2010 EDITION OF TRAVERSE CITY MAGAZINE NOW AVAILABLE
TRAVERSE CITY, MI – It’s never too early to start thinking about where to go on vacation – especially when the destination is Traverse City, with its sun-kissed beaches, snow-dusted forest glades, picture-perfect golf courses and friendly lakeport villages. And the Traverse City Convention & Visitors Bureau is more than glad to help. It’s just published a new version of the popular magazine and visitor’s guide, Traverse City, with 97 pages of sparkling prose, colorful photos and useful information designed to make the final decision even easier. The new edition also contains lots of practical information to help visitors plan their vacations, including a detailed schedule of activities and events, a helpful lodging section describing the area’s best hotels and resorts, and a mouth-watering guide to some of the region’s best restaurants. Even better, the entire magazine can be viewed on line by visiting the Bureau’s website at www.VisitTraverseCity.com.  (The site also has a handy on-line order form that viewers can use to order a free copy of the real thing.) For a free copy of the new 2010 edition of Traverse City Magazine, simply visit the Traverse City Convention & Visitors Bureau home page at www.VisitTraverseCity.com and look for the icon in the upper right-hand corner that says “Request a Free Area Guide.”

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FIRST ANNUAL BREW-SKI FESTIVAL AT BOYNE HIGHLANDS
Harbor Springs, Mich. (February 4, 2010) – Swap the winter coat for a t-shirt, goggles for sunglasses and enjoy morning runs on the slopes, sun soaking and craft beer sampling at Boyne Highlands’ newest spring event, Brew-Ski Festival, March 13, 2010. The first annual Brew-Ski Festival features more than 100 craft beers and entertainment beginning at noon on Saturday, March 13. Craft brewers from throughout the state of Michigan and beyond serve up samples of their premium brews at this outdoor festival. Sampling tickets are $2 each and are good for 3-ounce pours. Participating breweries include Short's Brewing Co., Bell’s Brewery, New Holland Brewing Co., Arcadia Brewing Co., Arbor Brewing Co., Founders Brewing Co., North Peak Brewing Co., Sam Adams, Stone Brewing Co., Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., Leinenkugel, among others. For a complete list, click here. Brewers and representatives gather in a large festival tent at the base of the slopes to serve as the après-ski headquarters where the craft beers, along with grilled brats are served and music is played until 4 p.m. Admission to the tent is free and guests must be at least 21 years of age to enter. Patrons receive a wristband and come and go as desired. At 4 p.m., the fun continues in the resort’s legendary Zoo Bar featuring live music by the Aaron Vaughn Band. Spring is a treasured time at ski areas as temperatures warm, the sun shines boldly from blue-bird skies, and the slopes become even more inviting with softer snow and fast cruising. Enjoy the best of spring skiing plus local and regional brews at Brew-Ski Festival, March 13. A super-valuable weekend package is offered and includes a Friday night hors d’oeuvres reception featuring a few of the event’s favorite brews , two nights’ hotel lodging, breakfast each morning, two-day lift tickets, festival t-shirt, commemorative mug and five sampling tickets, starting at just $233 per person. For lodging reservations, please call 800.GO.BOYNE (462-6963) or visit www.BOYNE.com.

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BOYNE RESORTS PRESENTS $30,528 TO RED CROSS
Boyne Falls, Mich., Jan. 22, 2010 - In response to the devastating earthquake in Haiti, Boyne Resorts committed a donation of $1 from every lift ticket sold Saturday, January 16, at its mountain resorts across North America. Donations were also accepted from the thousands of guests who visited the resorts during the holiday weekend and the combined contribution to American Red Cross and Canadian Red Cross totals $30,528.

"We are saddened by the devastation and suffering in Haiti," said Stephen Kircher, president of Boyne Resorts’ eastern operations. "We are also grateful for the loyalty and generosity shown by our resort patrons during this time, just as they did when we united to assist Hurricane Katrina and Asian earthquake/tsunami victims in 2005."

Donations were collected at the company’s Boyne Highlands, Boyne Mountain, Big Sky, Brighton, Crystal Mountain, Cypress Mountain, Loon Mountain, Sugarloaf, Sunday River and The Summit at Snoqualmie resorts.

