It’s getting to be that time of the year again. Resorts and ski areas are scrambling to get the last minute touches on terrain changes and upgrades for this season, some areas like Ski Brule are already open. With a rash of storms up and down the east coast, colder temps and changing pressure systems in the upper Midwest, we’re getting pumped on the upcoming season!
Once again we have scoured the web, reached out to our resort contacts to find out what you can expect this season.
Alpine Valley – While Lake, MI
Similar to updates last year, Alpine Valley is taunting expanded snowmaking and new rental gear, 3-terrain parks and a half pipe.
Bittersweet Ski Area – Otsego, MI
Last season Bittersweet made a number of improvements to their beginner ski area, including a new beginner chair lift. Nothing new has been brought to our attention for this season.
Boyne Highlands & Boyne Mountain – Boyne Falls & Harbor Springs, MI
Both Boyne Highlands & Mountain have received additional upgrades in the snowmaking department. Another 40 of the famed “Boyne Low-E” snowguns have been added to the arsenal at the Highlands and 10 more at Mountain. Skiers and snowboarders can expect updates on runs that are open/closed with new electronic signage at the base of the slopes.
The terrain progression continues at Boyne Resorts – teaming up with Burton to form the Riglet Parks for snowboarders ages 3-6 that feature mellow rollers, small berms and ground level features. Keeping on the Burton trend, an all Burton Store will be opening up at Boyne Mountain where you can find products like Burton, RED and Anon, including many of Burton’s “restricted” line! The Highlands gets a serious makeover in its accommodations and spa treatments. Ski in/out accommodations have been added and a new Spa has been located in the lower level of the Heather Highlands Inn.
Caberfae Peaks – Cadillac, MI
If you remember last season, Caberfae made some serious terrain improvements. This season Caberfae steps it up again with the addition of 32 snowguns to their fleet, new pipeline, all to create more snow in an efficient manor to get you on the hill earlier! The crew at Cab also has added a new groomer in their fleet to maintain the terrain and keep it in tip-top shape. There are some great deals to be had this season too. January will kick off Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month and visitors to Caberfae can bring a family of 3 to the slopes from 3pm to close on any Sunday for only $49! This deal includes lift tickets, rental gear and lessons. Great Deal!
Cannonsburg – Belmont, MI
Major improvements continue to take shape at Cannonsburg. Two brand new snowcats have been added to their fleet in an effort to keep up with their ever expanding terrain park features that includes more than a dozen new park features this season! Named on of the Top-3 Terrain Parks in the Midwest according to Transworld Snowboarding Magazine, Cannonsburg has teamed up with Monster to create the Monster City Park – the Midwest’s first street inspired terrain park.
Crystal Mountain – Thompsonville, MI
Last season it was the new Loki Quad lift, this season at Crystal they’re welcoming you with more snowmaking equipment aimed at getting you on the hill earlier and providing better snow. For cross country enthusiasts, Crystal has expanded their nordic offerings with the new XC Training Center. This mini-trail system includes flat and up/downhill sections that are exclusively designed for learning and making improvements to skate and classical techniques.
The new “Ski-More Card” is sure to please those looking for deals and getting more mileage out of a season. For one low price, you get an all day lift ticket, plus discounts on future lift tickets for the 2012/2013 season.
Hanson Hills – Grayling, MI
Hanson Hills is bringing the goods this season and hopes to introduce more children to snowsports with their Hanson Hoppers program. This is a four or eight-week program designed for children from ages 4-7 years old that teaches ski skills and fun in the snow. Another four or eight week class called the Snowboard Academy is designed for the beginning snowboarder. This program will teach students the basic fundamentals, including turning and stopping. For more advanced skiers a freestyle skills training session is available with 3-time Canadian Olympic Coach, Tom Hutchinson.
Mt. Brighton – Brighton, MI
No new updates from Mt. Brighton for the upcoming season.
Mt. Holly – Holly, MI
Following a common trend, Mt. Holly has improved their snowmaking by 20% with the addition of new piping and pump systems. More water means more snow!
Mt. Holiday – Traverse City, MI
A new rope tow has been added for this season.
Nub’s Nob – Harbor Springs, MI
Nub’s is stepping it up again in the terrain department. Additional snowguns and a new groomer have been added to the fleet of equipment aimed at providing you with better snow, earlier in the season by one of the best snowmaking teams around. New this season is “Panda Land” a just-for-kids learning center geared toward teaching and entertaining children on the snow. More night riding is available with an expanded light system opening up Nub’s South and Dorie’s Bowl for evening skiing and riding. Transworld Snowboard Magazine named Nub’s Nob the #1 Terrain Park in Michigan voted in as having one of the “best vibes”. The crew at Nub’s is planning on keeping that trend going this season!
