Nordic State Championship
Michigan Junior Nordic Ski State Championships at Hickory Hills
Delayed Opening Times on February 27 & 28
The City of Traverse City and Vasa Ski Club are thrilled to host the 2026 Michigan High School Nordic Ski State Championships at Hickory Hills on Friday, February 27 through Sunday, March 1, 2026.
This premier statewide event will bring the top high school Nordic skiers from across Michigan to compete on Hickory Hills’ championship-caliber trails. Spectators are encouraged to come out, cheer on their favorite local skiers, and experience the energy and excitement of competitive Nordic racing right here in Traverse City. With fast-paced sprint events, distance races, and team competition, it’s a fun and inspiring winter event for all ages.
Hickory Hills is uniquely positioned to host this championship, as it features the only homologated Nordic ski trail system in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula—meeting international standards for race design and course certification. That distinction makes it a premier venue for elite-level competition and showcases Traverse City’s long-standing commitment to winter recreation.
Bundle up, bring your cowbells, and join us in celebrating Michigan high school athletes and the spirit of Nordic skiing at Hickory Hills.
Event Details and Delayed Opening at Hickory Hills
Residents and visitors should be aware that Hickory Hills Lodge and slopes will delay opening on Friday, February 27 and Saturday, February 28 until 5:00 p.m. Normal opening times will resume on Sunday, March 1. Closing times remain the same.
During the event times, Nordic and Alpine skiing will be closed to the public. Hickory Meadows will be available as an alternative for Nordic skiers during the event.
Hickory users please be advised the race course setup will begin Thursday evening, February 26, 2026. Signage and fencing will be placed throughout the course. The City requests that users be mindful and respectful of fencing and netting.
Event Parking
Parking at Hickory Hills is limited and available on a first-come first-served basis. Parking is not permitted on the south side of Randolph Street. Offsite parking is 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.
Race Schedule
Friday, February 27, 2026 (subject to change)
U12–U14 Distance Race (Freestyle)
11:30 AM – U12–U14 Male
11:45 AM - U12-U14 Females
Distance: 2.5–3.0 km Mass start
U16–U20 Sprint Heats
12:15 PM – Consolation heats
1:15 PM – Quarterfinals (Male)
1:40 PM – Quarterfinals (Female)
(BEST TIME IN HEATS will determine LUCKY LOSERS ADVANCE in Semifinals)
2:00 PM – Semifinals (Male) top 12
2:15 PM – Semifinals (Female) top 12
U16–U20 Sprint Finals
2:45 PM – Male Final
2:55 PM – Female Final
End of Day
3:05 PM – Course cleanup
3:30 PM – Trails reopen
COURSE PREVIEW OPEN until 4:30 For Classic and Skate races
Hickory Hills Apline opens at 5:00 pm
Saturday, February 28, 2026 (subject to change)
Morning – Classic Distance
8:00 AM Hickory and Concessions opens
8:00 AM – Course open
8:30 AM – Bib pickup opens
9:20 AM – Course closed
9:30 AM – U16–U20 Male Classic 5 km (Mass START)
9:50AM – U16–U20 Female Classic 5 km (Mass START)
MIDDLE SCHOOL RACE
10:30 AM – U12–U14 Male Classic 3 km
10:45AM – U12–U14 Female Classic 3 km
Afternoon – Freestyle Distance (Pursuit Timing + Mass Start)
12:45 PM – Bib pickup opens
1:00 PM – Course open
1:50 PM – Course closed
2:00 PM – U16–U20 Male Freestyle 5 km
2:30 PM – U16–U20 Female Freestyle 5 km
3:00 PM – Course cleanup
Hickory Hills Alpine opens at 5:00 pm
Sunday, March 1, 2026 (subject to change)
U16–U20 MIXED-SCHOOL RELAY
8:30 AM – Course open
9:00 AM – Team check-in / locate relay teams TBD
Relay
9:30 AM – Relay start
End of Championships
10:15 AM – Cleanup
10:25 AM – Championships conclude
Hickory Hills Alpine open normal hours