What's New on Michigan's ski slopes for the 2007/2008 winter
Clarkston, MI (Winter, 2007-2008)–Michigan skiing has come a long way in the past few decades. From humble beginnings of stamping out ski runs with a team of people wearing snowshoes to the massive machine groomers of today, downhill snow sports have evolved. Not only has slope maintenance improved dramatically, the ability to make snow has increased the quality and frequency of skiing. Even if there is no snow in people’s yards, the ski slopes can be covered when the weather is cold.
Winter thrills are not far away. Michigan has it all, from expert runs through the trees to Olympic-sized half pipes. Michigan ski areas boast a combined total of over 200 chairlifts, 840 runs, 40 terrain parks and thousands of kilometers of groomed cross-country trails. Steve Kershner, Michigan Snowsports Industries Association (MSIA) chairman and director of skiing for Shanty Creek, says there’s really something for everyone and every ability level on Michigan’s ski slopes and trails.
Here is a rundown of improvements on Michigan slopes for the 2007/08 winter season:
Boyne USA’s Boyne Highlands in Harbor Springs and Boyne Mountain in Boyne Falls, 1-800-GO-BOYNE, made a $750,000 investment in additional snowmaking and pumping system upgrade. New wells, pumps and technology with Boyne’s latest high-efficiency snow guns provide a 40 percent increase in snowmaking capability allowing for better skiing/riding conditions–earlier in the season–while using less energy. Boyne also purchased two Prinoth groomers to add to their fleet. Boyne Highlands and Boyne Mountain are located 27 miles from each other and have a combined total of 111 downhill runs, with newly-carved gladed skiing acreage. Boyne USA offers several season passes ranging from $237 to $799, with access to winter sports at Boyne Highlands and Boyne Mountain and discounts on Avalanche Bay Indoor Waterpark admission and retail merchandise, as well as discounts and/or free skiing and riding at Boyne resorts in Montana, Utah, Washington, British Columbia and the newly acquired resorts in Maine. www.boyne.com
At Cadillac’s, Caberfae Peaks Ski and Golf Resort, (231) 862-3000, terrain expansions over the summer included widening the Mid-Canyon run, providing more room to carve and widening the Upper Easy Street run by almost 50%, providing easier access from the Shelter & Clubhouse chair lifts. For improved snowmaking, the Peaks added six snowmaking towers to Lower Easy Street and five snowmaking towers to Lower Shelter. Known to be the oldest operating ski resort in the Midwest, the owners also added 500 feet of snowmaking pipe, improving efficiency and added snowmaking guns, bringing the total to almost 100. Improvements at Mackenzie Lodge include the recent addition of full service dining and renovation of the front desk and reception area plus all 36 guest rooms. They also added 50 percent more lockers for rent this season. The Peaks has new season pass pricing to accommodate everybody’s schedule: $99 Weekend Pass–valid any Saturday & Sunday, $99 Midweek Pass–valid Monday thru Friday and the $198 Peak Pass–valid any day, any time. www.caberfaepeaks.com
Cross-country skiers are in for a treat at Cross Country Ski Headquarters of Roscommon, (800) 832-2663. Owner Bob Frye is building a new hilled cross-country terrain park, where kids can perfect their jumps and the others can work on their technique. Frye is covering the park with snow guns, so that Nordic skiers can enjoy their sport, even when the trails are bare. www.cross-country-ski.com.
