11 Dec Want to learn to ski or snowboard? This January, “Discover Michigan Skiing!”
Clarkston, MI (December 2023) – Ski areas across Michigan have teamed up with Michigan McDonald’s restaurants to offer a fun and affordable program to learn to ski or snowboard.
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-one ski facilities are offering the package, or their own similar version, which will be honored from January 2 through January 31, 2024. Guests can choose to learn to downhill ski, cross-country or snowboard and the program is open to anyone seven years and older for downhill or cross-country skiing, 10 and up for snowboarding. The cost is $60, regardless of which option is chosen. Some ski areas charge less. They are noted on the web page. The lesson normally covers basic maneuvering on skis or snowboards, including stopping, turning, riding the lifts, and getting up from a fall.
“Michigan is the perfect state to learn to ski or snowboard in,” says Steve Kershner, chairman of the Michigan Snowsports Industries Association (MSIA) and director of snow sports at Shanty Creek Resort. “No matter where you live, there is a ski area within 2 1/2 hours of your home, our slopes aren’t as intimidating or expensive as the mountains in the West and you’ll find trained, friendly instructors who know how to make it a really fun experience,” he adds.
To sign up, interested beginners must either fill out a Discover Michigan Skiing Voucher and then call the ski area they wish to visit for an appointment or register online. Program times differ from ski area to ski area.
Participating ski areas – Upper Peninsula: Big Powderhorn in Bessemer; Marquette Mountain in Marquette; Mont Ripley in Hancock; Pine Mountain in Iron Mountain; Ski Brule in Iron River; Snowriver Mountain Resort in Bessemer. Northwestern Lower Peninsula: Boyne Mountain in Boyne Falls; Cross Country Ski Headquarters in Roscommon (cost: $40); Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville (offers a slightly different program); Mt. Holiday in Traverse City; Nubs Nob in Harbor Springs (offers a slightly different program); Shanty Creek Resort in Bellaire (offers an additional learning program); The Highlands at Harbor Springs; The Homestead in Glen Arbor. North Central Lower Peninsula: Forbush Corners in Frederic (cost: $45); Hanson Hills in Grayling; Treetops Resort in Gaylord. West Central Lower Peninsula: Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park in North Muskegon. Southwestern Lower Peninsula: Timber Ridge Ski Area in Gobles. Southeastern Lower Peninsula: Mt. Brighton in Brighton; Mt. Holly in Holly; Pine Knob in Clarkston.
Additional information on Discover Michigan Skiing is available goskimichigan.com/discover-michigan-skiing or by calling MSIA at (248) 620-4448.
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