|
|
Michigan Ski News
HEADLINES OTSEGO CLUB HOSTS SKI AND SNOWBOARD REVOLUTION NEWS ARTICLES CRYSTAL CELEBRATES WORLD SNOW DAY – JANUARY 22 THOMPSONVILLE, MICH – Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa is joining resorts from across the country and around the globe in offering the opportunity to experience a wide variety of winter sports during the International Ski Federation’s World Snow Day, January 22. Before it’s all said and done the average lifelong Midwesterner will have lived 26 years of their life in winter. However, many Michiganders remain indoors simply due to a misconception about the nature of winter sports. World Snow Day is designed to break down those barriers by offering a fun, unintimidating and inexpensive (mostly free) way to Enjoy, Explore and Experience a broad range of winter activities. Here are five ways the January 22
celebration is designed to do just that: World Snow Day is organized by the International Ski Federation (FIS) as part of its Bring Children to the Snow campaign launched in 2007. The event’s mission is to provide newcomers as well as winter enthusiasts the chance to Enjoy, Explore and Experience snow and all its possibilities. In addition to Crystal Mountain, the “biggest day on snow, all year” will be celebrated worldwide with seven locations in the United States including Vail, Beaver Creek and Whiteface in Lake Placid, New York. For more information go to www.crystalmountain.com. OTSEGO CLUB HOSTS NATIONAL SKI AND SNOWBOARD REVOLUTION TOUR EVENT Gaylord, MI - The Otsego Club &
Resort, Michigan's only private ski destination, will host the Ski and Snowboarding Revolution Tour January 27 –
February 5. Public skiers and riders are invited to come out and experience this exciting event up
close.
DISCOVER MICHIGAN SKIING LESSONS PROGRAM December 19, 2011, CLARKSTON, MI - Ski areas across the state have teamed up with Michigan McDonald’s restaurants to offer a popular and very affordable introduction to the sport of skiing and snowboarding, called Discover Michigan Skiing. The program includes: a beginner lesson, ski or snowboard rental equipment and a beginner-area ski lift pass or cross-country trail pass. Twenty-three ski facilities are offering the package, which will be honored from January 2 through January 31, 2012. The prices for the Discover Michigan Skiing program are: $20 for Discover Michigan Cross-Country Skiing; $30 for Discover Michigan Downhill Skiing; and $40 for Discover Michigan Snowboarding. The program is open to everyone 7 years and older. The lesson normally covers basic maneuvering on skis or snowboards, including stopping, turning, riding the lifts, and getting up from a fall. Discover Michigan Skiing is part of the national “Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month” campaign, which is designed to provide a way for people all across the country to learn to ski or snowboard affordably and carries the slogan, “Humans were never meant to hibernate.” To sign up, interested beginners must have a Discover Michigan Skiing Value Voucher. They are available at participating Michigan McDonald’s restaurants and MSIA retail ski stores while quantities last. A printable voucher is also available at www.goskimichigan.com. The voucher lists all ski facilities offering the program. Participants choose the place they wish to visit and then must call to pre-register. Program times differ from ski area to ski area. Participating ski areas include: Apple Mountain in Freeland, Big Powderhorn in Bessemer, Blackjack Ski Resort also in Bessemer, Bittersweet in Otsego, Boyne Highlands of Harbor Springs, Boyne Mountain of Boyne Falls, Caberfae Peaks of Cadillac, Cannonsburg Ski Area in Cannonsburg, Cross Country Ski Headquarters of Roscommon, Hanson Hills of Grayling, Mt. Brighton of Brighton, Mt. Holly in Holly, Mt. Zion in Ironwood, Muskegon Luge & Sports Complex in Muskegon, Norway Mountain in Norway, Nubs Nob in Harbor Springs, Pine Knob in Clarkston, Shanty Creek of Bellaire, Swiss Valley Ski Area of Jones, The Homestead of Glen Arbor, Timber Ridge Ski Area of Gobles, Treetops Resort of Gaylord.
WHITE GOLD CARD – SKI 29 AREAS FOR $189
Clarkston, MI (2011/2012)-The Michigan Snowsports Industries Association (MSIA) has produced a card that allows the holder to ski at 29 different Michigan ski areas this winter for just $189. Called the MSIA White Gold Card, purchasers are entitled to ski one time at each of the participating ski areas during the 2011/2012 ski season. Also included is one free ski tune-up (edge sharpen and wax) at participating MSIA ski retailers.
