Snowsports

Michigan Ski Resorts Get Ready for Winter

November 26, 2012

Michigan’s beautiful winter weather provides premium opportunities for winter sports fans to enjoy the season. Skiers and snowboarders can look forward to an exciting winter with many places to enjoy Michigan’s snow-filled slopes and trails. With 51 ski areas, more than 260 lifts, nearly 1,000 runs, more than 50 terrain parks and hundreds of kilometers of groomed cross-country trails, everyone can find the perfect place to enjoy some Pure Michigan snow.

Michigan’s ski resorts are constantly working to improve and grow to ensure skiers and snowboarders are having the best experience. This includes things like a new tow rope at Mt. Holiday in Traverse City, a larger ski shop at Mont Ripley in Houghton and new snow technology and special events at resorts across the state.

The following is a rundown of other improvements and special offers for the 2012-2013 season:

Upper Peninsula

Big Powderhorn, Bessemer, Mich.
Big Powderhorn is celebrating the first full winter season for the new Gun Barrel Lodge, which has received high praise for its convenient and modern design features. 1-800-501-SNOW (7669)

Blackjack Resort, Bessemer, Mich.
At Blackjack Resort, there are continued improvements in snowmaking as well as added glade skiing (runs cut through the trees). 906-229-5115

Pine Mountain, Iron Mountain, Mich.
Pine Mountain will partner with the Kiwanis Ski Club to host the Pine Mountain Ski Jump Weekend. The top jumpers in the world will be participating in this event. 906-774-2747

Mount Bohemia, Keweenaw Peninsula, Mich.
This season brings the addition of new runs and a new snocat skiing area. 231-420-5405

Marquette Mountain, Marquette, Mich.
Nine new gladed runs were marked for this year and snowmaking capacity has been increased with the purchase of additional snowmaking guns. In addition, Marquette Mountain is adding more weekday hours by opening at 11 a.m. Monday through Friday. 906-225-1155

Lower Peninsula

Nub’s Nob Ski Area, Harbor Springs, Mich.
Nub’s Nob has added six guns to the Easy Mile Slope bringing the total snowgun arsenal to 282. They increased snowmaking capacity and made some significant changes in distribution infrastructure with the addition of six guns to the Easy Mile Slope, bringing their total snowgun arsenal to 282. New grooming machines were also purchased. Families will be excited about the addition of a “just for kids” trail on the Nub’s Nob South. Additional night lighting was added to sections of Nub’s South and Dorie’s Bowl. 231-526-2131 or 1-800-SKI-NUBS

Boyne Highlands, Harbor Springs, Mich.
Boyne Highlands is featuring a new spa facility available to guests this winter, in addition to upgrades at the Main Lodge. Snowmaking capacity has been increased with the addition of 40 fan guns and the resort has added electronic live-time signage at the base of the slopes providing easy access to the open/close status of trails and chairlifts. Boyne Highlands has partnered with Burton Snowboards to develop Riglet Park for the 2012-2013 season. Riglet Parks offer on-snow play areas with fun terrain and features designed to introduce children ages 3 to 6 to snowboarding. 1-800-GO-BOYNE

Boyne Mountain, Boyne Falls, Mich.
Snowmaking efficiency and capacity has been upgraded with the installation of an additional 1,000 gallons-per-minute water pump and ten fan guns. New live-time signage provides immediate access to the open/close status of trails and chairlifts, and Boyne Mountain’s beginner chairlift, Boyneland, will see increased up-hill capacity this season with the addition of 13 triple chairs on the lift. Boyne Mountain is also introducing a Riglet Park this winter and opening a Burton-exclusive store at the resort. Boyne Mountain’s tubing park is being expanded and the resort is introducing winter fly fishing trips. 1-800-GO-BOYNE

Shanty Creek Resorts, Bellaire, Mich.,
In partnership with Monster Energy, major renovations and expansion of terrain parks have been completed. The ski area is retiring its half pipe and in its place adding Big Air ramps and landings to Elf Shelf. In addition, they are adding a beginner’s terrain park called “Low Rider.” Like many other ski areas, Shanty Creek has made improvements to its snowmaking equipment by adding ten new snow guns. For the cross-country skier, Shanty Creek is doubling the lighting on Moonlite Run. For additional diverse winter activity, they have expanded the tubing park and snowmobile rentals are returning this winter. 1-800-678-4111