Pine Knob – Clarkston, MI
Nothing new to announce this season (yet) at Pine Knob.
Shanty Creek Resorts – Bellaire, MI
Shanty Creek is stepping up its terrain offerings again this season with the announcement of the new Monster Energy Park! Everything from jump lines, rails and boxes spread across three runs and over 150 feet of terrain park equipment including a battleship box, a roller coaster rail, an S-rail, a C-rail, two rainbow rails, a 20-ft picnic table and more. Two more runs have been added to the list at SCR – now boasting 55 runs. “Run, Forest, Run” is one of the latest additions that will connect skiers at the top of the Red Lift with the base of the Purple Lift. The other new run will be a beginner’s terrain park called “Low Rider.” It will feature small jumps and low set short rails and boxes. Low Rider will be adjacent to Monster Park accessible from the Purple Lift.
Looking for a deal? You can now purchase your tickets online, direct from SCR – guaranteed to be the lowest prices. Buy in advance and save!
Swiss Valley – Jones, MI
Nothing new to announce this season, but we’re sure to see the return of the popular Friday Night Fights, a traveling terrain park rail jam series that travels between Swiss and nearby Timber Ridge.
Snow Snake – Harrison, MI
New rental equipment and snowmaking capabilities await you at Snow Snake. Visitors last season might have remembered the beginner terrain park – this is now a permanent fixture on the hill in addition to the main terrain park.
Treetops – Gaylord, MI
Who’s in for some Extreme Tubing? This portion of Treetops has been added back to the lineup for this season. Parents with students 8yrs and older who have a GPA of 3.5 or higher can receive a season pass for just $40. Deal! Maybe your child has a 3.0 or 3.49? $60 it is. Rates do go up after November 30th so get on this while you can!
The Homestead – Glen Arbor, MI
The crew at The Homestead has been making serious improvements to their Snowsports School located at the base of Bay Mountain. The remodel is in an effort to provide a more welcoming and aesthetically pleasing environment for those wanting to learn about and purchase lessons. For families with kids 17-years and under, your kids ski free!
Timber Ridge – Gobles, MI
Looking for deals in southwest Michigan, head to Timber Ridge for an expanded ski and snowboard discount program. Family Learn to Ski/Snowboard is offered on Sunday evenings, with lift tickets, lessons and rental included for $30 skiing and $33 for snowboarding. A new program called Sunday Kids is designed for children 6 to 8 years old to explore skiing. “Free Lunch Friday,” offers a $5 food coupon with every lift ticket purchase before 4 p.m. There are also discounts for military families and college students and anyone can receive a lift ticket for $14 on Tuesdays with a special Timber Ridge “Tweet” password.
Big Powderhorn Mountain – Bessemer, MI
The new Gun Barrel Lodge is open for its first full winter season. The new lodge houses all skier services in the lower level with convenient access to the beginner area. Head up the the second floor and gain ground level ski in/out access, enjoy two fireplaces and an outdoor fire pit on the patio. The third floor is all apres’ with a bar and restaurant feature. If you’re a season pass holder at Big Powderhorn, you can enjoy one free ski day at Pine Mountain, Mont Ripley and Mt. Ashwabay!
Blackjack Ski Resort – Bessemer, MI
Blackjack stepped up their snowmaking improvements for the season, along with some additional gladed runs to challenge your skills. Looking to support the Special Olympics – head out to Blackjack in March for “Board ’till you drop” where participants will be lapping the terrain park to raise money for the organization.
Marquette Mountain – Marquette, MI
Last summer Marquette mountain widened their runs, this season the upgrades include 9-new bladed runs! Snowmaking equipment has also been upgraded, increasing their capacity for the season, along with an ever changing terrain park.
Mt. Bohemia – Mohawk, MI
Bohemia is ready for the season with new runs and potentially the addition of snowcat skiing areas, bringing the big mountain flavor to the Midwest! More cabins at the base of the slopes to increase capacity and if you’re planning ahead, snag a $99 season pass during their 1-day sale on December 1st.
Mont Ripley – Houghton, MI
The crew at Mont Ripley have expanded their rental department and made improvements to their ski shop.
Pine Mountain – Iron Mountain, MI
Partnering up with the Kiwanis Ski Club, Pine Mountain plays host to the Ski Jump Weekend where top jumpers in the world will be participating – aimed at breaking records that have been set previously at Pine Mountain and in the U.S.
Ski Brule – Iron River, MI
Already open for the season, Ski Brule is teaming up with school districts in Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Illinois to reward students with good grades and attendance. Students who earn perfect attendance or all “A” status during the first or second marking periods will receive a free day of skiing or snowboarding. The free day includes a lift ticket, rental, and lesson.