“The White Gold Card is an exceptional value,” says Steve Kershner, chairman of the MSIA and director of skiing for Shanty Creek Resorts in Bellaire. “If you paid for a lift ticket at each of these ski areas and brought your skis in for a tune-up, you would be spending over $960.”
The card looks like a credit card, divided into squares. Each ski area is assigned to a square and one square is designated for the ski tune-up. The purchaser takes the White Gold Card to the ski area’s lift ticket window, where the square corresponding to that ski area is punched out. White Gold Card skiers are allowed to ski one time at each ski area, midweek or weekend. The card is valid for the entire ski season, except for December 24, 2011 through January 2, 2012. The cards are non-refundable and non-transferable. To get the tune-up, White Gold Card purchasers take their skis or boards to one of the over 40 participating ski shops.
MSIA developed the White Gold Card as a fundraising endeavor and limits its production to 400 cards. “We’ve found from past years’ sales that they go quickly,” says Kershner. He suggests that anyone interested in purchasing a card should do so as soon as possible.
To add a little excitement, MSIA has also created a challenge for White Gold Card participants. “The first person to use the White Gold Card at all 29 Michigan ski areas will win a card for the 2011/2012 ski season,” Kershner announced. He added that MSIA is hosting the challenge to encourage skiers to try all the great slopes in Michigan. To win, White Gold Card holders must ski at all the ski areas and then send MSIA their punched-out White Gold Card accompanied by a used lift ticket from each of the ski areas.
Participating ski areas include: Alpine Valley in White Lake; Apple Mountain in Freeland; Big Powderhorn Mountain of Bessemer; Bittersweet in Otsego; Blackjack Resort in Bessemer; Boyne Highlands in Harbor Springs; Boyne Mountain in Boyne Falls; Caberfae Peaks in Cadillac; Cannonsburg Ski Area in Cannonsburg; Cross-Country Ski Headquarters in Roscommon; Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville; Hanson Hills in Grayling; Indianhead Mountain in Wakefield; Marquette Mountain in Marquette; Mont Ripley in Houghton; Mt. Bohemia in the Keweenaw Peninsula; Mt. Brighton in Brighton; Mt. Holly in Holly; Mt Zion in Ironwood; Muskegon Winter Sports Complex in Muskegon; Nubs Nob in Harbor Springs; Pine Knob in Clarkston; Pine Mountain in Iron Mountain; Shanty Creek in Bellaire; Snow Snake in Harrison; Swiss Valley Ski Area in Jones; The Homestead in Glen Arbor; Timber Ridge Ski Area in Gobles and Treetops Resort in Gaylord.
WHITE GOLD CARDS WILL BE AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE ONLINE AND AT PARTICIPATING MSIA SKI SHOPS LISTED BELOW. WHEN PURCHASING FROM A SKI SHIP, THE PURCHASER SAVES THE $6 PROCESSING AND SHIPPING FEE PER ORDER.
MSIA shops offering the cards and the ski/snowboard tune-ups are: Bill & Paul’s Sporthaus in Grand Rapids; Boyne Country Sports in Bloomfield Hills, Novi and Traverse City; Don Orr Ski Haus in Traverse City; Don Thomas Sporthaus in Birmingham; Lee’s Adventure Sports in Kalamazoo; Nichol’s Ski & Snowboard in Dearborn and Waterford; Outdoor Action Company in Sylvan Lake; Reliable Sport & Ski Haus in Holland; Schummer’s Ski Shop in Gross Pointe Woods; The Ski Loft in Charlotte; The Stable of Saginaw in Saginaw; Sun & Snow Sports in Ann Arbor; and Swiss Valley Ski Shop in Jones. MSIA suggests calling the store to determine if they have cards available yet. Click here for ski shop contact information.
Other shops that are offering the ski/snowboard tune-up are: Boyne Country Sports stores in Boyne Falls, Harbor Springs and Petoskey; MC Sports Michigan stores in Ann Arbor, Battle Creek, Big Rapids, Brighton, Cadillac, Fort Gratiot, Gaylord, Grandville, Grand Blanc, Grand Rapids, Holland, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Lapeer, Marquette, Midland, Mt. Pleasant, Muskegon, Petoskey, Portage, Traverse City; MC Sports Indiana stores in Goshen and Michigan City; and Sun ‘N Snow Ski Shop in Cadillac.
More information at www.goskimichigan.com.
