MICHIGAN STATE HIGH SCHOOL NORDIC SKI STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

FEBRURARY 27 - MARCH 1 AT HICKORY HILLS

The City and Vasa Ski Club are thrilled to host the 2026 Michigan High School Nordic Ski State Championships at Hickory Hills from February 27 through 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 27th and Saturday, February 28th until 5 pm. Closing times remain the same.

During the event times, Nordic and Alpine skiing will be closed to the public. Hickory Meadows will be an available alternative for Nordic skiers during the event.

Hickory users, please be advised the race course set up will begin Thursday evening at 9 pm. Signage and fencing will be placed throughout the race course. The City asks 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 Eleventh Street for Friday and Saturday with additional parking at St. Francis High School on Sunday. Spectators, participants, and volunteers are encouraged to carpool.

We would like to thank you in advance for your patience and cooperation as the City hosts youth Nordic skiers from the state of Michigan.

The Hill Report

Despite warmer weather and rain, all runs and the terrain park are open! 

Fast Tammy, Magna, Waterfall, Lower Swede, Swede, Birch, Jacks Trail, Buck, Pete, Maddog, Bail, Don and Jerry, Cherry Bomb, Low Grade, Rotary Rocks

Early Opening at 11 a.m. on Friday, February 20th!

Alpine Report

• Rope tow snow conditions are in good shape with over a foot of snow in depth.
• Due to warmer temperatures, thinning snow conditions along the sides of Lower Swede and along the Mad Dog ridge are currently under observation but are still accessible.

Nordic Report

Nordic conditions continue to hold up well with early morning grooming during cooler temperatures.

TWO-WAY STATE STREET
COMPLETE STREETS COMMITTEE TO REVIEW

At their Tuesday, February 17, 2026 meeting, the City Commission discussed at length the future of two-way traffic operations on State Street, Boardman Avenue, and Pine Street.

The discussion followed a presentation on data collection associated with the Downtown Development Authority’s (DDA) pilot project converting State Street from one-way to two-way traffic. The pilot was designed to evaluate impacts on vehicle speeds, pedestrian and bicycle safety, downtown connectivity, and business activity.

After significant deliberation, the Commission voted to have the issue return at a future date with detailed cost estimates for both scenarios:

• Converting the streets back to one-way operations, and
• Making the two-way configuration permanent.

As part of the request, the Commission indicated the City’s Complete Streets Advisory Committee will review the project, which is anticipated to begin meeting in April 2026

The additional analysis will provide a clearer understanding of the financial implications and evaluate whether the initiative aligns with the goals of the City’s Complete Streets Policy, helping to inform future Commission direction.

SARA HARDY HUMANITARIAN AWARD



The Traverse City Human Rights Commission is accepting nominations for the 2026 Sara Hardy Humanitarian Award. 

Named in honor of Sara Hardy, who played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Human Rights Commission over three decades ago, this annual accolade celebrates individuals who embody the Commission's core principles of fostering mutual understanding, respect, and inclusivity within our community.

Nominations for individuals who exemplify the ideals of human rights may be submitted until April 3, 2026.

BUSINESS/ORGANIZATION HUMANITARIAN EFFORTS

The Human Rights Commission invites nominations for its Business and/or Organization Humanitarian Efforts Award, established to honor and give public recognition to a business or organization that has demonstrated an ongoing and sustained commitment to helping others in the Traverse City Region.

The Traverse City Human Rights Commission strives to ensure human dignity through advocacy, education, negotiation and information ensuring understanding and respect among all.

Nominations may be submitted until April 3, 2026.

CITY ACADEMY

APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE FOR 2026 PROGRAM

The 2026 City Academy applications are now available. Launched in 2023, the program's initiative aims to empower citizens with a profound understanding of the intricacies surrounding city governance and operations, encouraging active contributions to the betterment of our beloved community. Ever wondered about the decisions behind street reconstructions, the safety of our drinking water, or who to contact for municipal services? City Academy has the answers!

Program Details

• Duration: 5 weeks
• Sessions: 8, from 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
• Commencement: April 14, 2026

Throughout the program, participants will engage with City staff, delving into the realms of both long-term planning and day-to-day operations. From informative presentations to exclusive "behind-the-scenes" facility tours at locations such as Hickory Hills, Fire Station 1, Water Treatment Plant, and Wastewater Treatment Plant, attendees will gain valuable insights into the pivotal role local government plays in shaping the quality of life for Traverse City residents.

City Academy Goals

1. Knowledge: Inform citizens about how the City is organized and how services are funded and delivered through first-hand involvement. Create opportunities for mutual learning.
2. Involvement: Growing a pipeline for substantial citizen involvement in the form of serving on boards, commissions, committees, and so forth. Become ambassadors for the City.
3. Community Relations: Building relationships with City staff by developing open lines of communication by reducing barriers and developing social capital for meaningful dialogue and collective action. 

Application Period

• Start: February 1, 2026
• End: February 28, 2026

Interested individuals are invited to apply during this window. The program seeks participants who represent a diverse cross-section of the community, with priority given to City residents first. With a limited intake of no more than 12 participants, City Academy aims to create a well-balanced ecosystem that represents the entire City.

Join City Academy and be a catalyst for positive change! Together, let's unlock the potential within each citizen to shape the future of Traverse City!

THE PERFORMANCE 2025

A YEAR IN REVIEW

The City has released the Performance 2025: A Year in Review, its annual report showcasing key accomplishments, major projects, and community-centered results from the past year.

With the adoption of the City's first Strategic Action Plan in 2025, notable achievements include core services and strategic investments, including:

• A $35.5 million investment to modernize the Wastewater Treatment Plant and strengthen long-term system resilience
• Transportation and mobility improvements guided by the Mobility Action Plan and a newly adopted Complete Streets Policy
• The opening of the $10 million fully electric Senior Center—the first of its kind in Michigan
• Continued advancement of FishPass, which reached a major milestone in early 2026 with in-stream components 50 percent complete
• Strategic investments in parks, housing, and environmental sustainability

GUARDIAN AWARD

SEEKING NOMINATIONS

The City's Coast Guard Committee proudly announces the call for nominations for its Guardian Award. Established to recognize outstanding contributions to the community by individuals, families, or entire Coast Guard families active at Air Station Traverse City, this award celebrates the epitome of selfless service and dedication.

The Coast Guard is a unique branch of the Military responsible for an array of maritime duties, from ensuring safe and lawful commerce to performing rescue missions in severe conditions. The Coast Guard Committee serves in an advisory capacity to the City Commission to make recommendations on matters relating to the operation, development, and planning of the United States Coast Guard services, facilities, and programs within the City of Traverse City. The City of Traverse City has been a designated Coast Guard City since 2010.

Nominations are due by March 31, 2026. The honoree(s) will be celebrated at a reception in spring 2026.

IN THE COMMUNITY

STRATEGY IN MOTION

Extending a big thank you to the community members who attended the City’s first Strategy in Motion event—an evening celebrating our collaborative accomplishments and looking ahead to the future together.