Its Cold Outside

A pair of toe warmers placed on the top of a good pair of socks is a great way to keep those toes warm on a cold day.

Even if it’s a bit chilly, you can still enjoy a few hours of cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. These activities keep your blood flowing, and with the right clothing and preparation, they can make for a pleasant day outdoors.

Here are a few tips:

• Layering is Key: Start with a base layer made of synthetic wicking materials or merino wool to keep moisture away from your skin. Your mid-layer should provide insulation—fleece or loftier synthetic fabrics are ideal. The number of insulating layers you need will depend on how cold it is and how active you plan to be. You can always remove a layer once you've warmed up. The outer layer should primarily offer wind protection on colder days. Choose windproof and breathable materials to keep cold air from penetrating your base and mid-layers.


• Warm Extremities: Use hand and toe warmers to keep your extremities warm—happy hands and feet make for a more enjoyable experience.


• Neck and Face Protection: A neck gaiter or buff can protect your face and prevent cold air from sneaking in around your collar.


• Head and Hands: Wear a warm hat and quality gloves or mittens. Mittens are generally warmer since they allow your fingers to stay together and share warmth.

Dress appropriately, get outside, and make the most of your day!

Weekend Seven - A Great Weekend to be on the Trails

Occasionally, it's refreshing to explore the trails in a different way. While most visitors come to Forbush Corner to enjoy the exceptional cross-country ski trails, there are also a few miles of well-maintained snowshoe trails. Over the weekend, Tina, a dedicated volunteer who helps maintain and mark these trails, led a special full moon hike to Oz's Lookout.

For those seeking a more secluded ski experience, the southern end of the west side trails offers a perfect escape from the more frequently skied routes, providing an opportunity for a longer, tranquil adventure.

Weekend Six - A Little Winter Time Fun

The new year at Forbush Corner has kicked off on a much stronger note than last year's end. The sixth weekend was bustling with a variety of activities. Forbush Corner Nordic teamed up with the Hansen Hills team to host the first-ever Winter Wolf Skiathon. Alongside the race, the weekend featured numerous lessons, a PSIA training and testing event, and a substantial influx of visitors enjoying skiing and snowshoeing on the trails. This energetic start sets a positive tone for a successful year ahead.

Weekend Five - Warm and Rain

The extended post-Christmas weekend began on Thursday with favorable skiing conditions, attracting a relatively large number of enthusiasts to the trails at Forbush. On Friday, however, warmer weather and developing rain led to a decrease in skier turnout. In light of the unfavorable forecast, and to preserve the natural snow trails alongside rain-saturated snow piles awaiting grooming, Forbush made the decision to close the trails until conditions improved.

Looking ahead, Tuesday, New Year's Eve, appears promising. We plan to commence grooming in the morning and anticipate that many skiers are eager to return. We look forward to welcoming everyone back to the trails.

Weekend Four More Natural, More Manmade Snow!!

The fourth weekend of the season brought a welcome batch of natural snow, perfectly complementing our existing snowmaking efforts and providing ideal conditions for further snow production in the cooler temperatures. This may have been the first time many Forbush Corner skiers witnessed snowmaking in action during daylight hours, as we typically conduct these operations at night.

Trails on both the east and west sides were meticulously groomed on Saturday morning, offering skiers ample opportunity to explore the extensive trail system. Snowmaking commenced on Saturday along the Ridge and Valley trails and continued on Sunday on the 240 loop. Some rather impressive "snow whales" emerged over the weekend, a testament to the efficient snowmaking process. These features will be groomed in the coming days, ensuring excellent trail conditions despite temperatures hovering slightly above freezing.

We invite you to experience some of the finest cross-country skiing available this holiday season.

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Weekend Three Epic One!!

The third weekend of the season at Forbush Corner was a great success, with beautiful weather allowing outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy a variety of activities. Debbie, from Angola, Indiana, was among the many snowshoers exploring the area’s scenic trails. She loves discovering the natural beauty of the region on her frequent trips north.

Several groups participated in ski lessons, with one focusing on improving skate skiing efficiency, while another, from the Michigan National Guard, worked on enhancing their skating skills in preparation for upcoming biathlon races later this winter.

The weekend also marked the first Michigan Cup race, the Forbush Time Trial. All participants were winners, but Jorden Wakeley and Kaitlyn Vanias claimed first overall. Out of nearly 100 finishers, an impressive 38 were over the age of 60 and skied at remarkable speeds.

The colder temperatures not only provided ideal conditions for outdoor activities, but also helped prepare the trails for the rest of the winter season. The chilly weather allowed for the creation of additional snow on the newly engineered Ridge Trail, ensuring great skiing conditions for the weeks ahead.

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Looking for the perfect gift? Stop by the Forbush Corner Nordic Shop for great deals on ski packages, closeout skis, and more. Gift certificates available.

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Weekend Two -- December 2024

Weekend two was a winter wonderland at Forbush Corner! Thanks to a generous blanket of natural snow, all trails were perfectly groomed for the weekend. Despite the warming temperatures, skiing conditions remained excellent, especially on the well-established base created by our 80 snow wands along 3.5 km of trails. It was wonderful to see so many skiers and families enjoying the great outdoors.

Weekend three looks equally promising! With cold temperatures forecast for mid-week, we'll be making the most of the snow-making conditions. The lake effect snow is also expected to return, adding to the wintry magic.

Don't miss the Michigan Cup XC Ski Series kickoff! Forbush Corner will host the first race, the Forbush Time Trial, on Sunday. Whether you're a seasoned racer or a casual skier, come out and experience the thrill of competition or simply enjoy the beautiful trails. More course details will be posted on Thursday.

Weekend two, Enjoying the trails.