SKIERS NEED ICE All of us know how easy it is to get separated from companions at a ski resort. There's also the possibility of disaster just driving to and from a ski resort. That's why it's a good idea to have emergency contact information at the ready. Every minute a ski patroller or first responder saves is a better chance for a good outcome for you. Every skier should know about and utilize ICE – In Case of Emergency. It’s an internationally recognized program which “enables first responders, such as police, fire and paramedics to identify victims and enable contact with next of kin, guardians or other entrusted persons to obtain important medical information or make emergency notifications. It encourages people to enter emergency contacts in their cell phone contacts list under the name ICE.” www.ems-options.com If you don’t have this information readily available to the responders, they have to search for medic alert jewelry, use visual clues and vital signs, or rely on witness descriptions to make treatment decisions. First responders know to look in a person’s contact list for the ICE listing, so it’s to your advantage to put as much information under your listing as possible. However, if you have an iPhone there’s a more full-featured application (app) you can put on your phone. The app is called “smart-ICE” and there are free and paid versions. I downloaded the free smart-ICE app and it allowed me to enter emergency contacts, information about my regular doctors, the medications I use, my allergies, special instructions, and even my picture. The app also has a 911 button which I can push to call the nearest 911 operator (regardless of where I am) and then emits an alert noise so responders can locate me. EMS-Options.com recommends that “you place the smart-ICE Icon in the upper left-hand corner of the main page.” For more information about ICE, the Ice4Safety.com website has a wealth of additional information, including free kits and wallet cards you can print out or order.
CRYSTAL TO INSTALL NEW CHAIRLIFT FOR
2011-12 WHAT'S NEW AT NUB'S NOB FOR 2011 – 2012
More Snowmaking Power - 11 additional Nub's Nob snowguns were built this summer bringing the total gun count to 281. This system, in the hands of the Midwest’s most decorated and experienced snowmaking and grooming team, was once again unmatched in delivering the best conditions possible last season.
All New Alpine Rental Skis, Boots and Bindings - A significant investment was made in the newest “rockered” shaped ski technology by purchasing Rossignol skis for the rental department. This advanced design allows effortless turn initiation with rock solid edge hold making it easier than ever to enjoy the slopes. Teamed up with this great ski is the best rental binding in the business - the Marker FasTrack2 featuring advanced engineering and speedy adjustment design. Finally, all new Nordica ski boots for men, women and children fill the custom boot drying and storage racks offering the famed ski boot brand’s top notch fit, performance and comfort.
New Junior Alpine Racing Team - Based on the very successful USSA alpine racing program, and under the direction of new Nub’s Nob Alpine Racing Program Director Jeff Obeshaw, the new Junior Alpine Team will offer substantial training and racing opportunities for our younger skiers. Using professional coaches and the best training slopes, this is a great program for increasing your child’s exposure to competitive racing in a successful environment. Training sessions will take place multiple times during the week along with several club races throughout the season.
60 Acre Land Swap Almost Complete - Nub’s is in the final stages of completing a land swap with the State of Michigan this fall which will expand its property acreage. This terrain is located north of the Bigtime beginner area with a pitch similar to the Race Arena but with significantly more vertical and allows for more ski slope development when the need arises. The relatively flat and rolling terrain on top will allow for expanded XC trails in the near future.
More information at www.nubsnob.com. COLD IS COOL -- FREE SKIING FOR 4TH GRADERS Clarkston, MI (2011-2012)–The Michigan Snowsports Industries Association (MSIA) wants to give Michigan kids an opportunity to get out, have fun and get healthy this winter. This is why MSIA has established a statewide program, which provides every fourth grader in Michigan the opportunity to ski for free. Fourth graders can obtain a “Cold is Cool” Ski & Ride Passport that gives them up to three free lift tickets or trail passes at 20 participating ski areas. The “Cold is Cool” Fourth Grade Ski & Ride Passport is one of the elements of MSIA’s “Cold is Cool” program, which is dedicated to improving the health of Michigan children by offering outdoor winter activities. The program has been approved as an “advocate” for The President’s Challenge program, which encourages regular activity among children and adults. For more information, or to sign up for the challenge, visit goskimichigan.com, and click on the President’s Challenge link.
In order for fourth graders to use the free lift or trail pass coupons, a paying adult must accompany them. Applications for the Cold is Cool Passport are sent to all Michigan schools. Parents can also pick up the applications at participating MSIA ski shops and online at goskimichigan.com. Although the skiing is free, MSIA charges a $15 printing and shipping fee for each passport ordered.