"Our thoughts and prayers remain with the people of Haiti and the courageous volunteers, military troops and medical personnel from around the world who have come to their aide," said John Kircher, president of Boyne Resorts’ western operations. "With the true depth of this catastrophe still unmeasurable, we understood the importance and impact of quick action and hope this donation helps to provide much-needed assistance."

Using the company’s communications resources including databases and social/community networks, Boyne Resorts was able to quickly inform the public of its commitment and their opportunity to donate throughout the holiday weekend. Additionally, links and contact information for donating directly to Red Cross were shared. Stephen Kircher added, "We hope that by highlighting at our resorts the need to support Haiti relief efforts, we perhaps spurred some to contribute at a level higher than they may have otherwise."

Boyne Resorts is the largest family owned four-season resort company in North America; founded by Everett Kircher in 1947. A Michigan-based corporation, Boyne Resorts owns and/or operates award-winning mountain and golf resorts and attractions throughout the United States and Canada including Cypress Mountain near Vancouver, British Columbia, official freestyle skiing and snowboard venue of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, Sugarloaf and Sunday River Resort in Maine, Boyne Mountain, Boyne Highlands, The Inn at Bay Harbor – A Renaissance Golf Resort and Avalanche Bay Indoor Waterpark in Michigan, Big Sky Resort in Montana, Loon Mountain in New Hampshire, Gatlinburg Sky Lift in Tennessee, Brighton in Utah, Crystal Mountain and The Summit at Snoqualmie in Washington. For more information on Boyne Resorts, please visit www.boyneresorts.com.

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GRAND TRAVERSE RESORT TO HOST WINTER WINE WONDERLAND
February 14 Event is Part of Fourth Annual Cherry Capital Winter WonderFest - ACME, Mich., January 14, 2010 --- The public is invited to experience the fun and romance of local wine, desserts, art, music, and Valentine’s Day at Grand Traverse Resort & Spa during the Winter Wine Wonderland - a celebration of wine, gourmet desserts, and art. The event is the winter version of the popular Traverse City Wine & Art Festival held annually in August. The Winter Wine Wonderland will take place on Sunday, February 14, from 3 to 8 p.m. in a large heated tent located next to the Resort’s Clubhouse. Approximately 20 wineries from Leelanau and Old Mission Peninsulas, and Traverse City will offer tastings of a variety of white, red, and sparkling wines, plus ice wine and mulled wine. Tickets provide entry to the large heated Winter Wine Wonderland tent where you will find local wine tasting niches scattered throughout, a large dessert table featuring chocolates from Mimi Wheeler of Grocer’s Daughter Chocolates and from the Resort’s Pastry Chef Carolyn Riley. Select Northern Michigan artists representing a variety of media will have work on display and be in attendance to discuss their work. The New Third Coast will also be playing with a selection of regional musicians singing love songs in the “Love in Northern Michigan” show. One of the highlights during the event will be an evening fireworks display on Resort grounds at 7 p.m. Ticket prices for the Winter Wine Wonderland are: Couples Ticket – $35; Single Ticket – $20. Tickets include souvenir wine glass, five (5) wine tasting tickets, five (5) dessert tasting tickets, per person. You must be 21 or older to attend this event. Tickets are available online at www.traversecitywinefestival.com or in person at The Marketplace near the Grand Lobby at the Resort. Tickets will also be available at the door the day of the event. Tickets are limited. Purchase your tickets early. Cash food sales will be available inside the Resort’s Clubhouse Grille restaurant. Complimentary Resort shuttles will be provided to/from North Peak Brewery’s parking lot in Traverse City from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Shuttle seating is limited. The Resort is also offering an overnight package in conjunction with the event. The package includes one night accommodations on the night of February 14, one ticket to the Winter Wine Wonderland per person over 21, $15 in Casino e-credits per person. Package prices start at $59.50 per person, based on double occupancy, not including 8% tax and $9.95 nightly resort fee. For reservations and information, call Grand Traverse Resort & Spa at 800-748-0303. Other activities taking place at Grand Traverse Resort & Spa during the Winter Wine Wonderland include sleigh rides, snowmobile rides, dog sled rides, ice sculpture demonstration, kid’s activities including carnival rides and petting zoo, an evening fireworks show on the Resort grounds at 7 p.m., and more. Visit the Cherry Capital Winter WonderFest’s Web site at www.winterwonderfest.org for a complete schedule of activities during the weekend.

