Pure Michigan Travel - Snowboarding Highlights

Olympian Snowboarders at Otsego Ski Club

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:25:07 GMT

This winter, Northern Michigan’s Otsego Ski Club will host some of the world’s top Olympic snowboard athletes training for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. Watch and learn from some of the best snowboarders from teams from the United States, Japan, Australia and New Zealand will gather at the club in Gaylord, Michigan during practice sessions through December and January.

The primary attraction to the Otsego Club is the resort’s Planet terrain park, which boasts a 22-foot pipe--the largest east of the Rockies. This Olympic-sized half pipe, with its awesome jumps, and rails is very similar to the one that the Olympian athletes perform on during the 2010 competition.

In addition to the gigantic pike, the resort also lures skiers and snowboarders to its O-Park with three separate terrain parks and a full-length boarder-cross course and an indoor skate bowl, which is a favorite among kids and boarders.

For information about other events, specials and vacation packages, visit the Otsego Club & Resort.

Discover Michigan Snowsports

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 17:57:09 GMT

When the snow falls, Michigan is a winter wonderland! With dozens of challenging downhill and Nordic ski areas, family-friendly lodging, top notch instructional programs, and plenty of après ski diversions, the state deserves its outstanding reputation.

As a seemingly endless bolt of alluring, white carpeting is rolled out across the two peninsulas, Michigan is fit for winter royalty. Downhill skiing, snowboarding, cross country skiing, tubing and snowshoeing in Michigan offer enough thrills to cure any case of cabin fever. This diversity of snowsport options, often within a single resort or ski area, invites families to vacation together, and still lets everyone do their own thing.

Many Michigan resorts and ski areas offer outstanding learn-to-ski programs for beginners of every age, and for experienced skiers looking to stay sharp. Check our list of downhill ski areas and cross country destinations to find the perfect class.

Ski areas across the state have teamed up with Michigan McDonald’s restaurants to offer an exciting and very affordable introduction to the sport of skiing and snowboarding, Discover Michigan Snowsports. 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. The lesson normally covers basic maneuvering on skis or snowboards, including stopping, turning, riding the lifts and getting up from a fall. The prices for the Discover Michigan Snowsports 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 seven years and older. The cost includes the lesson, lift ticket and rental equipment.

For the most up-to-date snowsports information, contact the Michigan Snowsports Association.

Skiing at Nubs Nob in Harbor Springs

Fri, 13 Feb 2009 19:47:21 GMT

Every year we have gone skiing at Nub's Nob Ski Area in Harbor Springs, MI and it is fantastic! For those of you who haven't tried skiing/snowboarding or haven't went skiing up north, you have really missed out. From the trails of Foo Foo Land to the Double-Black Diamond Superpipe, there is a run for everyone. Voted North America's best terrian park and Michigan's best ski resort, Nub's Nob has so much to offer! Whether you just want to relax in the cozy lodge or hit the slopes, Nub's Nob is a place you can't miss out on. Skiing for eight years there you would think you would get tired of it, but every year there's something new to try and it just gets better and better! Going skiing at Nub's Nob is another reason why Michigan is enjoyable all year round!