Participating ski areas include: Alpine Valley of White Lake; Big Powderhorn in Bessemer; Blackjack Resort in Bessemer; Boyne Highlands of Harbor Springs; Boyne Mountain of Boyne Falls; Caberfae Peaks of Cadillac; Cannonsburg Ski Area of Cannonsburg; Cross Country Ski Headquarters of Roscommon; Crystal Mountain of Thompsonville; Hanson Hills of Grayling; The Homestead of Glen Arbor; Mt. Brighton of Brighton; Mt. Holiday in Traverse City; Norway Mountain of Norway; Nub’s Nob of Harbor Springs; Shanty Creek Resorts of Bellaire; Snow Snake Ski & Golf of Harrison; Swiss Valley Ski Area of Jones; Timber Ridge Ski Area of Gobles; and Treetops Resort of Gaylord. The Cold is Cool Fourth Grade Ski & Ride Passport has blackout dates at some of the participating ski areas, which are noted on the application. For more information, visit goskimichigan.com and click on Cold is Cool – or call MSIA at (248) 620-4448.
MICHIGAN COMPANY DEBUTS NEW SKI APP
IMPROVEMENTS AND NEW PROGRAMS AT BOYNES FOR 2011-2012
At Boyne Highlands ResortandBoyne Mountain Resort, Michigan’s two largest ski areas with a combined 850 skiable acres
and 115 trails, the 2011-12 season brings numerous improvements including new groomers and snow guns, an
extensive hotel renovation, a fleet of cutting-edge rental skis and terrain park enhancements. In
addition, Boyne Mountain is rolling out a new in-room recycling program and Boyne Highlands expands upon its
racing program. Mountain
Grand Lodge and Spa at Boyne Mountain Named a Top Ski Hotel
WHAT'S NEW FOR SHANTY CREEK RESORTS 2011-2012
Bellaire, Michigan – Shanty Creek Resorts, one of northern Michigan’s premier four season resort destinations, is preparing for another exciting winter season with new attractions, events and packages. Families and winter sports enthusiasts will have more reasons to choose Shanty Creek for their winter getaways this season.
Snowmobiling comes to Shanty Creek Known for its beautiful setting with three villages and wonderful northern terrain, Shanty Creek Resorts will introduce snowmobiling tours and rentals this season. Blue Sky Rentals from Traverse City will operate on-property to introduce families to the excitement of snowmobiling with guided “introductory” tours and also longer-term 4- and 8-hour rentals with map access to the nearby Jordan Valley trail system.
Terrain parks and ski runs expand To attract more boarders and skiers, Shanty Creek will complete a major renovation and expansion to its Schuss Mountain terrain parks to provide more options for riders and to compete with the top terrain parks in the regions.
Schuss will unveil a variety of new jumps, rails and boxes within the adjacent runs of Purple Daze, Village Way, and the Natty Park. The new equipment features over 150 feet of new boxes and rails, and includes a battleship box, an S-rail, a C-rail, a rainbow rail, and more. In addition, a redesigned jump line through Village Way and additional natural features within the Natty Park will increase the attraction for skiers and riders.
Schuss Mountain will also introduce two new runs along the popular Red Lift: Salsa and Red Fox. Another change to the Schuss Mountain landscape includes moving the half pipe to Elf Shelf to create more skiable terrain on the popular Mellow Yellow trail, an ideal slope for group and private lessons. In addition, more skiable terrain has been created for beginners behind the rental/academy building.
Michigan’s Most Affordable Season Pass and Lift Ticket Shanty Creek Resorts is introducing “Michigan’s Most Affordable Season Pass” this winter at Summit Village for only $99. For beginners, families, and experienced skiers alike, the Summit Only pass is valid on weekends all season long creating the perfect value to enjoy a day of skiing.
Back by popular demand this season, Shanty Creek will once again offer Michigan’s “Most Affordable Lift Ticket”—the Summit Only ticket. This Summit Only ticket is Michigan’s best skiing value for just $15/day. A family of four, all skiing/riding at Summit Mountain, can now spend the day on the slopes for less than $150 including rentals.
The Summit Only pass and lift ticket also includes a ski/snowboard rental option for just $20/day.
Summit Mountain is open throughout the ski season on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and all holiday days.
