Cote Dame Marie XC Ski Loppet – This exciting Nordic Skiing Adventure, will take you through the scenic hardwood trails of Hanson Hills Recreation Area, located in Grayling, Michigan. There is a course option for every kind of skier, including 8km Citizens Races (classic and freestyle) for those new to racing, an 8km Juniors race, plus a 15km and 30km Michigan Cup race. This is a really fun event for racers and non-racers alike, and it is followed by an awards ceremony. Visit www.graylingnordic.com for more information.
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. Captain Edward Strom then led seven men to find another gap. After finding a gap they attacked up a steep hill in a single rush without loss of life. A full assault followed and the Hindenburg line was pierced.
- Cote Dame Marie
