skiing in michigan

Hit the Michigan Slopes this Spring Break

March 27, 2013

Photo courtesy of Crystal Mountain Resort

With most school spring breaks coming early this year, the recent cool temperatures and lake-effect snowfall, it turns out that Michigan is the ideal place for a spring break ski vacation.

Mickey MacWillliams, executive director of the Michigan Snowsports Industries Association, fills us in on spring skiing in Pure Michigan.

Mother Nature was a little late this winter, but once she provided us with cold weather and snow, she just didn’t stop! What makes this ideal is that spring break for most schools is early this year and that means families can take advantage of unprecedented snow conditions right now, right here in Michigan.

Plus, to entice folks to ski instead of fleeing to warmer climates, our ski areas are offering great discounts and special events. I encourage skiers to check MSIA’s website at goskimichigan.com and click on the “News, Events, Specials & Discounts” button, which is updated almost daily. Here is a link to that page.

Many Michigan ski areas are still open, but it’s always best to check before heading out to be sure. The following ski areas are either open now, or will be open on the weekends:

Upper Peninsula

Big Powderhorn, Bessemer
Blackjack, Bessemer
Indianhead Mountain, Wakefield
Marquette Mountain, Marquette
Mont Ripley, Houghton
Mt. Bohemia, Lac La Belle
Pine Mountain, Iron Mountain
Porcupine Mountain, Ontonagon
Ski Brule, Iron River

Lower Peninsula

Boyne Highlands, Harbor Springs (possibly April 6-7)
Boyne Mountain, Boyne Falls
Caberfae Peaks, Cadillac
Crystal Mountain, Thompsonville
Cross-Country Ski Headquarters, Roscommon
Nubs Nob, Harbor Springs
Pando Winter Sports Park, Rockford
Pine Knob, Clarkston
Shanty Creek, Bellaire

Will you be hitting the slopes this spring?

Mickey MacWillliams is the executive director of the Michigan Snowsports Industries Association. To learn more about skiing in Michigan, visit goskimichigan.com or michigan.org.

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An Introduction to Indianhead Mountain

March 12, 2013

in GeoCoded,Guest Blogger,Outdoors,Snowsports

Jesse Land of the travel site “Things to do in the U.P.” is a native Yooper who’s always willing to jump at the chance to explore Michigan’s great outdoors. Today, he fills us in on a recent ski trip he took to Indianhead Mountain Resort.

No, it’s Not Powderhorn

As a good friend of mine observed last year before our annual western U.P. ski trip, when you mention you’re going skiing in the Western U.P., most people assume you’re heading to Big Powderhorn.

While Big Powderhorn may be the most well-known ski resort of the area, there are two others right nearby that deserve much more than an honorable mention. Namely, Indianhead and Blackjack. For this post we’ll take a look at Indianhead.

You Start Out On Top

One cool thing about Indianhead is that the lodge and parking area are at the top of the mountain, so your first trip of the day is down the mountain, not uphill on a ski lift. It’s a nice way to start things off!

As you might expect, the lodge at Indianhead is equipped with plenty of space for those who want to pack their own lunch, but it’s also got a pretty sweet restaurant / bar called “The Sky Bar Mountaintop Grill.” And the name is well deserved. The view from most tables in the place is fantastic. (They also make a great Bloody Mary.)

And it’s a Long Way Down

Indianhead’s 638 foot vertical drop is one of the largest in the Midwest, and whoever planned the hill did a great job carving out some nice long runs. My wife and I actually stuck to the same two runs all day long.

She’s a beginning skier and I’m an intermediate, but we both had a blast skiing Voyager’s Highway (a beginner run) and Chippewa (an intermediate run) repeatedly. Each run was easy enough for her to practice her skiing, but long enough (and with enough ups and downs) for me to really enjoy them too.

As a side note, I have skied every run at Indianhead and while these two are a couple of my favorites, every run is well worth exploring.

Then There’s the Tough Stuff

Of course, if double black diamonds and moguls are your thing, check out “Hiawatha” and “Crazy Horse” on the east side of the mountain. These steep runs are a challenge for even experienced skiers and snowboarders.