For more information, please visit www.shantycreek.com or call 1-800-678-4111.
OTSEGO SKI PATROL RECOGNIZED FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT Gaylord, MI – In recognition of their dedication to safety and service, the Otsego Ski Club Ski Patrol has received the 2010-11 Outstanding Small Alpine Patrol Award. Otsego Ski Club is one of northern Michigan’s premier ski experiences and the oldest operating private ski club in America.The National Ski Patrol award is presented annually to the outstanding small ski patrol (40 or fewer members). The award was created on behalf of the founder of the National Ski Patrol, “Charles Minot ‘Minnie’ Dole. Dole founded the National Ski Patrol in 1938 and directed the organization until 1950.Otsego Ski Patrol volunteer patrollers were selected for the award as a result of their dedication and high level performance in making the Otsego Ski Club one of the safest ski resort destinations in the country for its members and guests. Due to the uniqueness of the ski club and the emphasis put on safety for families and children, which is one of the main attractions for becoming a member, the Patrollers must train to a higher standard and demonstrate tremendous alpine skills and first aid care while interacting with club members and guests. "We are honored to have Otsego Ski Patrol recognized as the best small patrol in the Nation”, said Patrol Director, Paul Holmes. “Family safety is one of the highest priorities for members who join our club and this award is a testament to the members of our ski patrol and the pride they take in making it one of the safest ski destinations in the country.” The Otsego Ski Patrol, whose 34 patrollers are all members of the club, has been making Otsego Club a family safe environment for over six decades. Over the years, each generation of Ski Patrol members complete extensive training programs and have been certified in both Outdoor Emergency Care and in skiing skills outlined by the National Ski Patrol System. With an average of over 20 years of patrol service, the Otsego Ski Patrol Members demonstrate an extraordinary level of experience and dedication demonstrating that National Ski Patrollers continue to fulfill a vital role in today’s ski industry. Assistant Patrol Director, Don Desautels, could not be more pleased with the award and the support they get every year from the membership and staff. “I am very proud of our team and excited for our membership. They now have the number one small ski patrol team in the country and well deserved.” For more information about the Otsego Ski Club or Ski Patrol call (800) 752-5510 or visit www.otsegoclub.com. WHAT'S NEW ON MICHIGAN'S SKI SLOPES FOR 2011/2012 Clarkston, MI (2011/1012) –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 41 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 and 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 2011-2012 season. It is important to note that early discounts abound. Most ski areas offer discounts on their season ski passes if they are purchased before the snow flies. For more information, visit goskimichigan.com, which has quick links to Michigan ski area websites.
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula slopes are busy getting ready for winter. The largest ski area construction project in the Midwest is underway at Big Powderhorn in Bessemer. A fire destroyed the main lodge building on January 13, 2011, but a brand new lodge is scheduled to open for this winter season. 1-800-501-SNOW (7669) bigpowderhorn.net
A few miles away at The New Blackjack Resort, also in Bessemer, discounts abound. This season kids 12 and under ski free with a paying adult. Show a valid military or college ID and your lift ticket is $30 anytime. In addition, the first two weeks in January are College Days, where lift tickets are $20 and rental equipment is just $15. For those who can ski midweek, a five-day midweek ticket is $75 after January 1, 2012. Blackjack has also added two new glade runs (skiing in the trees). One is their first double black diamond (expert) run and the other is less steep, a favorite for kids. Blackjack also added new features to their terrain parks. (906)229-5115, skiblackjack.com
New this season at Pine Mountain in Iron Mountain is a Resort Rewards Program, allowing customers to accumulate points for every dollar they spend at one of the Resort facilities. It’s free to sign up. (906) 774-2747 or 1-877-553-PINE, pinemountainresort.com
Heading over to Ironwood, Mt. Zion offers free skiing to all Gogebic Community College students and to anyone 62 years and older! Located on the campus of Gogebic Community College, Mt. Zion is the oldest winter recreation complex in “Big Snow Country”. Owned and operated by GCC, Mt. Zion is open to the public and also serves as a laboratory for the college’s nationally recognized Ski Area Management Program.(906) 932-4231, gogebic.edu/aboutGCC/mtzion.shtm