Crystal Mountain of Thompsonville, (231) 378-2000, has increased snowmaking by 30 percent with additional pumping capacity and five new snow guns bringing their arsenal total to 126, allowing for better skiing/riding conditions early in the season and building and maintaining a good base. New this year, Crystal will hold a Winter Family Festival with Snow Monsters and other mascots providing entertainment on the slopes. Crystal is offering a new season pass called “Daybreak Season Pass”, for use Mon-Fri, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding holidays, for $139. www.crystalmountain.com
The Homestead of Glen Arbor, (231) 334-5000, renamed their rental shop, “Mountain Flowers Lodge”. The building has been expanded to twice its original size. New this season, The Homestead will offer ice skating. www.thehomesteadresort.com
Mt. Bohemia in the UP's Keweenaw Peninsula, (906) 487-9757, has added more lodging. For those who want to get first crack at new morning powder, four new yurts (circular, domed tent-like dwellings originally developed by the Mongol and Turkic people of central Asia) were added at the base of the slopes. www.mtbohemia.com
Mt. Brighton Ski Area of Brighton, (810) 229-9581, keeps the excitement rolling with the addition of more rails and boxes in the terrain park. www.mtbrighton.com
Mt. Holly of Holly, (248) 634-8269 has added 10 new snowmaking machines to the existing fleet of 80. www.skimtholly.com
Nubs Nob of Harbor Springs, (231) 526-2131, celebrates its 50th birthday this season and is gearing up for the next 50 by adding eight additional snow guns, (bringing their count to 250), and two new Pisten Bully Snow Grooming Machines featuring Z-Flex tillers, to insure that their slopes are groomed to perfection. The Nubs team was busy over the summer, clearing another expert-only gladed tree skiing area, located in Arena Glades and featuring a wind-protected pitch. To make every minute count, Nubs is introducing a new four-hour Freedom lift ticket, good for any consecutive four-hour period (Saturdays and Holidays only after 12:30 p.m.). Nubs purchased all new rental skis and replaced every pair of rental boots with the latest gear from Nordica. www.nubsnob.com
Pine Knob of Clarkston, (248) 625-0800, features a remodeled cafe/ski club room. Pine Knob also increased the number of snow guns by 15 percent to insure that there is ample snow on the slopes. www.skipineknob.com
Pine Mountain of Iron Mountain, (906) 774-2747, will hold two free learn to ski and ride days– December 15 and 16. Novices will receive a free lift ticket, rental and lesson. www.pinemountainresort.com
Shanty Creek Resort & Club, of Bellaire, 1-800-678-4111, is undergoing a $10 million upgrade at its Summit Village (the original Shanty Creek Lodge). There will be a major main lodge renovation, with a new face. The lobby entrance will also be renovated with tall hardwood ceilings and big windows, revealing a stunning view of Lake Bellaire. As a result, the 185-room hotel is being renamed The Lakeview Hotel & Conference Center. There will also be extensive remodeling of the Lakeview Dining Room and all meeting and banquet facilities, including the 9,000-square-foot ballroom. All the guestrooms are being redecorated. On the slopes, Shanty Creek will boast a new Magic Carpet conveyor lift. Slopes on both Schuss and the Summit have new additional grooming and snowmaking equipment and more freestyle programs and features. Families can take advantage of Value Season Lodging packages, which are free for children. The rental department has additional new rental equipment and computerized rental sign-up. www.shantycreek.com
Ski Brule of Iron River, (906) 265-6754, is inviting guests to come and be a snow groomer co-pilot on Wednesday, Friday or Saturday evenings. Reservations for the 15-minute groomer rides are required through the Bear’s Den Pro Shop. Ski Brule is offering several new group discount programs this year. The resort’s Snow How Youth Group program includes lift ticket, lesson, rental and lunch for youth groups of 20 or more, juniors and chaperones. It is $16 per person, Mon. through Thurs, reservations required. Snow How Snowboarding Wednesday is $21 per person for youth groups of 20 or more. Ski Brule has also made lodging accommodation renovations and increased snowmaking capacity, endeavoring to once again be the first to open and last to close in Michigan. www.skibrule.com
Swiss Valley of Jones near the Indiana border, (248) 244-5635 has made additional snowmaking upgrades. SkiSwissValley.com
Timber Ridge in Gobles (269) 694-9449, will host The Kalamazoo Ski & Snowboard Festival this year on October 13th. The Festival will feature a “Teton Gravity Research” movie presented on the big screen on the slope. Also the Ridge will hold their first Rail Jam of the season in the Terrain Park and a Big Air Show featuring the Schrab twins of Warren Miller movie fame. There will be equipment vendors and lots of door prizes. On the slopes, Timber Ridge will have more snowmaking with tower-mounted snow guns this year. They have a new beginner terrain park as well as new features in the current park. Special training programs in the terrain park include Park Camp, January 5 and 6 and a special Kids’ Day, January 13, 2008. www.timberridgeski.com
Treetops Resort in Treetops Village, (near Gaylord), 1-888-TREETOPS, has expanded the terrain park with a designated beginner and intermediate section. Tubing enthusiasts will be pleased with Treetops’ brand new tubes. www.treetops.com
### |
