Skiers Honor Huron Meadows Metropark Trail Groomers

Cross-country skiers from the region thanked trail grooming staff at the Third Annual Groomer Appreciation Party on Saturday, with a donation to the park and gratitude to the staff for providing excellent cross-country ski trails and the third largest Michigan Cup ski race in Michigan. 

Mike Muha, race director for the REI Frosty 15K Freestyle Cross-Country Ski Race held Jan. 15 at Huron Meadows Metropark in Brighton, donated proceeds from the race to the park for cross-country ski-related expenses. The race, the only one in the Michigan Cup Series held south of Higgins Lake, drew 220 competitors, netting the park a $3,217 donation. Stories and photos of the race can be seen at www.nordicskiracer.com.   

“We can always count on outstanding ski conditions,” said Roth. “People from Toledo to northern Oakland County come here to ski. Huron Meadows Metropark is truly the premier cross-country ski destination in southeast Michigan.”

This is the second year that proceeds from the race were donated to the park. In 2010, Huron Meadows Metropark received a $2,590 donation from the race, which was used to purchase skate-style cross-country ski equipment.

Skiers at this year’s appreciation party were treated to a morning race on a quarter-mile track that park staff created with stockpiled snow. 

Huron Meadows Metropark is located off US 23, exit 55. 

A vehicle entry permit is required to enter any Metropark and is $25 annually for regular admission, $15 annually for seniors, or $5 daily. General information can be found at www.metroparks.com or by calling 1-800-47-PARKS.