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CRYSTAL MOUNTAIN OFFERS SAVINGS ON THE SLOPES ALL WINTER
THOMPSONVILLE, MI – Crystal Mountain Resort and Spa has several ways to save on the slopes this winter season beginning with the first “5 for $50 Friday” on December 18. Groups of up to five people can ski or ride for $50 from 9am-9pm on Friday, December 18. Smaller groups of two, three and four can split the $50 cost as well. Those wanting to make the first chair of the morning without missing a wink of sleep can book Thursday hotel accommodations for $50 per person (based on double occupancy). This is the first of four “5 for $50 Fridays” to be held this winter including January 8, February 5 and March 5 but there are many other ways to save on the slopes this winter as well: 2-for-1 after 1:00 Sundays - Beginning January 3, purchase one lift ticket and get the second FREE after 1pm on Sunday (excludes holiday weekends),
FREE Rental Mondays - Everyone can use a break on Monday. Beginning December 21, rental equipment is FREE with the purchase of 9am-9pm lift ticket on Monday (excludes holidays), 2-for-1 Tuesdays - Buy one lift ticket and rental and get the second lift ticket and rental FREE every Tuesday from December 22 to March 16 (excludes December 29), Holidays on Crystal - The most opportune time to get away for a winter vacation is the holidays. Book a stay at Crystal Mountain during Hanukah, Christmas, New Year’s, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, St. Patrick’s Day or Easter and receive one nights’ lodging FREE. Minimum stays and arrival dates do apply. More information at www.crystalmountain.com.

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OLYMPIANS ARE TRAINING AT OTSEGO SKI CLUB
Gaylord, MI - Elite snowboarders around the world are super-sizing their routines at the Otsego Club in Gaylord, practicing for next month’s Winter Olympic snowboard competition in Vancouver, Canada. The Otsego Club did some super-sizing of its own to attract these international boarders building a massive 22-foot half-pipe set on a hillside with 30-mile views over the Pigeon River Valley. For the next three weeks, this quaint private ski club in the heart of northern Michigan is being transformed into a mini-Olympic Village, as international snowboard teams are flocking to train at the Otsego Club before going on to the games February 12-28. The atmosphere around this unique super-pipe is electric as hundreds of spectators are treated to spectacular feats, watching in amazement as these daring athletes swoop down into the half-pipe then soar high into the sky from the icy crater that measures 64-feet wide, 22-feet high, and over 400-feet long. Snowboard fans from around the state and the Midwest can experience a rare treat of close up views of these athletes going through their paces. So far teams from Japan, Australia, South Korea, Italy, Poland, France, and New Zealand have arrived this week and more are on their way. The United States team will come in after the Olympics to train for the US Open. That began as an invitation to six international teams quickly created a buzz around the world with other snowboard teams. Arriving in the next week are teams from Switzerland, Canada, Finland, and Germany drawn to the club by word of the excellent training conditions. The teams made the journey to northern Michigan because of the Otsego Club’s commitment to build this world-class 22-foot replica of the super-pipe used in the Olympics. Only six of these super half-pipes exist. In addition, the Otsego Club brought in lights so the athletes can simulate the nighttime riding conditions that they will face in Vancouver. Kris Klay, the resorts general manager could not be happier about the situation. “We are very excited to have the teams here at Otsego Club, and the fact that they love it so much and have shared the opportunity with even more international teams is a testament to the hard work our group has done to make their stay as comfortable as possible,” Klay said. “This opportunity has turned out better then we even expected. The super-pipe is perfect, the weather conditions have been great, which has made the training for the athletes that much better.” The feedback from the teams has been very enthusiastic. “This has been excellent for training”, said New Zealand coach Tom Willmott. “Back home we have to drive 40 miles one-way everyday to train. In addition, we also have to walk up the mountain after every training run, since there is no chair lift nearby.” “Here, we get up everyday, walk outside and we are ready to train, as well as enjoying a two minute chairlift ride after each practice run, which allows us more training runs. You could not ask for a better set up then what they have here”, Willmott said. Among the star performers are Mitch Brown and Kendall Brown from New Zealand who are preparing for their second Olympic games. Both competed in the 2006 games in Italy. “It’s pretty awesome here”, Brown said. “The half-pipe is amazing as well as having everybody at one resort. Everyone is going to be pushing each other, and watch others ride. It will inspire us.” Otsego Club members and the public have a once in a lifetime opportunity to come out Monday through Friday to not only watch these athletes train, but to snowboard right alongside them. Imagine you or your kids taking a half-pipe run with the talents of Karly Piper Shor, who just won a national event in Vermont, or riding side-by-side with a member of Team Japan. The athletes have also been spotted giving tips to kids and showing them some new tricks to try - if they have the nerve. For more information visit www.otsegoclub.com