For those who like a challenge and a great discount, on December 3, 2011, for one day only, season passes for Mount Bohemia in the Keweenaw Peninsula are just $99. Or, for variety, ski all season long at Mount Bohemia and Porcupine Mountain for just $124. Passes can be purchased online, by phone or in person on December 3 at either Porcupine Mountain or Mount Bohemia. Skiers at Mount Bohemia will be pleasantly surprised with the addition of five new glade runs, which are spread throughout the mountain. Porcupine Mountain: (906) 289-4105,skitheporkies.com; Mount Bohemia: (231) 420-5405, mtbohemia.com
The folks at Marquette Mountainin Marquette, have been very busy over the summer, moving terrain on the slopes. They have widened Weasel Gulch, Whoop Dee, Upper Rocket and Shaker, added a new Women’s FIS Slalom ramp on Cliffs Ridge, created a new terrain park layout with 10 new rails, cut through from Twilight Zone to Supreme Trails, and increased snowmaking capacity. In addition, Marquette Mountain is extending their lift hours until 8:30 p.m. nightly, from December 19 through March 11. (906) 225-1155 or 1-800-944-SNOW,marquettemountain.com
Heading into the Lower Peninsula Nub’s Nob Ski Area of Harbor Springs has once again increased snowmaking capacity by adding 11 new Nub’s Nob snow guns, ensuring snow-filled slopes. Nubs also has a new fleet of “rockered” rental skis and boots to match. Rockered skis are the latest technology in ski design and allows for easier turning and maneuvering while still maintaining stability. For young ski racers, Nubs Nob is introducing a Junior Alpine Racing Team, based on the USSA Alpine Racing Program, with multiple midweek training sessions. Finally, Nubs acquired 60 additional acres north of their Bigtime beginner area. The acreage has a significant pitch and long vertical, allowing for more ski slope and cross-country trail development in the future. (231) 526-2131 or 1-800-SKI-NUBS, nubsnob.com
Also in Harbor Springs, Boyne Highlands has added on-board air compressors to six Low-E snow guns, enabling greater snowmaking options. They also expanded their racing program by adding a Friday night race down the steeper slopes of South Challenger for the aggressive racer.
Twenty-seven miles south of Boyne Highlands is Boyne Mountain of Boyne Falls. New this year is the addition of 20 Boyne Low-E snow guns that feature proprietary technology that maximizes snow output. At the base of the slopes, Boyne's Clock Tower Lodge is undergoing extensive renovations that are planned to be complete for the winter season. Guests at Boyne Mountain will have the option for in-room recycling, allowing for responsible disposal of aluminum, plastic, glass and paper.
Both Boyne Mountain and Boyne Highlands have purchased brand new PistenBully groomers and both resorts have also purchased 400 pairs of HEAD LINK skis for their rental departments. The new ski technology makes it easier for skiers to initiate and hold through turns. 1-800-GOBOYNE, BOYNE.com
One Dollar Fridays begin January 6, 2012, at Hanson Hills Recreation Area in Grayling. Each Friday night, a lift ticket is just $1 and rental equipment is $1 as well. 1-888-876-2196, hansonhills.org In Gaylord, guests at Treetops Resort will enjoy an outdoor bonfire area to relax outside, near the slopes, by the warmth of a fire. 1-888-TREETOPS, treetops.com
Shanty Creek Resortsin Bellaire will feature an improved terrain park design at the slopes of Schuss Mountain. They have also moved the halfpipe and added two new runs near the red chairlift. Like many other ski areas, they are improving their snowmaking to insure great conditions all winter long. 1-800-678-4111, shantycreek.com
Round the bend into the Leelanau Peninsula to find The Homestead, which will open its 28th season of skiing with a host of improvements to the Village that surrounds the base of the Bay Mountain Ski Area. Brand new salon and cafeteria, expanded and improved guest parking, upgrades to Nonna's Italian Ristorante and a new general store will offer guests all the amenities of a five-star resort. Also new this year is a concept that takes the season ski pass and expands it to other services. Called “One, It lets the pass holder choose from a variety of different activities, from skiing, to dining, yoga, spa services and more. In addition, Good Morning America conducted a poll to find "America's Most Beautiful Place" and viewers voted the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore the winner for 2011. The Homestead is located right in the middle of the national lakeshore. (231) 334-5000, thehomesteadresort.com
