ABR Trails: Open Daily 9AM-4PM
Your Winter Destination: Ski, Stay, Explore
Glide through the heart of winter with ABR Trails Foundation, home to one of the Midwest’s most extensive cross country ski networks, ranked in the nation’s top five ski touring centers for five years. With 90 kilometers of meticulously groomed trails for both classic and skate skiing, plus an additional 18 kilometers dedicated to snowshoeing, there’s an adventure for every skill level. Our full-service on-site ski shop offers rentals, sales, and service to get you trail-ready. We’re open daily from 9 AM to 4 PM—come experience the best of winter in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula!
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Trail Report
Grooming Report
Tuesday 6:00 PM
Mild temps today led to some great skiing, Angela and her womens Tuesdy 9 AM group of seniors reported great conditions. We did some touch
Monday 6:00 PM
We had a groom team of 5 out this morning grooming the entire trail system after the 1 inch of new snow. The trails are
Sunday 6:30 PM
4 person groom team out this morning regrooming and prepping trails for SISU Ski Fest next Saturday morning. the new snow overnight groomed in well,
Join us for SISU Ski Fest
Get ready to embrace the thrill of winter! The annual SISU Ski Fest, a beloved tradition in Ironwood, Michigan, returns January 10th, 2026. Gather your friends and register for the race or sign up to volunteer and be part of the action! We’ve already received almost three feet of snow this season so the race will be better than ever!
A Race for Every Passion
The SISU Ski Fest proudly offers a diverse range of races, ensuring there’s a perfect challenge for every skier, from elite athletes to enthusiastic beginners. This point-to-point race begins at ABR Trails and ends in downtown Ironwood.
Options Include: 30K SISU Race, 15K Heikki Lunta, and a 5K Fun Race
Youth Event Friday: The Depot Dash Our youngest skiers will have their own dedicated event to experience the joy of competition and winter fun on Friday night, downtown at The Depot.
More Than Just a Race: A Community Experience
The SISU Ski Fest is much more than a competition; it’s a vibrant celebration of winter, community, and the enduring SISU spirit of the Upper Peninsula.
Stay and ski Trailside
Book a Trailside Rustic Cabin
Discover the ultimate escape in one of our four cozy, rustic cabins, all tucked away amidst the breathtaking beauty of the ABR Trails Foundation’s XC Ski and Snowshoe Trails.
Reservations for the 2025-26 season are now available.
Voted top 5 Nordic Ski Touring Centers in the USA 5 years in row
There’s a reason skiers return to ABR Trails year after year: we offer a truly unique Nordic experience.
Premiere Grooming & Abundant Trails: With 90K of expertly groomed cross-country ski trails, we provide a wide variety of trails designed to challenge and delight skiers of all abilities, from beginner touring to intense training. Our dedication to premiere grooming ensures ideal conditions, complemented by abundant natural snow due to our favorable location.
Historic, Quaint & Beautiful Setting: ABR offers a quaint & beautiful escape with a rich, historic background. You’ll feel the difference of our small-town vibe, where every visit feels like coming home.
Pristine Environment & Family-Friendly: Embrace the tranquility of our pristine environment as you glide through silent, snow-covered forests. We are a genuinely family friendly destination, welcoming all ages to enjoy the outdoors together.
The ABR Spirit: Beyond the terrain, ABR is known for the incredible camaraderie of skiers. It’s a place where lifelong friendships are forged on the trails and shared over a post-ski warm-up.
Planning a Rustic Cabin Adventure this Winter
Escape to cozy, rustic cabins nestled amidst serene XC Ski and Snowshoe Trails. Enjoy tranquility, direct trail access, and a classic outdoor experience. Cabins are accessible only by skiing or snowshoeing, with no electricity or plumbing. Firewood is provided.
Unveiling the Magic of the Finnish Sauna
Discover the enchanting world of the Finnish sauna, a tradition that dates back to 7000 BC! From its humble beginnings as a ground pit to the iconic structures we know today, the sauna has played a vital role in Finnish culture.
SISU RACE IS ABOUT HOW IT MAKES YOU FEEL
Winter is here and we are ready to welcome you to SISU Ski Fest in Ironwood, MI on January 10th, 2026! SISU- The Finnish concept describing a unique and deep form of resilience, determination, and courage that comes from acting with extraordinary perseverance, grit, and willpower when facing adversity. The special uniqueness of the SISU SKI RACE is best described by not what it is, but how it makes you feel.
SISU SKI FEST RETURNS TO ABR TRAILS
Gear up for the SISU Ski Fest in Ironwood, MI on January 10th, 2026! This premier cross-country skiing event welcomes all skill levels with a range of races, including the challenging 30K SISU, the rewarding 15K Heikki Lunta, and the family-friendly 5K Fun Race. More than just a competition, the SISU Ski Fest is a vibrant celebration of winter and community spirit, offering a chance to glide through the stunning, snow-laden forests of the Upper Peninsula. Mark your calendars for an unforgettable day of exhilarating sport and local hospitality!
OLD NORDIC SKIERS ARE THE BOMB
Greg Greene, a veteran Nordic skier, ABR Board Member, and Ski Ambassador for the ABR Trails Foundation shares his thoughts on skiing and aging.
Yoga The Ultimate Cross-Training for Nordic Skiing
Nordic skiing demands a unique blend of strength, endurance, and flexibility. Yoga is the ultimate cross-training solution, offering targeted benefits that translate directly to the trail. It’s not just about stretching; a consistent yoga practice builds core stability and enhances balance for navigating tricky descents. While the physical benefits of yoga are game-changers for your skiing technique, the mental component is equally powerful. Yoga is, fundamentally, a practice of mindfulness, which translates directly to a superior experience on the snow. This article offers two sequences; a pre-ski energizing flow and a post-ski recovery sequence.
Giving it all Away - The Transition of ABR
Ironwood, Michigan’s beloved ABR is embarking on a unique path. Owners Eric Anderson and Angela Santini are gifting their successful business to a foundation, ensuring its future as a haven for cross-country skiers for generations to come.
This is a heartwarming story of a couple’s dedication to their passion and the local community. Learn more about the center’s renowned grooming, stunning scenery, and Eric’s legendary commitment to the perfect track. Discover how you can be part of this remarkable legacy by supporting the foundation.
Support Us
Your financial support will help us keep these wonderful trials around for years to come. As a non-profit our goal is to continue the legacy and keep the trails open for all to enjoy.
Newsletter Signup
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