“Some Folks Just Make One Run Each Day… to the Red Dog”

And then, there’s “The Red Dog.”

My first time at Indianhead, I was talking to the elderly lady at the ticket counter as she chuckled “some people only make one run of the day… to the Red Dog.”

You see, in addition to the Sky Bar at the top of the hill, there’s a pretty substantial outpost called “The Red Dog Saloon” at the bottom of the mountain. Apparently some people like to ski, and then some people just like to ski their way to the bar.

My wife and stopped in the Red Dog for a Bloody Mary and a coffee late the first morning of our trip, and by Noon we were heading back to the hill and the place was packed, much more so than the Sky Bar. And it didn’t seem like any of the patrons planned to leave anytime soon.

In Closing…

All in all, everyone in our group of around fifteen people was pleasantly surprised by how much we all enjoyed Indianhead.

There were definitely plenty of families on the hill, but I got the impression that this hill tends to cater toward a slightly more adult crowd (compared to Powderhorn). That could also be because I wasn’t there on a family excursion, but suffice to say if you head to Indianhead with a group of friends you’re bound to have a great time, both on and off the hill.

A native Yooper, Jesse Land lives in Iron Mountain and enjoys hiking, biking, skiing, and camping with his family. He runs the U.P. travel site “Things to do in the U.P.” (www.thingstodointheup.com).

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Family Fun at Krazy Daze at Boyne Highlands

March 6, 2013

in Events,Guest Blogger

Looking for something fun to do with family and friends this month? Consider heading to Krazy Daze at Boyne Highlands on March 16^th! From live bands and wild costumes to ski races and events geared just for kids, Krazy Daze offers something for everyone. To learn more, we spoke with Erin Ernst, Director of Communications for BOYNE.

Q: Can you tell us a little about yourself and Boyne Resorts?

A: I am the Director of Communications for BOYNE, which is comprised of Boyne Highlands Resort, Boyne Mountain Resort, The Inn at Bay Harbor – A Renaissance Golf Resort, Bay Harbor Golf Club, Boyne Country Sports and Boyne Realty. Each is a member of the Boyne Resorts family of resorts and attractions.

Q: For those who aren’t familiar, what is Krazy Daze?

A: Krazy Daze takes place Saturday, March 16 and is a full day celebration of spring skiing, kids fun, and a variety of on-hill races for all ages.

Q: What types of family activities will be going on at Krazy Daze?

A: Family activities include on-hill race events like a Jump Competition, The Krazy Cup and Silly Slalom, plus the always popular, Ski Over the Pond, and face painting and inflatables set-up at the base of the slopes for kids to enjoy.

Q: Are there any other events going on this month at the Mountain or Highlands?

A: March is packed full of fun! The springtime offers bluebird days, sunshine, warmer temperatures, softer snow and loads of fun events. Our March line-up includes a new Kids’ Festival Weekend at Boyne Mountain on March 8-10; the 4^th Annual Brew-Ski Festival at Boyne Highlands on March 9; Krazy Daze at Boyne Highlands on March 16 and Carnival Weekend at Boyne Mountain, March 15-17; followed by Easter Weekend and a whole line-up of fun for Spring Break at Boyne Mountain. Spring Breakers will be able to enjoy great skiing, plus all the adventures of Avalanche Bay Indoor Waterpark and family entertainment like Zipline Adventure Tours, wagon rides, story time, family movies, bonfires and s’mores, and more.

Q: There is much more to do than just ski and snowboard for visitors to Boyne Mountain and Boyne Highlands. What other activities at the resorts or in the area do you recommend?