Crystal Mountainin Thompsonville will unveil a new ski-under quad chairlift for the 2011/12 season. The new chairlift will increase uphill capacity and skiable terrain on Loki and Thor and service the nine adjoining slopes. The lift terminal will be constructed in close proximity to Camp Totem, the resort’s learning area, and includes a loading conveyor providing beginners an easier transition to the mountain. Crystal is also recontouring the upper elevation of Loki & Thor slopes and adding tower-mounted snowguns and related infrastructure to increase snowmaking capacity for this portion of the ski area. In keeping with it’s reputation for environmental stewardship and sustainable practices, Crystal has now become the first Michigan resort to install an Electric Vehicle (EV) charging station, which will provide a complimentary charge for all electric vehicles driven to the mountain. 1-800-968-7686 or (231) 378-2000, crystalmountain.com
Caberfae Peaks in Cadillac has been busy contouring the slopes and increasing snowmaking. Seventeen new low-energy snowmakers will produce snow at temperatures five to six degrees warmer than the snowmakers that they are replacing. In addition, the 3/4-mile-long Smiling Irishmen slope is now three times its original width. At the base of the slopes, a new eatery, called Beatie's Bar & Grill has been constructed inside the MacKenzie Lodge. Plus, 1,000 new pairs of skis, 50 new snowboards and 20 pairs of snowblades have been added to the rental department. For those who want to try something different, Caberfae Peaks will offer backcountry dogsled rides through the historic ski trails. Also new this year is a partnership with McGuire’s Resort in Cadillac. The package includes 6 nights lodging at McGuire’s Resort and a season pass at Caberfae for $299 per person. (231) 862-3000, caberfaepeaks.com
Cross Country Ski Headquartersin Roscommon has pumped up their fleet of cross-country demo skis to include the latest from Fischer, Salomon, Rossignol and Alpina. They also added a new stretch to the Rolling Hills trail, bringing the total kilometers of groomed trails to 20. (989) 821-6661cross-country-ski.com
Heading south to the Grand Rapids area, Cannonsburg Ski Area in Cannonsburg has something interesting in store for skiers who want to get married. Couples who book their reception for 125 guests or more at Cannonsburg, will receive complimentary season passes! Also new, Cannonsburg will be one of three Burton Learn-to-Ride (snowboard) Centers in Michigan and the only retailer with the Fischer Vacuum Fit fully moldable ski boot system in the Central Midwest. (616) 874-6711, cannonsburg.com
Further south, Bittersweet Ski Area of Otsego has been working over the summer to expand its beginner ski area and add a new beginner chair lift to service the expanded terrain. (269)-694-2820, skibittersweet.com
Swiss Valley Ski & Snowboard Areain Jones has teamed up with nearby Timber Ridge of Gobles to present Friday Night Fights, a traveling Terrain Park rail jam series that pits the best skiers and riders from each ski area against each other on select Fridays in January and February. Prizes and awards are given for the series. In addition, Timber Ridge will have an all-new terrain park design with new features, an S-Box and a Wall Ride. Swiss Valley is featuring a "For Ladies Only" Ski & Snowboard Program on Saturdays in January, with lessons for beginners and intermediates. Timber Ridge: 1-800-253-2928 or (269) 694-9449, timberridgeski.com; Swiss Valley: (269) 244-5635, skiswissvalley.com.
Snow Snake Ski Areain Harrison has added a new Zip Line Tour, which is the first and only one in Central Michigan. The tour consists of 9 unique zip lines that go through thick woods and over deep valleys at speeds reaching 20-25 mph. To begin the adventure, zip riders gear up with a full harness, take a short trip up to the first zip line and then ride all nine zips down the hill. It is called a “tour” because certified guides escort participants. (989) 539-6583, snowsnake.net
In Southwest Michigan, both Alpine Valley of White Lake and Mt. Brighton Ski and Golf in Brighton have expanded their snowmaking capabilities and terrain parks. Both ski areas also purchased brand new rental skis, ensuring a great ski and snowboard season in Southeast Michigan. Alpine Valley: (248) 887-2180, skialpinevalley.com; Mt. Brighton: (810) 229-9581, mtbrighton.com.
The folks at Pine Knob Resort of Clarkston are increasing snowmaking capacity with additional snow guns. They also made some major improvements to their Chair #6 by installing a new drive terminal, which allows the chair to run at variable speeds. (248) 625-0800,skipineknob.com
A short drive northwest to Mt. Holly in Holly, skiers will enjoy additional snow on the slopes, as 14 new guns were added to Holly’s arsenal. In addition, a remodeled rental department will speed up the rental process and provide more space and comfort for those renting skis and snowboards. (248) 634-8269, skimtholly.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|