Cross Country Skiing Opportunities Abound Near East Lansing

Above: Val Thonger and Gabe Sperber in earlier days.

Winter weather is bound to return to mid-Michigan, and when it does you can test out your balance and stamina with cross country skiing.

Cross country skiing requires skiers to glide themselves across snowy trails, relying almost entirely on their own personal strength and stride rather than the gravity used in downhill skiing. For this reason (and many more) it is considered one of the healthiest winter sports. Not only is it a full body workout, but it is also more accessible in mid-Michigan than downhill skiing, and can fit into almost any budget.

There are many parks in the region that are open to cross country skiing when weather permits. Some parks have groomed trails, where the snow has been packed down specifically for skiers. Any type of ski can be utilized on a groomed trail, and in general they are the easiest trails for beginners to use.

Ungroomed trails occur when skiers break in a track by skiing over pristine untouched snow. It can be harder to ski through deep snow without proper gear, but it allows skiers to get off the beaten path and experience a winter wonderland away from crowds.

If you’ve never tried cross country skiing or do not own equipment, have no fear! There are many parks in the area that offer equipment, lessons, and groomed trails.

Where can you cross country ski near East Lansing?

Equipment is available to rent at Harris Nature Center and can be used at any Meridian Township Park. Equipment can be rented hourly for $5/hour Tuesday-Friday and $7/hour Saturday and Sunday or daily for $15 Tuesday-Friday and $20 Saturday and Sunday, weather permitting. Be sure to call ahead for equipment availability at 517-349-3866.

There are over three miles of trails near the Nature Center that can be used for cross country skiing. The Center is hosting a cross country skiing class on Saturday, February 4 from 9:30-11:30am. The expert-taught course includes tips on staying warm in the winter weather and basic skills necessary to enjoy the sport, including gliding, turning, going up and down hills and a guided ski through the park trails. The course fee is $15/person if you own equipment and $20/person if you need to rent equipment. The course is weather-dependent and space is limited.

Moonlight skiing is offered at the Center on Saturday, February 25 from 6:00-9:00pm, for $10/person if you need to rent equipment and $3/person if you have your own. You can also test out your skiing skills at the nature center’s Winter Wonderland Festival on January 28 from 10am-3pm. The annual event includes free ski and snow shoe rentals, children’s activities, ice sculpting, dog sledding demonstrations and a silent auction. The event will take place no matter the weather, but skiing and snowshoeing will only be available if there is snow present.

Fitzgerald Park in Grand Ledge also offers ski equipment rentals when there is sufficient snow coverage and it's cold enough. The equipment can be used on any of Eaton County’s fifteen miles of trails. Rentals are $5 per hour, $15 per day, or $50 for a weekend.

Fitzgerald Park also offers cross country ski lessons when there is adequate snow cover. Cross country ski and snowshoe clinics are being hosted 9:30-11:00am on Saturday, January 28 and Saturday, February 11, and from 1:00-3:00 pm on Sunday, February 12. The clinic is $10 if you bring your own equipment or $15 if you will be renting equipment. Space is limited and advanced registration required. To register contact Eaton County Parks at 517-627-7351.

Moonlight skiing, snowshoeing, and sledding also take place at Fitzgerald Park on the following Friday and Saturday nights from 6:00-9:00pm (weather permitting): February 10 and 11, and February 17 and 18.

Burchfield Park in Holt also rents cross country skiing equipment daily for $7/hour (adult) or $5/hour (youth), weather is permitting. Moonlight skiing takes place every Friday and Saturday night from 5:00-8:00pm on two miles of illuminated trails when conditions are right. The fee for equipment during the moonlight hours is $10/hour (adult) or ($7/youth). You can check the status of the trails online here.

Many other parks in the region allow cross country skiing when there is adequate snow cover including Lake Lansing Park-North in Haslett and Woldumar Nature Center in Lansing. The trails are not groomed.