 

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TRAVERSE CITY'S WINTER WONDERFEST
You’ve seen the biathlon at the Winter Olympics – where competitors have to ski along a course with a rifle slung across their backs, stopping every so often to shoot at targets placed along the route. That’s essentially what happens in the Kid’s Biathlon at the Cherry Capital Winter WonderFest in Traverse City – except that in this version the young skiers are provided with paintball guns instead of firearms. It’s one of several new events in the 2010 Winter WonderFest, which is held over the Feb. 12-15 Presidents Day weekend and is now in its fourth year. The new time-based competition is being introduced by the festival’s newest partner: the North American Vasa Festival of Races, Traverse City’s national cross-country ski race, which happens to be going on the same weekend. Even during an ordinary season, February is a busy time in this northern Michigan resort community of skiers, snowmobilers and snowboarders. But the 2010 President’s Day weekend (Feb. 12-15) promises to take things to an entirely new level.
Winter WonderFest has grown rapidly in size and scope since its 2007 startup, with more than 50 indoor and outdoor events scheduled between Friday evening and Monday afternoon. And the North American Vasa is a perfect complement to its atmosphere of casual merrymaking. Now in its 34th year, the Vasa is a hugely popular event among Midwestern ski racers – thanks largely to the beauty of the course, which snakes through the pines and hardwoods of the Pere Marquette State Forest. The main competition, which features 12K, 27K and 50K races in both freestyle and classic modes, will take place on Saturday, Feb. 13, while its companion event – the Gran Travers Classic (6K and 16K) is scheduled for Sunday. Those skiers and their supporters don’t have to look far for opportunities to entertain themselves between races. The Fourth Annual Cherry Capital Winter WonderFest encompasses a rich menu of concerts, competitions, films, fireworks, food tastings and children’s activities. “Winter WonderFest provides a wonderful opportunity for families to get outside and enjoy some mid-winter fun,” said Brad Van Dommelen, president of the Traverse City Convention & Visitors Bureau. “There are events for all members of the family to enjoy -- this truly demonstrates that the Traverse City area is a great destination for year-round fun.” The centerpiece of the festival is a “Winter Fun Zone” on the grounds of the Grand Traverse Resort & Spa, with ice skating, sledding, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, rides on ponies, dogsleds, snowmobiles and horse-drawn sleighs, and a selection of competitive events that range from the familiar (the Running Fit Frosty 5K foot race and a kid’s snowshoe race) to the unlikely (a “frozen fish toss” and a “Polar Plunge” event where daring swimmers jump into an icy pond to raise money for charity). There are bonfires, live music, fireworks, and tents featuring native Michigan wines and microbrews. But the festival has spread to other venues, including the nearby Mt. Holiday Ski Area – where there’ll be such offbeat competitions as a snowboarding “rail jam” event, a no-holds-barred mountain bike/ski/snowboard race down the ski hill and a “Cardboard Bobsled-o-Rama” in which competitors must use sleds made only with cardboard, tape and paint. Another new venue for 2010 is the Grand Traverse County Civic Center, which will play host to a two-day “Snowball Softball Tournament” featuring as many as 20 teams competing on four neighboring diamonds. A full schedule is also in place in Traverse City’s charming 19th century downtown shopping district, where there’ll be ice carving and snow sculpture displays, a “frozen bed race” through the streets and the popular “Soup r’ Bowl” competition in which participants slurp up soups created by local chefs and cast ballots for their favorites. Several new events have been added to the downtown lineup, too, such as a Monster Dog Pull where canine Olympians can compete for the title of “monster dog” by pulling weighted sleds and winter versions of popular Cherry Festival competitions – including a frozen pit-spitting contest and a Brain Freeze ice cream eating contest. Starting at 5 p.m. there’ll be a beer tent, open until 9 p.m. complete with live music. And Traverse City’s most prominent gathering spot – the Open Space Park on West Grand Traverse Bay – will be the site of a new Snow Sculpture Park, where teams of dedicated snow carvers will compete to fashion the most whimsical and imaginative sculptures. Detailed information about the 2010 Cherry Capital Winter WonderFest can be obtained at the festival web site: www.winterwonderfest.org. For information about the 2010 Vasa try www.vasa.org. For information about other winter adventures, activities and attractions in the Traverse City area, visit www.VisitTraverseCity.com

