Temps have finally cooperated for many resorts throughout the state. Much of the northern lower peninsula has experienced temps down into the upper teens and low 20’s, combined with lower humidity levels creating ideal conditions for snowmaking. But is the cold weather here to stay and have resorts been able to make enough snow to open this weekend? We caught up with as many of resorts as we could this week to see how things have progressed in what we call The Race to Open.
Northern Lower
Caberfae
“Snowmaking is progressing very nicely. The forecast has the weather improving every day this week, with the best snowmaking conditions arriving on Friday. As a result, we are planning to open our slopes this coming Saturday.”
Shanty Creek
They have been able to make snow and continue to do so while planning for a Dec. 16th opener.
Nub’s Nob
Snowmaking has been going well over the past few days. “We’re looking at opening Saturday for the weekend with at least 4 runs. Weather will dictate whether we stay open for the season or close down midweek and open again on Dec. 16th.”
Crystal Mountain
At the time of our conversations it was still ‘unofficial’ but very likely that Crystal would open on Saturday. “We fired up the guns around 10pm on Monday night and they have been going pretty much non-stop. Temps are looking solid and we should have multiple days when we can run around the clock – watching the temps closely. Forecast is also calling for lake effect on Thursday and Friday which would be a big help.”
Boyne Resorts
The Highlands opened up today at noon for the 2011/2012 season. Boyne Mountain is anticipating a weekend opener as snowmaking efforts appear to be paying off.
The Homestead
They have been able to make snow in the past 48hrs but “it would help to get a nice system pushing through.” The main challenge is that they’re right on Lake Michigan, so it’s a touch warmer on the lakeshore right now. They are still anticipating a Dec. 17th & 18th weekend with partial number of runs open.
Treetops –
Info to come
Mt. Holiday
Tring to push for a Dec. 17th opener but it’s strictly weather dependent at this time.
Snow Snake
Haven’t been able to make much snow. Temps are just not low enough but there is a possibility yet for a Dec. 16th-18th opener.
Upper Peninsula
Norway Mountain
Snowmaking finally got back going, but very hit or miss through November but since Sunday night they’ve been going around the clock. Opening this weekend with a handful of runs and 6-8″ of natural has fallen over the last week.
Blackjack Mountain
Currently making snow and anticipating a Dec. 16th opener.
Indianhead Mountain
Snowmaking continues at Indianhead and recent storms have been producing a fair amount of snow allowing them to open back up again on Dec. 9th.
Marquette Mountain
Continues to make snow with limited hours of operation of Thursday – Sunday with lifts spinning from 10am to 5pm. More runs and features will be added as weather permits.
Southwest and Southeast Lower
Cannonsburg
They have had great success over the past couple of nights and are looking to continue snowmaking efforts through mid-day Saturday. They should be good for the Rome SDS Pre-Jibulation taking place on Saturday.
Alpine Valley –
Info to come
Apple Mountain
Made a little bit, but the temps are not favorable…still hope to open christmas week.
Bittersweet
Trying to get open as soon as they can and trying to make snow when possible but the weather isn’t favorable yet, but looking good.
Mt. Brighton
An entertaining message tells us that they’re trying to put snow down but it’s not working… worth a call for the laugh.
Mt. Holly –
Info to come
Pine Knob
Weather hasn’t been in their favor but they’re hoping for snowmaking either later tonight into the latter part of the week.