02 Mar World Record for most ski areas in 24 hours accomplished in Michigan

Michigan skier and snowboarder break World Record for most ski areas in 24 hours

February 27, 2022 – Clarkston, MI – Beginning at noon on Saturday, February 26 and ending on Sunday, February 27, Michigan skier Kyle Kelly from Caledonia and snowboarder friend Brad Dykstra of Hopkins broke the Guinness World Record for the most ski areas skied in a 24-hour period.  The previous record of 17 was set in Japan by a Canadian and Australian in 2017.  Kelly and Dykstra went big, breaking the record with visits to 22 ski areas as they traveled 763 miles around the state.

“Michigan was the perfect place to attempt this record,” says Kelly.  “According to the Michigan Snowsports Industries Association (MSIA) no matter where you are in the state, you are within a two-hour drive of a ski area,” he adds.

The pair began their route in Harbor Springs at Nub’s Nob at noon on Saturday, February 26, then headed to The Highlands, then Challenge Mountain in Walloon Hills, Boyne Mountain in Boyne City, Treetops Resort and Otsego Resort in Gaylord, Hanson Hills in Grayling, Shanty Creek (Schuss Mtn. slopes) in Bellaire, Mt. Holiday and Hickory Hills in Traverse City, The Homestead in Glen Arbor, Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville, Caberfae Peaks in Cadillac, and Snow Snake in Harrison.  They then drive downstate and on Sunday, at 3:45 a.m., they begin again with Mt. Holly in Holly, Pine Knob in Clarkston, Alpine Valley in White Lake, Mount Brighton in Brighton, Swiss Valley in Jones, Timber Ridge in Goebles, Bittersweet in Otsego, and ending at 11:30 at Cannonsburg in Belmont, where they were greeted with a “Guinness Smash Bash” victory celebration.

“In order to complete this, we arrived at some of the ski areas during times when they aren’t open for skiing,” said Kelly. “We are truly thankful to all these resorts for going out of their way to accommodate us,” he added.  Kelly and Dykstra also wanted to thank the volunteer witnesses.  “Guinness requires a lot of documentation, photos, and videos.  It was amazing that we had people all along our route come out to help,” Kelly added.

“Michigan is tied with New York for the most ski areas of any state,” says Mickey MacWilliams, MSIA executive director.  “It’s the perfect place to attempt this feat because skiing is so accessible here,” she added.   ###