Grayling Visitors Bureau

The 2011 Cote Dame Marie Loppet is presented by The Grayling Recreation Authority. This exciting Nordic Skiing

Cote Dame Marie xc ski race

Adventure will take you through the scenic hardwood trails of Hanson Hills Recreation Area, located in Grayling, Michigan.

Race Features:
Rolling Course with outstanding grooming
Chip Timing-immediate and accurate results.

Michigan Cup Division-30km freestyle Michigan Cup points event.

Free Friday Night Kids Race- 2km lighted course @ Ramada Inn/Cross Country Ski Shop, Grayling.

Citizens Race Division-For those new to racing, a 15km with both freestyle and classic categories.

Custom Gift to the first 250 entrants.

Post Race Awards Banquet/Buffet dinner included in entry fee.

The History:
The “Cote Dame Marie” name comes from a hill range located on the Hanson State Game Refuge/Camp Grayling Military Reservation and has WWI significance.   In 1918 the German Army’s last line of defense was the Hindenburg Line. The key to breaking the German line were two hills-the Cote Dame Marie and the Cote de Chatillion. The Michigan 126th Regiment found a gap in the barb wire fortifications but was pinned down by German machine gun fire.  Captian Edward Strom then led seven men to find another gap. After finding a gap they attacked up a steep hill inn a single rush without loss of life.  A full assault followed and the Hindenburg line was pierced.

Visit www.graylingnordic.com for more information.