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WHAT'S NEW ON MICHIGAN'S SKI SLOPES FOR 2009/2010

Skiers and boarders can look forward to a fun-filled winter with plenty of places to enjoy Michigan’s snow-filled slopes and trails. With a combined total of 42 ski areas, boasting over 200 chairlifts, 840 runs, more than 40 terrain parks and hundreds of kilometers of groomed cross-country trails, there is something for everyone.

Ski areas are always looking for ways to increase enjoyment for skiers and snowboarders. Through the years, slope maintenance has improved dramatically. Over the past 10 years, snowmaking capabilities have improved dramatically, so much so that even if there is no snow at home, the ski slopes can be covered when the weather turns cold.

Nearly all ski areas made improvements over the summer to their snowmaking and snow grooming equipment. The following is a rundown of improvements and special offers for the 2009-2010 season. For more information, visit www.goskimichigan.com, which has quick links to Michigan ski areas.

Boyne Mountain of Boyne Falls and Boyne Highlands of Harbor Springs, 1-800-GO-BOYNE, www.boyne.com, are offering Lift and Lodging Packages, starting at $79 per person per night-based on double occupancy per hotel room. Only 20 packages each night will be available at this discounted rate, which includes lodging at either Boyne Highlands or Boyne Mountain, an unlimited lift ticket, breakfast and tubing. Plus, when staying with parents, children 8 years and younger sleep, ski/ride and eat breakfast free and juniors ages 9-15 can do the same for an additional $19. For reservations, call 1-800-GO-BOYNE (462-6963) or reserve online at www.BOYNE.com.  Blackout dates are December 26-January 3, February 12-15, March 14-19 and any dates Boyne has sold the 20-package limit.　

The commitment to making premium-quality snow continues at Cadillac’s, Caberfae Peaks Ski and Golf Resort, (231) 862-3000, www.caberfaepeaks.com,  with the addition of a 300-horsepower, 1000-gallon-per-minute, vertical turbine snowmaking pump, which increases the overall pumping capacity by 50 percent, while consuming less energy. In addition, Caberfae Peaks acquired two more snowguns, bringing the fleet total to 108.

Caberfae Peaks is also offering special prices on season passes if purchased by October 31. Weekend passes are $99 and are valid every Saturday and Sunday. Midweek passes are also $99 and are valid Monday through Friday. Peak Passes are $198 and are valid any day, any time. Child passes are $10 for children 8 years of age or under. Plus, Caberfae Peaks season pass holders can ski at Shanty Creek Resorts for just $9 Sunday through Friday and $19 on Saturdays and holidays.

Cross Country Ski Headquarters of Roscommon, (800) 832-2663. www.cross-country-ski.com is going greener by improving energy efficiency. Improvements include resealing and painting the Day Lodge, Rental and Demo Center and Headquarters Store, doubling the insulation in the ceiling of the Day Lodge and reengineering the heating controls in the snowmaking pump house.

Cross Country Ski　Headquarters offers a Cross Country Learn-to-Ski and Lunch Special which includes rental skis, a lesson, chili lunch with freshly baked sourdough rolls and a full-day facilities pass for $25 per skier. Participants must book at least one day in advance.　 Call 1-800-832-2663 or email skibones@aol.com  for reservations.

At Crystal Mountain Resort, of Thompsonville, 1-800-YOUR-MTN, www.crystalmountain.com,  winter guests can enjoy the Crystal Spa, a $4 million, 13,000-square-foot expansion to the existing indoor pool and fitness center. The Crystal Spa is a LEED-certified facility, which means it went through a rigorous, verification program to certify that it is environmentally responsible and healthy. Houseguests receive a $25 gift certificate (on purchases of $100 or more) to the Crystal Spa.

