It has been just over a month since the snow finally cleared from the trails here at Forbush Corner. As we transition into the warmer months, we find ourselves looking back on a season filled with incredible memories—all thanks to a fantastic combination of Mother Nature’s natural snowfall and our state-of-the-art Forbush Snowmaking system.

Because of this powerful combination and our dedicated grooming crew, we proudly provided 85+ days of premium skiing this winter. It was a joy to see our trails bustling with energy; this season, many of our veteran Forbush skiers were joined by a wave of new faces discovering the joy of winter recreation.

A Vibrant Hub for Community and Events

From the high-stakes excitement of race days to the laughter echoing from our PSIA-certified ski school, this winter reminded us of the magic that happens when people connect on the snow. Guided by the heritage of our late founder, Dave Forbush, we watched strangers arrive, connect, and leave as lifelong friends.

Beyond daily recreational skiing, our calendar was packed with events that brought athletes and outdoor enthusiasts together:

• Three Michigan Cup Races: Showcasing elite Nordic talent and spirited competition on our premier trail system.
• The Winter Triathlon: Pushing athletes to their limits in an exhilarating multi-sport winter challenge.
• The Moonlight Snowshoe 5K: A magical evening trek through our beautifully lit winter woods
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Inspiring the Next Generation

We were especially thrilled to introduce new generations and local groups to our trails this year. Forbush Corner proudly welcomed:

• The Girl Scouts of Michigan Shore to Shore for an unforgettable outdoor experience.
• Students from Gaylord Middle School, who brought incredible energy to the snow.
• Countless skiers of all ages who took advantage of our lessons and clinics to sharpen their skills and build confidence on the snow.

Looking to the Future

Thank you to our skiers, volunteers, and supporters for making this a winter to remember. While the snow may be gone for now, our work behind the scenes never stops. We invite you to stay tuned, stay connected, and help us build an even brighter, multi-season future for Forbush Corner.

See you on the trails!

The collective support from individuals and businesses listed here is fundamental to everything we achieve. These generous gifts are far more than donations; they are a critical investment in the operational excellence and long-term vitality of Forbush.

Gold Sponsors

• Anonymous
• Carole Mueller Brumbaugh and Ernie Brumbaugh
• Fred Koehler
• Michael Bourassa
• Frank & Linda Nizio
• Lavinia True-Raffoul & Khalil Raffoul

Silver Sponsors

• Josh and Katie Greenburg
• Paddlehard Brewing
• Kohnert Family Fund
• Mary Mckinley

Bronze Sponsors

• Chris Halter and Bill Fraser
• Tom and Ivy Schwartz
• David and Patricia Hubbard
• Cwik Holly by Golly Fund
• Jean and Steve VanDam
• Carl & Bonnie Foltz
• Barb Wade
• William Haefner
• Rosso Family Foundation
• Stifel - Kevin P Kusack
• Ginnis McGinnis

Sponsor Level

• Travis Zakowski
• Git's and Shiggles
• Daniel Foy
• Kiwanis Club
• Matt Belic
• Martha Avery
• Eric Scholz
• William Kaltz
• Martha Avery
• Benevity
• Kjell Svensson & Sue Haadsma
• Cooksey Sasse Fund
• Munson Healthcare
• Northern Michigan Experience
• Borchers Riverside Bed and Breakfast
• AuSable Riverview Resort and Market
• Bonfire Holler
• Woodlands Motor Lodge
• Carole Mueller-Brumbaugh
• Joy Clendening & Michael Scott

Friend Level

• Dan and Kristin Mullins
• Michael Parks
• Roger Humpula
• Katie and Ryan Harris
• Christine Brown
• Zein Hagen
• Gregory Worshop and Katherine Synder
• Steve & Katharin Biggs
• Steve Smigiel
• Jonathon George
• Janet Hough
• Jukka Pietila
• Stokes Schwartz
• Douglas & Joan Goolsby
• William & Joyce Lajack
• Leandra Creitz
• Larry Kulka
• Amy Bowman
• Doreen Iregbu
• Robin & Rod Little

This past weekend at Forbush Corner offered a beautiful study in contrast. Saturday began with the vibrant energy of a community in motion—skiers filling the trails, voices echoing in the crisp air. But as the afternoon waned, the weather shifted. The temperature plummeted, the wind began to stir the pines, and a fresh veil of snow began to fall.

As the crowds thinned and the fair-weather skiers retreated, a profound peace descended upon the center.