Crystal Mountain, Thompsonville, Mich.
Crystal Mountain is adding snow bikes this winter for northern Michigan’s only dedicated snow bike trail system. The resort has also added to their snowmaking capacity this year with new water pipes and more snow guns. More than half of the Wintergreen condominiums units have been upgraded with new kitchens and bathrooms. 1-800-968-7686 or 231-378-2000

Caberfae Peaks, Cadillac, Mich.
Thirty-two additional energy-efficient snowmaking fan guns, along with the expansion of the snowmaking reservoir, several snowmaking pipe installations and various electrical upgrades all add up to a major increase in snow making ability. A new Bombardier Snow Groomer will assist with keeping all that snow groomed for skiing. 231-862-3000

Cross Country Ski Headquarters, Roscommon, Mich.
The resort has extended the Rolling Hills Trail and installed a big outdoor bonfire pit on the sun deck of the Stone Turtle Day Lodge. Every full moon during the ski season (snow permitting) Cross Country Ski Headquarters will light the Trapper’s Cabin ski trail with torches, creating a truly unique and memorable nighttime experience. 989-821-6661

Snow Snake Ski & Golf, Harrison, Mich.
The beginner terrain park, introduced mid-season last year, is now a permanent fixture, in addition to the main terrain park. The Zip Line, which will be open this winter, received new, upgraded landings. 989-539-6583

Mt. Holly, Holly, Mich.
The snowmaking system was expanded by adding a pump and piping which will increase water output by approximately 20 percent. More water means more snow when temperatures dip below 28 degrees this winter. 248-634-8269

Learn more about skiing in Michigan in the video below, from the Pure Michigan winter video series:

For more on skiing and snowboarding across Michigan, visit michigan.org.

Where in Michigan will you be hitting the slopes this winter? Share with us below!

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A Snowshoeing Adventure in Pure Michigan

November 21, 2012

in Guest Blogger,Outdoors,Snowsports

Snowshoeing is one of the oldest forms of transportation, but it also offers outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers a great way to explore the sights and sounds during a Pure Michigan winter.

With snowshoeing being one of many winter activities featured in A Pure Michigan Winter , we asked Theresa Neal, Tahquamenon Falls State Park naturalist, to share with us what she loves about snowshoeing during a Michigan winter.

Q. Can you tell us a little about yourself?
A. I am originally from Grand Rapids, and have lived happily in the U.P. for 7 years. My husband and I own a house in the middle of nowhere, where we enjoy the peace and quiet of the surrounding forest and nearby Lake Superior with our two dogs in tow.

Q. How did you get into snowshoeing?
A. I began snowshoeing when I worked at a nature center in Holland, taking school groups for guided hikes during the winter. I made my first pair of snowshoes at a workshop taught by Alan Wernette at Ludington State Park, and he encouraged me to begin conducting my own workshops at Tahquamenon Falls.

Q. What is your favorite thing about snowshoeing?
A. Snowshoes allow you to explore areas that are not accessible during other times of the year, such as wetlands and peatlands. Once these areas are covered with snow, it’s easy to “walk on water” and check out what is on the other side. Snowshoeing is also a great way to stay active during the winter and burn off those holiday calories!

Q. What makes snowshoeing so unique compared to other winter activities?
A. Snowshoeing can be a quiet activity, giving you the ability to hear birds calling nearby or wildlife rustling through the brush. It allows you to move about without disturbing the wildlife that lives in the area. It is also nearly impossible to get lost while snowshoeing, because you can always follow your tracks back to where you started!

Q. Do you have some favorite places to go snowshoeing?
A. My favorite place to snowshoe is the Clark Lake Natural Area, in Tahquamenon Falls State Park, north of the Lower Falls entrance. That area typically has deep snow, and it’s easy to find places where no one else has hiked, so you can go off in search of animal tracks.

Q. What advice do you have for someone who may be interested in starting to snowshoe?
A. Try out different types of snowshoes to see what kind works best for you. Many of our state park visitor centers offer guided snowshoe hikes and have a variety of styles that you can try free of charge. Porcupine Mountains, Tahquamenon Falls, Hartwick Pines and Ludington all have snowshoes that visitors can check out and staff that can answer questions about snowshoeing.

