Gearing Up for the Slopes
Photo courtesy Boyne Resorts
This guest post comes to you from Nick Nerbonne. A lifelong skier, he even chose to attend the University of Utah just to have access to some of the best skiing in the country. Northern Michigan might not have the “mountains” of the west, but it still offers some great skiing as Nick recaps here.
You’ve seen the snowflakes flying. You’ve felt the temperatures dipping. You might have even scraped your car windows or shoveled the walk. Winter’s here, and for those of us waiting to hit the slopes, it’s time to grab the skis and snowboards out of the garage, dig the winter gear out of the storage closet, and get out on the snow for the first turns of the season.
Sure, we haven’t had that big early snowfall yet (planning a snow dance now), but snowmaking has been underway at resorts across northern Michigan since just after Thanksgiving to lend Mother Nature a hand, and lifts will be spinning at several snow sports destinations this weekend.
Ready to hit the snow? Here’s a round-up of what’s happening and who’s opening among northern Michigan ski resorts.
Boyne Highlands (77 miles Northeast of Traverse City in Harbor Springs)
“The Highlands” became the first ski resort to open in the northern lower peninsula earlier this week when their Heather High-Speed Quad began carrying skiers and riders to the top of Heather on Tuesday. With several good days of snowmaking temps since then, it sounds like they’ll be opening more terrain for the weekend.
Opening Date: Opened Tuesday, November 27
Early Season Deal: Six people ski and ride for the price of one lift ticket at Boyne’s annual 6-for-1 day on Friday, December 21.
More info: http://www.boyne.com/BoyneHighlands/index.html
Boyne Mountain (59 miles Northeast of Traverse City in Boyne Falls)
It’s looking like winter at Boyne Mountain (pictured), and the six-person Mountain Express high-speed chair will be whisking skiers and riders to the top beginning Friday. Snowmaking has covered favorites like Victor, Hemlock, and McLouth – among others – with snow, but check Boyne’s snow report to confirm which terrain will be open for the weekend.
Opening Date: Friday, November 30
Early Season Deal: 6-for-1 Day also takes place at Boyne Mountain December 21. Grab the family, or five friends, and ski and ride for the price of one lift ticket.
More info: http://www.boyne.com/BoyneMountain/index.html
Caberfae Peaks (51 miles South of Traverse City near Cadillac)
Skiers and snowboarders in Cadillac can get stoked about riding the Peaks just west of town beginning this Friday. Caberfae Peaks’ inland location and higher elevation often leads to good early-season snowmaking temps, and this year is no different. As of this writing, The Peaks plans to have 3 lifts and 7 runs open beginning Friday.
Opening Date: Friday, November 30
Early Season Deal: 2012-13 season passes start at $149.
More info: http://caberfaepeaks.com/
Crystal Mountain (28 miles southwest of Traverse City)
The snowmaking crew at Crystal has been busy covering the slopes in a blanket of white, but no opening date has been announced. Until the Crystal Clipper high-speed quad starts running (hopefully soon), get in ship-shape for the slopes with Ski Fitness Training at Crystal’s Peak Fitness Center.
Opening Date: Not yet announced
Early Season Deal: Crystal’s new Ski More Lift Card ($49) gives the cardholder one Open-to-Close lift ticket and discounts on additional lift tickets throughout the 2012-13 season. Available until December 8.
More info: www.crystalmountain.com
Nub’s Nob (76 miles Northeast of Traverse City in Harbor Springs)
4” of natural snow this week, added to Nub’s always-aggressive snowmaking efforts, has helped the Nub’s crew have two lifts and at least three runs ready to open Friday, with additional terrain opening for Saturday and Sunday. Heading up for a half day? Grab one of northern Michigan’s best sandwiches at Gurney’s Market in downtown Harbor Springs on the way to the slopes.
Opening Date: Friday, November 30
Early Season Deal: A $25 Tune Center Special is in effect until opening day.
More info: www.nubsnob.com
Shanty Creek Resorts (30 miles Northeast of Traverse City in Bellaire)
Snowmaking is underway at Shanty, and despite making “huge strides” in building a base, the resort near Bellaire announced Wednesday that they’ll be waiting until they can add more to it before opening. Until then, if you’re in the neighborhood, stop into The Lakeview Restaurant at Summit Village for a craft brew from nearby Short’s Brewing.
Opening Date: Not yet announced
Early Season Deal: Unlimited Super Pass on sale for $399.
More info: www.shantycreek.com