A: Yes, there sure is! Zipline Adventures are great fun. We offer two options at the resorts – the Zipline Adventure Tour is a two-and-a-half hour guided tour of multiple lines (8 lines at Boyne Highlands and 9 lines at Boyne Mountain) that start at the top of the slopes and zipline back to the base area, and Twin Zip Rides, which are a double zipline that you can ride and race against friends and family. Boyne Highlands has the longest single zipline in Michigan at 1,350 feet long. Both Boyne Highlands and Boyne Mountain offer spa experiences, and as well as cross country skiing, snowshoeing, tubing, and horse-drawn wagon rides. Boyne Mountain Resort is also home to Michigan’s largest indoor waterpark, Avalanche Bay. At 88,000 square feet, the park features water fun for all ages including five waterslides, a shallow children’s pool, a wet climbing wall, an activity pool to shoot hoops, a lazy river for floating, two hot tubs, the interactive Splasherhorn Mountain, a surf simulator, mega arcade, eateries and more. Also, with Boyne Highlands located in Harbor Springs and Boyne Mountain nearby Boyne City, both resorts are also situated near distinctive towns that offer great shopping, eateries and that also host a number of special events.

Q: When is the last day to hit the slopes this year?

A: Skiing conditions have been fantastic and with the quantity of snow we have and the long-range weather forecast, we expect our ski season at Boyne Mountain to run into mid-April. The final day of skiing and snowboarding at Boyne Highlands is Sunday, March 24.

Q: Where can people go to learn more about Krazy Daze?

A: To learn more about Krazy Daze or any of the other events and activities at Boyne Highlands and Boyne Mountain, visit www.BOYNE.com or call 800.GO.BOYNE (462.6963).

Erin Ernst is the Director of Communications for BOYNE and has worked in the resort industry for over ten years specializing in public relations, communications and marketing. Ernst serves as a board member of several travel and tourism organizations including the Petoskey Area Visitors Bureau, West Michigan Tourist Association, Great Lakes Winter Trails Council and North American Snowsports Journalist Association.

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Soft Snow, Long Days and Great Discounts on Michigan’s Slopes

March 4, 2013

in Guest Blogger,Outdoors,Snowsports

March means the start of warmer weather and longer days in Pure Michigan. It also means prime time for hitting the slopes! To learn about spring skiing in Michigan, we spoke with Mickey MacWillliams, executive director of the Michigan Snowsports Industries Association.

Q: We understand that there are some great deals for skiing and snowboarding in Michigan during March. Can you tell us a little about this?

A: Shorter lift lines, low-season rates, carnivals and other fun activities plus some of the best snow conditions await skiers and snowboarders on Michigan ski slopes in March. Many ski areas remain open through the end of March, and some stay open well into April because of deep bases of natural and machine-made snow. To entice folks to ski instead of fleeing to warmer climates, our ski areas have come up with some pretty creative ways to get us out on the slopes.

Q: Can you give us some examples?

A: Spring carnivals with ski races across man-made ponds, costume contests, St. Patrick’s Day celebrations and other events abound. Just about every ski area in the state has some sort of spring carnival with special reduced lift tickets or lodging rates. I encourage skiers to check MSIA’s website, goskimichigan.com and click on the “News, Events, Specials & Discounts” button, which is updated almost daily. Here is a link to that page. A Monster Energy Slush Cup race at Shanty Creek, Sausage Fest at Indianhead Mountain, Huck Finn Snowboard Series at Treetops Resort, Brew-Ski Festival at Boyne Highlands and a treasure hunt, moon bounce and petting zoo at Ski Brule are just a few of the events listed. Easy links to Michigan ski area websites and snow conditions are also available from that Website.

Q: Besides wacky events and beer, what else does spring skiing offer?

A: Spring is my favorite time of the year to ski. The days are longer, the sun is high in the sky, the snow is soft and ski areas offer discount rates to get people on the slopes one last time. Efficient snowmaking has given Michigan ski areas the ability to provide consistently good snow conditions all winter long,. Most ski areas across the state are scheduled to be open for at least a few more weeks. Those in the northern portion of the Lower Peninsula and those in the Upper Peninsula typically stay open at least into late March. Although some Michigan ski areas stay open into April, I always advise skiers to check the website for snow conditions at the ski area they plan to visit before heading out. Links to ski conditions across Michigan are available on MSIA’s website, here.

Mickey MacWillliams is the executive director of the Michigan Snowsports Industries Association. To learn more about skiing in Michigan, visit goskimichigan.com or michigan.org.

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Cross Country Skiing in Pure Michigan

January 7, 2013

in Outdoors,Snowsports

The start of a new year means new goals and for many of us, getting in shape is on the list.

