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
Saturday, December 20, 1:45 PM
What a great morning of grooming! We received another 2 inches of fresh snow overnight. Crasher and Snocross headed out in the Pisten Bullies to
Friday, December 19, 6:15 PM
We had a full team of groomers out today grooming up most of the combination trails and all of the classics. The fresh 4 inches
Thursday, December 18, 7:30 PM
Crasher and Snocross were out scouting the trails this morning. Conditions were too warm and wet to make things better so we let the trails
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.
Become a Founder's Circle Supporter
Sustain your nordic legacy
Join by December 31st, 2025! Be a part from the start in the Founder’s Circle and help ensure ABR Trails Foundation’s future legacy as the Midwest’s premier Nordic ski destination.

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.

SEVEN SECRETS TO SKATE SKIING
Greg Greene, a veteran Nordic skier with over 40 American Birkebeiner races and multiple age-group titles, shares seven core tips to help recreational skiers improve technique, efficiency, and enjoyment.

AN EFFORT TO MAXIMIZE EARLY SEASON NATURAL SNOW
The unmistakable signs of the approaching winter season are here. If you’ve been seeing frost on the ground and having thoughts of snowflakes—your mind has likely turned to the deep, satisfying feeling of real skiing. We’re gearing up to welcome you back for another fantastic season on the ABR ski trails, and this year, we’re thrilled to announce our biggest improvement yet: the brand new Early Snow Loop.
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.
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