Q. What equipment is needed to start snowshoeing?
A. Winter boots and snowshoes are the only two requirements. It can be helpful to use cross country ski poles as walking sticks, both for balance and to provide an upper body workout. People get pretty warm while snowshoeing, so dressing in layers is recommended. A good rule of thumb is to dress so you start your snowshoe hike a little cold; you’ll warm up in no time!

Q. What is your favorite thing to do after a long snowshoe trip?
A. Take a nice hot sauna to loosen my muscles.

Q. What are some of your favorite winter activities when you aren’t snowshoeing?
A. I enjoy cross country skiing, especially along Lake Superior around the Whitefish Point area, where I can blaze my own trail through wind-swept snowdrifts! I also like fishing through the ice, particularly for smelt and walleye.

Q. To you, what is “Pure Michigan”?
A. Pure Michigan is taking a walk through the woods, breathing air filled with smells of the forest, and hearing nothing but the sound of your own footsteps.

Watch as Theresa takes us on a snowshoe adventure through Tahquamenon Falls in Showshoeing | A Pure Michigan Winter, from the Pure Michigan winter video series.

Have you ever been showshoeing in Michigan? Share with us below!

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Winter Ziplining in Pure Michigan

November 12, 2012

in Guest Blogger,Outdoors,Snowsports

Did you know that you can zipline in Michigan year-round? Yes, it’s true! Not only can you glide through Michigan’s forests in the summer, but also in the winter. Chris Coole, one of the producers of the Michigan winter video series, A Pure Michigan Winter, shares with us how winter offers a scenic backdrop to glide 50 feet above the air and take in the sights and sounds of Pure Michigan.

Q. Can you tell us a little about yourself?

A. I work as a senior producer/production manager with the team that produced the Pure Michigan Winter Video Series. We had a great time traveling across the state to capture all of the winter stories. I have also lived in Michigan for pretty much my entire life, except for a few years in Indiana a little while back. I have always loved this state and have a lot of great memories from my childhood of going “Up North” to our cabin in Elk Rapids, Michigan.

Q. What are some of your favorite winter activities?

A. I actually don’t do a ton of recreational activities outdoors in the winter. I have always loved sledding though and have gone skiing and snowboarding in previous years. And amazingly, I actually enjoy shoveling snow in the evening when you get that purple sky and light snowfall.

Q. Do you have favorite places or recommendations for those activities?

A. Our family always goes up to Frankenmuth around the holidays each year and have taken part in some of the indoor water parks across the state. After doing this video series, I would highly recommend the Boyne resort where we shot some of the skiing footage. It was a great time up there.

Q. What do you love about the Michigan outdoors in the winter?

A. I love fresh snow. I love waking up on the weekend and seeing a blanket of white snow outside. I also love the holiday lights and decorations in all of the towns around our area. It puts you a good mood when you drive or walk through those areas.

Q. Why do you think it’s important to get outdoors in the winter?

A. I think you can go a little stir crazy if you don’t get outside and enjoy the weather. We have a trail by our house and sometimes we’ll go for a winter stroll just to soak up the scenery and breathe in some fresh air. That always seems to relax me and I feel like a new man when I walk back inside the house.

Q. To you, what is “Pure Michigan”?

A. I think to me Pure Michigan is going “Up North.” Our trips to our cabin in Elk Rapids are some of my fondest memories as a kid and I always get a special feeling when my family jumps on I-75 on our way up north. I can remember the anticipation of reaching our destination and how fun it was to vacation near Traverse City on Elk Lake.

Q. What do you like about ziplining?

A. Well this was my first time ziplining so my experience is from a newbie’s perspective. But I really, really liked it. It was a whole lot of fun. The instructors were really great to work with and were cracking jokes the entire time. The only time I was a bit nervous was right before that first run. It was awesome and I couldn’t wait to get to the next run. I had two highlights during my experience: the instructors encouraged us to try and lock our legs together above our harness in order to zipline upside down, it took a couple of tries but I was able to master it, and then at one point we were encouraged to try a front flip because the platform was more than high enough. I thought “How many times in your life do you get to try and do a front flip off a platform in the middle of the woods” I thought I would have about a 50 percent chance of success, but I did it and afterward I kind of felt like a ninja. It was also cool to capture all my jumps with a GroPro cam strapped to my helmet.