Crystal has also introduced a new vacation package called the Pure Michigan Winter Family Vacation. With prices from $139 per adult, per night, children 8 and under sleep and ski free (kids 9-17 from $39). The package includes nightly lodging, 9-9 lift tickets, cross country trail passes, downhill ski rental or two-hour group ski or snowboard lesson, ice skates, hockey stick and puck, cross country ski and snowshoe rentals, family rink-side bonfire, Birds of Prey program, Snowmonsters story time, face painting, family bingo, movie night, scavenger hunt, snowman search, unlimited use of the Peak Pool & Fitness Center and outdoor hot tub, fitness classes (18 and older), yoga, water aerobics and spa discounts.

In celebration of the 2010 Winter Games, Crystal Mountain is partnering with Traverse City Paintball for the First Annual Paintball Biathlon, Saturday, January 16. The 3 km course will be set on the Outer Otter cross-country trail and feature paintball shooting ranges. Speed and marksmanship is equally important as competitors reduce their overall time with each hit target.

Indianhead Mountain Ski Resort of Wakefield, (906) 229-5181, turns 50 this year. To celebrate they are offering a pre-Christmas 50^th Anniversary Special. Valid opening day to Christmas, (12/25/09), purchase a 2-day adult lift ticket for just $50, a $38 discount.

Marquette Mountain of Marquette (906) 225-1155, www.marquettemountain.com,  offers Family Frolic Days.　 On Sundays after 1 p.m., three lift tickets can be purchase for $59, with an on-line coupon and when at least one adult is in the group. Tickets for additional family members are just $15 each. Saturday night is College Night. Beginning at 4:00 p.m. lift tickets are $17 and include rentals if needed.　 Friday night is Date Night, where guests can buy one lift ticket for $25 and get one free beginning at 4:00 p.m.

Michigan Technological University, the owner of Mont Ripley, of Houghton, (906) 487-2340, www.skimontripley.com,  is repeating a program called "Experience Michigan Tech," which allows Michigan Tech students to ski and board all season at Mont Ripley with their student ID. Rental equipment is not included. In addition, two slopes have been lit for night skiing, making Mont Ripley’s slopes 100% night-skiing ready. As with most other Michigan ski areas, Mont Ripley has invested in additional snowmaking equipment.

Mt. Bohemia in the UP's Keweenaw Peninsula, (906) 487-9757, www.mtbohemia.com,  is cutting two new expert glade runs through their mountainous terrain. A glade run is a treed slope, where skiers maneuver around trees and other natural obstacles.

Mt. Brighton of Brighton (810) 229-9581, www.mtbrighton.com  built more rails and boxes for the terrain park, to keep up with the ever-increasing demand for snowboarding excitement.

The restoration of Mt. Holiday of Traverse City (231) 938-2500, www.mt-holiday.com,  entered Phase II with the upgrading of lights, snowmaking and parking. The completion of the new kitchen has opened opportunities for banquets, receptions and meeting facilities for guests.

While holding all prices at 2008-09 levels, Mt. Holly of Holly, (248) 634-8269 www.skimtholly.com,  has placed its improvement investment in its snowmaking system. The resort added 10 new snowmaking machines, increasing its fleet of snowmaking machinery to over 100. This improvement increases snowmaking coverage on the Snowstream, Grant's Trail, Mozart, White Lightning, and Thunderbolt Trails.　

Mt Holly's Season Membership sales began September 1 with a 20% discount off the full price. Discounts gradually decrease as the ski season nears. During the winter, Mt Holly offers weekday morning rate specials with a two-for-one offer on Tuesday morning, a Men's Day discount on Wednesday morning, and a Lady's Day discount on Thursday morning. Additional discounts include half-price tickets and rentals for children ages 6 and under and a $5-off lift tickets for seniors over age 65.

Mt. Zion, of Ironwood, (906) 932-4231, www.gogebic.cc.mi.us  in the western U.P., is an industry leader in ski area management. New for this season, Mt. Zion created a "Stash" terrain park, which is a natural-feature terrain park with log slides and other natural objects built into the slope.

Nub’s Nob Ski Area of Harbor Springs, (231) 526-2131, www.nubsnob.com,  had a huge year of improvements last season that included a new triple chairlift on Pintail Peak, 12 new patented Nub's Nob snowguns, all new rental snowboards and new season pass choices. The new lift increased uphill capacity to 17,320 skiers per hour making Pintail Peak even easier to enjoy without waiting in line. Nub’s snowgun total increased to 262 guns. In addition the ski area made numerous improvements to its cross-country trails. Currently Nub’s Nob is offering 10% off regular season ticket rates through October 10.

