Trails: 30 km (18 miles) of trails are groomed for cross-country skiing (classic only) by the Manistee Cross Country Ski Council. The center has been in operation for over 50 years, one of the first professionally designed trail systems in North America. Trail fees:Parking pass and trail fee (2005) Tel: Huron-Manistee National Forest, Manistee 231-723-2211 Snow report: Posted on the Big M website Nearest town: Wellston, MI Web site:Big M | Huron-Manistee National Forest Trail map: Available on the Big M website (90 kB), at the trailhead, and at certain trail junctions Equipment rentals: No Ski lessons: No Other winter activities: Facilities: Day lodge (open only on weekends), outhouse toilet Lodging on site: Winter camping Lodging nearby: Manistee and Wellston have several hotels and other accommodations Tourism info:Manistee County Chamber | Cadillac Visitors Bureau Weather forecast:Cadillac Location of trails: The center is 14 miles east of Manistee on M-55 to Udell Hills Road, then about 3 miles south (N 44.11.570, W 86.04.011) Map of local region:Wellston area
Name of XC Area: Big M Cross Country Ski Trail Times that I have skied there: Several times I last skied there in: Feb, 2004 Trails that I skied: all of them My favorite trails: Catamount Trail marking: Very good Trail grooming: Very good Rating: 4.5 stars What I liked: Great scenery, quiet, protected by trees, can be fast. Few people and always friendly. What I disliked: Nothing. Comments: Big M is WEST of Wellston, not east, and the closest towns are Manistee and Cadillac. We often drop off the kids at Caberfae for downhill while my wife and I work up a sweat at Big M. The trails are a lot of fun on a mtn bike in the summer, too. The Cozy Kitchen in Wellston is classic country diner with great pancakes if you're looking to carbo load at breakfast. Submitted by: Jim Crissman from: Midland, MI Date submitted: Dec 20, 2004
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Name of XC Area: Big M Cross Country Ski Trail Times that I have skied there: A few times I last skied there in: Feb, 2004 Trails that I skied: Lumberjack, Corkpine, Ryberg Road, Camp 24 & Double Bit My favorite trails: Camp 24 & Double Bit Trail marking: Very good Trail grooming: Very good Rating: 4.5 stars What I liked: Great trail layout, nestled in woods - out of the wind, uncrowded with gently rolling terrain. On the runs we took hills were gradual, both up and down -- nothing scary What I disliked: Nothing Comments: Very large (22'X 36') warming cabin w/wood burning stove and 6 picnic tables. Skiers warming up pots of chili on stove at lunch. This volunteer group does a great job and they deserve your donation at the trailhead. Missed the prior weekend to ski at night under a full moon and enjoy a potluck dessert buffet at the cabin. This place would be MOBBED with skiers if it were closer to any good-sized town. Submitted by: RML from: bloomfield Hills, MI Date submitted: Feb 16, 2004
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Name of XC Area: Big M Cross Country Ski Trail Times that I have skied there: Several times I last skied there in: Jan, 2004 Trails that I skied: Skied them all. . .they range from relatively flat to old railroad grade to Catamount a double diamond epert trail My favorite trails: Hard to pick a favorite because usually I combine three or four to make a big loop, and it depends on snow conditions, but Oh Me 2, and Big Wheel, and RyBerg Road is a nice trip back to the warming lodge. Trail marking: Very good Trail grooming: Fair Rating: 4.5 stars What I liked: This trail system was designed by John Capper in the early 1950's. He was the athority on Nordic Skiing then. They are beautiful and expertly laid out. Good photos on the web site http://www.skibigm.org What I disliked: Some complain ocassionally about grooming but these trails are usually track set by volunteers on Thursdays and Friday's so they are good for the weekends. If there is heavy snowfall they may not keep up, but so what. If's great to ocassionally break some new snow on a Saturday. If you go later in the afternoon previous skiers may have already done the hard part. Comments: This trail system is realitevly remote and on a sunny afternoon in late December, January or February, or March the views are great off Capper's Peak. This is one of the highest elevations for miles. Submitted by: Bob R. from: Ludingotn, Michigan Date submitted: Jan 24, 2004
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Name of area: Big M Cross Country Ski Trail Times that I have skied there: Weekly I last skied there in: Feb, 2002 Trails that I skied: Lumberjack,Double Bit, Camp 24, Ryberg Road, Corkpine, Catamount My favorite trails: Camp 24 Trail marking: Very good Trail grooming: Fair Rating: 4 stars What I liked: Scenery is top rate, warming house is great, I like that the grooming is for classic only, not skating. Catamount and Oh Me II are expert level trails for those who like a challenge. What I disliked: Need to be groomed more often, but they are working on that. I like that it is remote and quiet. Comments: There is lodging and information in Manistee, the closest town, not Ludington as in your listings. Several resorts in and around Wellston also accomodate. No XC ski rental nearby. Submitted by: JW from: Bear Lake, MI Date submitted: Dec 15, 2002
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MI74A
MI76