For those who remained, the experience transformed into something more than just a workout. It became a rare opportunity to escape the unrelenting rush of daily life. In the biting cold, the world seems to contract until there is nothing left but the rhythmic glide of skis and the soft hush of the Michigan woods.

Forbush Corner in the deep cold is more than a Nordic center; it is a geographic deep breath. Whether you are navigating the early morning perfection of freshly groomed corduroy or finding your way through a trail like Badlands—where new snow blankets the tracks and heavy boughs create a tunnel of white—there is a sacred stillness to be found. It is a place that reminds us that there is beauty in the silence, and that sometimes, the most meaningful way to move forward is to glide slowly through a frozen forest.

Click Below for Full Race Results.
2026 Results

The Michigan Cup Series returned to the "snowbelt" today for a chilling yet spectacular edition of the Forbush Corner Memorial Classic. Despite the mercury plunging to a bone-chilling -14°F at the start of the day, the racing community turned out in force, proving that a little sub-zero air is no match for northern Michigan grit and some "grooming magic." As the sun climbed, the day transformed into a bright, blue-bird winter afternoon. While the trails began as a frozen challenge, the expert grooming staff at Forbush Corner worked their usual wonders, carving out a course that was both technically demanding and fast. The race marked the third Michigan Cup event held at the venue this season, showcasing Forbush’s unique ability to maintain world-class conditions regardless of the whims of the weather.

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The Long Race: Davis and Wakeley Dominate

In the premier distance events, two familiar names in the Michigan Cup circuit rose to the top of the podium.

• Women’s Overall Winner: Rebecca Davis continued her commanding season, crossing the line in 40:07 to take the gold.
• Men’s Overall Winner: Jorden Wakeley showcased his elite engine, finishing with a blistering time of 32:14.

The "Long Race" saw tight competition across the age brackets. Elizabeth Callison (44:07) and Deanna Spencer (47:02) led their respective age groups for the women, while Jack Mazurek (36:45) topped the 19 and Under category and Yvon Dufour (36:03) dominated the 60-64 division for the men.

The Short Race: Youth and Experience on Display

The short course was a showcase of rising stars and legendary veterans.

• Women’s Overall: 16-year-old Ava Zeratsky took first place with a time of 16:08.
• Men’s Overall: Matching the youth movement, 16-year-old Solomon Debruyn clinched the men’s title in 15:18.

The 70+ age groups proved that skiing is truly a lifelong sport. Carole Mueller-Brumbaugh (28:28) and Zbigy Zlobicki (21:55) took home wins in their respective 70-79 categories, while Peter Johnson (38:28) topped the Men’s 80+ division.

Beyond the stats and podium finishes, today’s race was a tribute to the community spirit of Forbush Corner. Named in memory of those who helped build the Michigan skiing tradition—including founder Dave Forbush, who transformed a family orchard into this Nordic gem in the 1980s—the Memorial Classic remains a highlight of the season.

With its state-of-the-art snowmaking loop ensuring a reliable base, Forbush Corner continues to be the reliable heartbeat of the Michigan Cup. Today’s event wasn’t just a race; it was a testament to the volunteers and staff who turn a -14°F morning into a "beautiful sunny day" of sport.

"It was a course that most skiers seemed to find enjoyable and challenging enough to ski," noted one participant, echoing the sentiment of the dozens who stayed late to share stories (and likely some hot cocoa) at the finish line.

Click Below for Full Race Results.
2026 Results

What a spectacular morning at Forbush Corner Nordic! The air was crisp, the sun was shining, and the corduroy was world-class for our annual Forbush Freestyle 5k and 15k races.

The conditions were fast and firm, thanks to our grooming team’s tireless work across the system. This year’s 15k course took racers on a true tour of the "Wild West," traversing the Westside trails, Crybaby, Roller Coaster, and the Badlands before finishing strong on the snowmaking loop. Our 5k racers stuck to the scenic Green trail and the snowmaking loop for a high-intensity sprint.

Race Highlights:

A Finish for the Ages: The 5k race provided the thrill of the day with a true photo finish. Ava Higley and Walter Armstrong crossed the line simultaneously at 17:26—an incredible display of grit to the very last centimeter!

15k Powerhouses: Ryan Harris took the overall Male title with a blistering 45:17, while Rebecca Davis claimed the overall Female title in 52:27.

The Reward: As always, the real "gold medal" was the spread of legendary chocolate chip cookies waiting for every skier at the finish line.

Thank you to all the volunteers and skiers who made this cold, beautiful morning so memorable.