Pine Knob Ski Area of Clarkston, (248) 625-0800, www.skipineknob.com,  painted and polished in preparation for quick snowy escapes for metro Detroit residents.

Schuss Mountain, one of the three villages of Shanty Creek Resorts, in Bellaire, 1-800-678-4111, www.shantycreek.com  will celebrate its 40th Anniversary with lift ticket and lodging specials in remembrance of the Bavarian-style "Kingdom of Schuss." New Year's Eve will be the kick off with specials that include: Every Monday, starting January 1, $40 will buy four lift tickets, lodging on Sunday and Monday will start at $40 per person and Shanty Creek will be celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday (January 18) with a Schuss Mountain tradition – Sardine Special – lift tickets for everyone you can fit in a car for $40. Shanty Creek will also offer midweek lift ticket specials start January 1. Tuesdays are 2 for Tuesdays (2 for the price of one lift tickets and rentals), Wednesdays are $5 Ski Night - after 5:00 p.m. and Thursdays are Friends and Family Thursdays (The more friends and family in a party, the cheaper the lift tickets).

Snowsnake Ski & Golf in Harrison, (989) 539-6583, www.snowsnake.net,  has added new rails and features to its popular terrain park.

Ski Brule of Iron River, 1- 800-DO-BRULE, www.skibrule.com,  created two new terrain parks, the Bambie Playground and Woods Park.　 The Bambie Playground is on a gentle pitch, ideal for those just starting to learn to ride rails and boxes.　 The Woods Park utilizes natural elements such as log rails. Ski Brule’s ski shop offers a special Ski Package for $425, which includes boots, skis, bindings and poles. The Snowboard Package is $279 and includes board, boots, bindings and leash. All ski and snowboard rentals include a free helmet rental. Advanced Lift Tickets are on sale now through Dec 24, at a cost of $30 each and are valid anytime during the 2009/10 season.

Swiss Valley Ski Area of Jones near the Indiana border, (248) 244-5635, www.SkiSwissValley.com,  will celebrate its 41^st year by offering reduced season pass rates for parents who have never had a season pass before and are purchasing for their children. If bought before September 30, a first-time pass-purchasing parent can receive a season pass for just $41 and ski the entire season. The idea is to encourage families to ski together.

Treetops Resort of Gaylord, 1-888-TREETOPS, www.treetops.com,  expanded its terrain park, newly named, "The Yard." Treetops will offer free skiing on Thursday nights and Friday mornings to all guests who add Thursday night lodging to a Weekend Ski Package.　 Treetops’ visitors purchasing a normal weekend package will enjoy lift tickets beginning at 2 p.m. on Friday through closing time on the day they depart.

Parents stay free with the Kidz Ski Package. For less than $500, two adults and up to three children will enjoy two nights of lodging, two adult and up to three Kidz lift tickets (for the entire weekend), one large pepperoni pizza, a bag or box of popcorn and a special "surprise gift" upon arrival.　

For a printable chart of ski area amenities click here.

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For more information, visit www.goskimichigan.com  and click on Cold is Cool–or call MSIA at (248) 620-4448.

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NORDIC WALKING POLES FROM MICHIGAN HELPING WOUNDED WARRIORS

Nordic Walking Poles are radically improving balance, stability, gait, walking posture and walking comfort of Wounded Warriors! Quality Nordic Walking Poles from WWW.SKIWALKING.COM and the American Nordic Walking System have been donated to Wounded Warrior Programs at Walter Reed, Fort Carson, Fort Lewis/Madigan/McChord and Vicenza, Italy. Many of the soldiers attending Edwards' Nordic Walking Classes at Fort Carson in Colorado came with canes and/or walkers. One of the soldiers had just been released from his wheel chair. All found much improved balance, stability, walking posture and walking comfort. Members of the Warrior Transition Battalion and others got to test-drive the durable one-piece Nordic walking poles custom fit to his/her specific height at the Soldier Family Assistance Center at Fort Carson. WTB Command Sgt. Maj. Jim Bunch also tested the poles for himself. Participants in the Nordic Walking Clinics found that the poles radically improved balance, stability, walking posture, walking gait and walking comfort. Many of the Wounded Warriors commented on how they the poles really did helped to reduce the stress to the shins, knees, hips and back.

