-line stride called either a "diagonal stride" or "kick and glide," while skate skiing's movements look like a speed skater on ice and utilize a slimmer, shorter ski.
Staying Warm: Layered Clothing
As the famous Norwegian saying goes, "There's no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing." For winter weather, you should always dress in layers, especially for the cooler-to-freezing temperatures that fluctuate in the Detroit region during the winter.
Base Layer ("underwear layer"): Arguably the most important layer; the goal is to wick sweat off your skin. For cross-country skiing near Detroit, midweight long underwear is a good choice for all-around use. Lightweight is best for mild conditions and heavyweight for below-freezing temps. Look for fabrics like polyester or wool that wick perspiration away from your skin and dry quickly.
Middle Layer ("insulating layer"): Should retain body heat to protect you from the cold. In general, thicker/puffier equals warmer. For your upper body, most skiers prefer a puffy down or synthetic insulated jacket. If you prefer fleece, make sure your jacket is heavyweight fleece.
Outer Layer ("shell layer"): Largely weather-dependent; shields you from wind and rain and provides extra insulation. In winter, it is important to have a fully waterproof jacket rather than merely water resistant. However, these also need to be breathable so that perspiration wicked away by your base layer can escape. Cross-country ski pants typically have a windproof material in the front and breathable, stretchy material in back.
You should also add in a few "accessory items" to your winter clothing kit. These include a basic wool or synthetic beanie, insulated gloves with waterproof/breathable shells, glasses or googles, and non-cotton socks. With regard to socks, extra-thick pairs will not keep your feet warm if your boots become too tight.
GET OUT THERE: 3 Best Trails for Cross-Country Skiing Near Detroit
The Detroit region is no stranger to world-class cross-country skiing trails. In fact, most - if not all - of our Michigan State, Huron-Clinton Metropark, and regional parks feature top-tier cross-country skiing trails near Detroit. Our state's long winters, scenic forests, rolling hills, and notable demographics with Scandinavian ancestry lend itself to our winters' favorite pastime.
If you're ready to ramp up your cross-country skiing adventures for Winter 2025, then here are the Detroit region's top 3 ranked trails for cross-country skiing near Detroit (according to AllTrails):
1. CROOKED LAKE TRAIL | Pinckney State Recreation Area | Pinckney, MI
Distance: 4.4 Miles
Elevation Gain: 324 ft.
Route Type: Loop
Largely celebrated as the Detroit region's #1 destination for fall colors, Pinckney Recreation Area's "Crooked Lake Trail" also takes the title as our most sought-after destination for cross-country skiing near Detroit! This classic trail boasts frozen lake vistas, forested hills, steady inclines, and thrilling declines to keep even the most ardent cross-country skier on their toes.
EXPLORE THE CROOKED LAKE TRAIL YEAR-ROUND WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT
2. PENOSHA TRAIL | Brighton State Recreation Area | Brighton, MI
Distance: 4.9 Miles
Elevation Gain: 393 ft.
Route Type: Loop
The Penosha Trail is a quintessential Michigan hike, including a continued reign as one of Michigan's top 10 trails. Especially after a fresh snowfall, Penosha features a timeless magic to its forested corridors, marshland boardwalks, and dramatic climbs that will keep cross-country skiers coming back for more loops all season long.
EXPLORE THE PENOSHA TRAIL YEAR-ROUND WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT
3. BLUE, WHITE, AND ORANGE LOOP TRAILS | Bald Mountain State Recreation Area | Orion Township, MI
Distance: 6.7 Miles
Elevation Gain: 452 ft.
Route Type: Connected Loops
In 1983, the DNR crew stationed at Bald Mountain State Recreation Area headed out into its northern woods with one objective: attract cross-country skiers. The rangers proceeded to create one of the most sought-after cross-country trail networks in the entire state - Bald Mountain's famous Blue, White, and Orange Loops.
HIT THE TRAILS: Cross-Country Skiing Tips for Beginners
Before signing off on this article, we wanted to close by sharing the following cross-country skiing etiquette, safety tips, and best practices as prepared by the talented team at REI.
Each of these best practices are key not only for enjoying your time traversing the Detroit region's celebrated trails, but also mitigating your exposure to serious health risks like injury, frostbite and hypothermia:
PROACTIVELY STAY WARM. Don't wait to adjust layers if you're getting cold, especially in your extremities. Also adjust layers if you're sweating a lot because excess moisture can chill you. It's wise to bring hand warmers, foot warmers, and a vacuum bottle filled with a warm beverage.
DON'T TRY TO TOUGH IT OUT. If you feel your fingers or toes getting cold, stop and take the time to check on them and warm them up. Placing cold fingers in your armpits or cold toes on a partner’s warm stomach are good ways to warm up. Using hand warmer and toe warmer packets is also effective.
FALL SOFTLY. Even expert skiers take the occasional tumble. If possible, though, avoid sticking out your poles or wrists when you fall because that increases the chances of injury or damage to gear. Rolling sideways is generally a good tactic, though that assumes you have enough control to do so, and that you don't roll into a tree or other hazard.
START ON EASY TRAILS. Most cross-country ski trail systems follow standard rating designations: green for beginner, blue for intermediate, and black for expert. Avoid blue or black trails at first, because you'll be more likely to fall on them, which isn't a great outcome for you, nor for the faster, more experienced skiers who use those trails and who will have to ski around you.
YIELD THE RIGHT OF WAY. Go the correct direction on any trail marked as a one-way route. On two-way trails, uphill skiers yield to downhill skiers (who have less control). If you're slow, keep an eye out for faster skiers overtaking you and move to the side if that simplifies their skiing past. If you're fast, alert slower skiers as you approach and, if possible, try to ski around so they don't have to move aside.
POLES AREN'T BRAKES. Never stick your poles out ahead of you to slow down because that can cause injury or break your poles. To slow down when skiing on flat terrain (where you should start out as a beginner), simply coast to a stop.
SHUFFLE AND GLIDE. Once your skis are on, start to move with a slow shuffle down the tracks (like a slow walk). Then, after two shuffles, shift and center your weight on the front ski, gliding for a short distance. Continue ahead, using a shuffle, shuffle, glide cadence. This is the basic kick-and-glide motion of cross-country skiing.
This article contains affiliate links that align with Expedition Detroit's Disclosures Policy. This article does not constitute an endorsement by Expedition Detroit of any of the featured equipment or destinations for cross-country skiing near Detroit.
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