A Michigan winter provides the perfect terrain and scenery to get in shape outdoors while enjoying the sights and sounds of nature. One activity that is great for families, beginners and experienced athletes alike is cross country skiing. You can burn up to 500 calories per hour while enjoying the peaceful Michigan winter landscape far away from the crowds at the gym.

Michigan cross country skiing trails stretch over 3,000 miles and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources grooms various state forest pathways to provide trails across the northern Lower and Upper Peninsulas. It is also a great way to observe wildlife – from tracks in the snow to seeing birds and animals up close, it’s an experience that you can only get outdoors.

With cross country skiing being one of the many activities featured in A Pure Michigan Winter, we compiled a list of just a few trails to check out this winter. For a complete list of cross country skiing trails in Michigan, visit Cross Country Ski Trails in Michigan State Parks and Recreation Areas.

Cadillac Pathway has 11.3 miles of groomed trail with varying terrain that allow users to determine the length of trail and degree of difficulty they desire. Trailhead parking lots are located five miles northeast of Cadillac on 13th Street and on Seeley Road, north of Boon Road.

Bring your skis, snowshoes or just your hiking boots to Van Riper State Park for enchanted evenings of fun in the snow from 6-9 p.m. on Saturdays, Jan. 19 and Feb. 16. Experience the beautiful lit trail at Van Riper with your family and friends or make it a romantic date night. The trail will be lit from 6-9 p.m. For details, call the park, 906-339-4461. The park is located at 851 County Road AKE in Champion, Mich. 49814 in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

Enjoy an evening ski or snowshoe along a lantern-lit trail through the snow covered forests of the Upper Falls at Tahquamenon State Park during one of their Lantern-Lit Cross-country ski and strolls. Events take place from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on Saturdays, Feb. 2, 9, 16 and 23. Warm up by the bonfire with refreshments along the 1-mile loop. A limited number of snowshoes are available to borrow at no charge. Participants must provide their own cross country ski equipment. A headlamp is recommended during overcast evenings. Meet at the Upper Falls Fact Shack. The park is located at 41382 W. M 123 in Paradise, Mich., 49768 in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. For details, call 906-492-3415.

Pine Baron Pathway, southwest of Gaylord, provides beginners and intermediate skiers with nearly 9 miles of well-groomed trail that meanders through beautiful woods. The trailhead parking lot is located on Lone Pine Road. Three of the four loops are fairly level, and the remaining loop has several good downhill runs that will interest the intermediate skier.

Join other cross-country skiers for a magical winter evening from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 9 when the snow-covered forest at Hartwick Pines State Park is warmed by the glow of lantern light. Skiers can traverse the 1.25-mile, groomed cross-country trail, guided by more than 75 lanterns along the way. Meet at the Hartwick Pines Logging Museum. It is recommended that skiers be of intermediate skill to participate in this event.

Wildwood Hills Pathway, a three-looped trail covering approximately 9 miles of beautiful rolling hills in Indian River near Petoskey, offers a more challenging course for the intermediate skier.

Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, located on the south shore of Lake Superior near Silver City in Ontonagon County, is offering cross-country skiing and snowshoeing by lantern light in late December, and on Saturday evenings in January and February. Nearly 80 old-fashioned kerosene lanterns will illuminate a 1-mile trail for a unique and memorable experience. Stop halfway around the loop at the warming shelter and join the park naturalist for a campfire and refreshments.

Blueberry Ridge, just south of Marquette, has the bumps for advanced skiers, the flats for beginners and is very well maintained. There are 12 miles of groomed trails. The three north loops have side-by-side diagonal-groomed tracks so people can ski next to each other. The 1.7-mile lighted central loop is groomed for both diagonal-stride and ski-skating, as are the south two loops.

Algonquin Pathway, located south of Sault Ste Marie on 16th Avenue West. This pathway has 15 km (9 miles) of groomed trail that is laid out in three loops. The 1.6 mile lighted trail is the first loop off the trailhead parking lot. This pathway straddles old beach ridges and passes through mixed-age aspen intermixed with pine and hardwood.

Learn more in Cross Country Skiing | A Pure Michigan winter, from the Pure Michigan winter video series.