Soldiers assigned to the Warrior Transition Battalion are recovering from all types of injuries and many experience balance problems from leg, back and traumatic brain injuries. According to Susanne Harland, Fort Carson Station manager, American Red Cross, the Red Cross has a mission to help, as they can, with the recovery of these wounded warriors. She has been involved with helping wounded soldiers since the Vietnam War era. “It’s my love, working with the wounded warriors,” she said. Harland said that she is always trying to find new and innovative ways to help the soldiers. One way she has been able to help here is to bring in special programs and speakers. One such person was Pete Edwards, founder of WWW.SKIWALKING.COM and the American Nordic Walking System. She found out about Edwards through Wade Walrond, who is with the Walter Reed Station of the Red Cross in Washington - Edwards had donated much-appreciated Nordic Walking Poles to his Wounded Warrior Program too.

Edwards, a former marathon runner, had to give up running because of his knee and later realized that walking with the correct length poles eliminated his knee pain. Edwards now claims that he is comfortable not only Nordic Walking with his poles, but Nordic Running too – running with poles. Edwards, a running and skiing coach, is also certified as a Nordic walking instructor. Nordic walking is much like cross-country skiing (gentle on the weight bearing joints) and the poles are helping more than just athletes recover from their injuries. According to Edwards, by using the perfect length poles (shorter than Nordic ski poles) for additional balance, the injured person has better control over his or her balance. Additionally, he said, the two poles are often better than using a cane or walker, because a cane can cause a person to favor one side or the other, and both have the user hunch over, which may increase problems in recovery and balance. He said that he not only has used them for injured athletes, but has worked with people who have Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s disease (PD), Nueropathy, arthritis, bursitis, scoliosis, lumbar stenosis, fibromyalgia, post polio, osteoporosis, stroke recovery, cancer recovery and other limitations to walking. Edwards came to the Soldier Family Assistance Center in August to lead injured soldiers in the proper use of the Nordic Walking poles and to train therapists in using the poles as part of rehabilitation programs. His 12-year-old son, Keefer Edwards, assisted him. They both flew in from Michigan, volunteering their services. Within minutes of using the poles, all of the soldiers showed a marked improvement in their mobility. One of the Wounded Warriors said “It’s really good, better than using the walker. I feel really good.”

Edwards donates one-piece Nordic Walking Poles to the Wounded Warriors Program. His special SWIX Nordic Walking Poles are safer, lighter and much more durable than cheap twist-locking or flip-locking adjustable length/telescoping/collapsible poles. Skiers only use one-piece poles for skiing and they prove to be much more user friendly for walking than cheap collapsible poles that can fail/collapse unexpectedly, rattle and/or vibrate. Edwards warns to especially avoid the cheap twist-lock and flip-lock poles flooding the market from China. According to Nick Mahood, SWIX USA Nordic Walking Director, "Pete Edwards, The American Nordic Walking System and SKIWALKING.COM's owner/founder/coach, has single handedly introduced thousands of Americans to Nordic Walking through his enthusiastic Nordic Walking clinics! I have no doubt that Edwards is the #1 retailer of Nordic Walking Poles in the USA! You can quote me on that!" Contact: Pete Edwards, Website: WWW.SKIWALKING.COM,
Email: GETFIT@SKIWALKING.COM, Toll free: 877-SKIWALKING or 877-754-9255.

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BRECKENRIDGE SKI HOUSE -- Here's an insider tip from Michigan Skier. If you're planning a trip to Summit County, Colorado next ski season it's not too early to look for lodging. We've stayed at this house and it's a great combination of location, convenience, and price. Check it out...Click here.

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JEANNIE THOREN WOMEN'S SKI CENTER OPENS AT VAIL
Jeannie Thoren, a veteran crusader for women's ski equipment, is opening the country's first ski center exclusively for women in Vail, Colorado. Michigan skiers will remember that Thoren conducted clinics at Crystal Mountain and at ski shops in Michigan for many years. "For the last few years we've been looking for a home base," says Thoren, who has traveled the country with her husband and business partner, Tom Haas. “I’ve been explaining how the anatomical differences between men and women affect ski performance and how gender-specific equipment makes a difference. Our Demos and Equipment Clinics won’t be a moving target any more,“ she adds. “Women will know where to find us and Vail is the perfect location.” The Jeannie Thoren Women’s Ski Center will be located in Lionshead next to Chair 8. For more information go to www.jeanniethoren.com.

 

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