Q. How is ziplining different in the winter months? Describe the experience, sights and sounds.

A. I would imagine scenery is the biggest difference between ziplining during the different seasons. Ziplining is similar to other winter sports in the fact that, once you get going you don’t even notice the cold because you are having so much fun.

Q. Is ziplining an activity that everyone can do? Who do you think would enjoy ziplining?

A. I think anyone can zipline. The instructors are great and teach you everything you need to know. You are hooked after just one jump. Our group included zipliners from all age groups and everyone had a blast. As for who would enjoy it, I think anyone who is looking for an adventure and gets a kick out of trying new things. I really hadn’t ever thought about even trying this before this video project— but I will totally do it again if I get the chance.

Q. Ziplining is one of many things you can do in Michigan in the winter – do you have any other suggestions on things that people should consider doing?

A. I think all of the outdoor sports are a great way to relax and enjoy our great state. While shooting these videos I got the ski and snowboard bug, even though I haven’t participated in those activities in years. Anything that gets you outdoors for a few hours and gives you a chance to get your mind off the daily grind is a great way to experience Pure Michigan.

Click below to see Ziplining | A Pure Michigan Winter, from the Pure Michigan winter video series.

Chris Coole is a video producer in the metro Detroit area. While filming A Pure Michigan Winter, he was able to experience Michigan’s many winter offerings firsthand.

Have you ever been ziplining in Michigan? Share with us below!

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A Pure Michigan Winter

November 8, 2012

in Guest Blogger,Outdoors,Snowsports

The Farmers’ Almanac is predicting that Michigan will be a snowy, winter wonderland this year, and we can’t wait to show everyone how much fun a Pure Michigan winter is. Michigan is home to more than 4,000 miles of snowmobile trails, 3,000 miles of cross country ski trails, beautiful terrain for snowshoeing and much more. We are the birthplace of snowboarding and organized skiing, ranking second in the nation for number of ski areas.

Today, we launched the Pure Michigan winter video series to showcase the variety of attractions and activities that make the winter months a great time to visit. From sweeping views of Michigan’s sparkling winter landscape to extreme sports in motion, the series will feature a total of 13 videos released over the course of the next two months.

Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast, a thrill seeker, looking for a family getaway or anywhere in between, check out the adventures a Michigan winter has to offer in our new Michigan winter adventure video series.

To help kick off our series, we asked Dave Lorenz, Manager of Public and Industry Relations for Travel Michigan and our go-to guy for Michigan destinations, to explain what he loves about the winter months in our state.

One of the great things about Michigan, as a travel destination and as a place to live, is that we get to enjoy four very distinctly different seasons. Sometimes it seems, all on the same day. Most people think of Michigan as the place to experience “America’s perfect summer”. For me, the best time to enjoy the splendor of this beautiful place is during the winter months.

When I admit this to others, most people start to cringe just a bit. But, it’s true. I’m that guy who can’t wait to pull out the snow shovel, stack the wood-pile high and unpack the ski gear. For me, winter in Michigan is a magical time, especially if you get out there and enjoy it. Here’s a short list of some of my favorite winter-time activities. If you haven’t tried them before, give them a try. You’ll be glad you did.

Skiing, downhill and cross country

I was 25 years old when I learned to ski. I had always thought that skiing was for “real athletes” so it was a real surprise to learn that skiing is just controlled falling, so to speak. Friends taught me to ski but if you want expert advice, several of our ski operators throughout the state offer lessons for people of all ages.

Snowmobiling

There are so many fantastic places to snowmobile in Michigan. We have hundreds of miles of groomed trails and several sled rental operators and guides. My favorite experience was when a guide showed me how to cross a section of Lake Superior ice to get to Grand Island, in Munising. I was joined by a travel writer from the south who had never even seen snow before. He later told me it was one of the best experiences of his life.

Ice climbing

The UP is one of the best places in the world to ice climb. It’s the home of Michigan Ice Fest, a national ice climbing festival, and for good reason. There are several waterfalls in the Pictured Rocks region for example that freeze up and build walls of ice that are perfect for climbing. The folks at Downwind Sports in Marquette showed me that climbing ice is like climbing a ladder, although it proved to be about a thousand times more difficult. After you figure out the basic balance issues, most people will love this.

Some of my other favorite winter activities include snowshoeing, dog sledding and hiking our snow covered trails. But, one of the best things about it all, is that at the end of your winter adventure you can come back to a cozy cottage, world-class resort or great restaurant and take in the beautiful scenery from the indoors. A Michigan winter truly offers something for everyone to enjoy.

