TRAVERSE CITY — The City of Traverse City and Vasa Ski Club will host the 2026 Michigan High School Nordic Ski State Championships at Hickory Hills from Friday, Feb. 27 through Sunday, March 1.
Hickory Hills Lodge and slopes will delay opening on Friday, Feb. 27 and Saturday, Feb. 28 until 5 p.m., with normal opening times resuming on Sunday, March 1. Closing times will remain the same.
During event times, Nordic and Alpine skiing will be closed to the public, with Hickory Meadows available as an alternative for Nordic skiers.
Race course setup will begin Thursday evening, Feb. 26, 2026, with signage and fencing placed throughout the course, according to the City. The City asked users to be mindful and respectful of fencing and netting.
Organizers said the statewide event will bring top high school Nordic skiers from across Michigan to compete on Hickory Hills’ trails, with sprint events, distance races, and team competition. Spectators are encouraged to attend.
Hickory Hills features what organizers described as the only homologated Nordic ski trail system in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, meeting international standards for race design and course certification.
Parking at Hickory Hills will be limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Parking will not be permitted on the south side of Randolph Street.
Offsite parking will be available at St. Francis Church on 11th Street on Friday and Saturday, with additional parking at St. Francis High School on Sunday. Spectators, participants, and volunteers are encouraged to carpool.