Traverse City Hosts Michigan Nordic Championships Feb. 27 to Mar. 1

The City of Traverse City and the Vasa Ski Club will host the statewide junior and school Nordic ski championships at Hickory Hills Ski Area, 2000 Randolph St., from Friday, Feb. 27 through Sunday, Mar. 1, 2026, city officials announced on Feb. 23. The three-day meet will bring middle and high school competitors from across Michigan to Hickory Hills and will affect lodge access and parking for local visitors.

Organizers laid out a day-by-day competition format that begins with classic races on Friday, Feb. 27, moves to freestyle events and a classic pursuit on Saturday, Feb. 28, and concludes with a mixed relay on Sunday, Mar. 1. The event program also includes sprint events, distance races, and team competition, reflecting the City’s description of the meet as a “premier statewide event” for high school Nordic skiers.

Hickory Hills’ trail credentials are a central selling point for the bid to host. The hill features what the City calls the only homologated Nordic ski trail system in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, meeting international standards for race design and course certification. Hickory Hills’ hill report noted that despite recent warmer weather and rain, “all runs and the terrain park are open,” and rope tow snow conditions were described as being in good shape with over a foot of snow in depth. Named runs listed as open include Fast Tammy, Magna, Waterfall, Lower Swede, Swede, Birch, Jacks Trail, Buck, Pete, Maddog, Bail, Don and Jerry, Cherry Bomb, Low Grade and Rotary Rocks.

Local logistics will change during the championship weekend. Parking will be available at St. Francis Church on Eleventh Street for Friday and Saturday, with additional parking at St. Francis High School on Sunday, and the City encourages spectators, participants and volunteers to carpool. City event details also noted a delayed opening at the Hickory Hills lodge and slopes, asking residents and visitors to plan accordingly.

The Vasa Ski Club has deep local roots in Northern Michigan Nordic racing; Vasa events trace back to 1977 and the club’s teams from Traverse City-area schools have previously captured state-level titles. The state championships rotate venues in the Upper and Lower Peninsulas; last year’s championships were held in the Copper Country, which follows the pattern of regional hosts sharing the event.

Spectators are invited to “come out, cheer on their favorite local skiers, and experience the energy and excitement of competitive Nordic racing right here in Traverse City,” the City said, adding: bundle up, bring your cowbells, and join in celebrating Michigan high school athletes at Hickory Hills. The City closed its notice by thanking residents in advance for patience and cooperation as it hosts youth Nordic skiers from across the state.