Cross your fingers for plenty of snow and we can’t wait to hear about your Michigan winter adventures.

Check out the kickoff video for the new Michigan winter adventure series below, and let us know what you’re looking forward to this winter in Michigan!

David Lorenz is the Manager of Public and Industry Relations for Travel Michigan. He oversees Travel Michigan’s public relations activities. He also manages Travel Michigan’s efforts in the areas of international marketing, packaged travel, conventions and meetings, industry relations, golf and sports-event promotion.

Prior to coming to Travel Michigan in October 2002, Mr. Lorenz was the Manager, Partnerships and Promotions, for Meijer, Inc. where he was responsible for the facilitation of collaborative marketing programs with key consumer goods manufacturers.

David Lorenz attended Western Michigan University. He lives in Norton Shores with his wife, Roberta, and son, Tyler.

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Iditarod Sled Dogs – From Michigan to Alaska

November 6, 2012

in Events,Guest Blogger,Outdoors,Snowsports

Did you know that you can find Iditarod sled dogs right here in Michigan? Tasha Stielstra, owner of Nature’s Kennel Iditarod Sled Dog Racing and Adventures, fills us in on why she and her husband train their Iditarod team in Michigan over other states and what it entails.

Learn more about dog sledding in Michigan on michigan.org. If you’re interested in fall tours, see Tasha’s past post on fall dog sledding.

Iditarod sled dogs in Michigan? You bet! My husband, Ed, has completed Alaska’s 1,049 mile Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race seven times. What makes our Michigan-based team extraordinary is that for the past two years, Ed has been the only musher from outside of Alaska or Canada to complete the race. We are often asked if and when we will move to Alaska. And our answer is, “Never”. There are unique challenges that we face while training our Iditarod team in Michigan for a race that spans across the state of Alaska, but the fact is that training is training, no matter where you live. There could always be an excuse for not going for a run (it’s too cold, too wet, too hot, too…) but regardless of where you are, if you don’t do it, you’re not training.

I’ve lived with Iditarod sled dogs now for about nine years (and my Iditarod-addicted husband for fifteen years), and every time I think of the Iditarod, I am amazed at what an Alaskan Husky sled dog can do. I looked up a marathon training regime from one of the best known marathon trainers and runners in the world, Midwestern running icon Hal Higdon. Hal is probably the closest human equivalent to an Iditarod sled dog. Hal figures that he has been continuously running since 1949, a fact that I find amazing as well. Hal suggests an 18-week training program for running a 26.2 mile marathon. The first week of March a little less than 18 weeks away. The first week of March is the start of Iditarod 2013. The Iditarod is approximately one thousand miles or thirty-eight marathons in length, run back-to-back. I don’t even have to put the fact into writing, Iditarod dogs are amazing.

Ed and I raise and train our Iditarod sled dogs from our home in McMillan (90 minutes northwest of the Mackinac Bridge). In about 2 years’ time, our pups go from slobbery, kissy, roly-poly puppies to slobbery, kissy, Iditarod veterans. If Hal Higdon were to take one our dog dogs for a walk down the street, you probably would not even glance twice. Both man and dog would appear very average. Fact is, neither are average. Hal (born June 17, 1931-age 81) has finished 111 marathons and Rhu (born June 12, 2005-age 7) has finished 114 Iditarod marathons. Rhu weighs about 45 pounds, likes to ride in the car and sleep in the bed. I’m guessing Hal is a bit (but not much) heavier, and also likes to ride in the car and sleep in bed!

With less than 18 weeks to go, Iditarod marathon training in Michigan is in full swing. We are excited to make our state proud once again this year as Michigan’s one and only Iditarod team. You can follow Rhu, our team and our progress at www.natureskennel.com.

Tasha Stielstra is co-owner of Nature’s Kennel Iditarod Sled Dog Racing and Adventures in McMillan, MI. Her husband, Ed is a 7-time Iditarod finisher. They own nearly 160 Alaskan Huskies and two small children, Fern and Nate. Tasha does the marketing and managing for their touring business, chases puppies down the trail, and spends a great deal of time playing with monster trucks (with 2-year old Nate). Nature’s Kennel can be found online at www.natureskennel.com or on Facebook at Nature’s Kennel.

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