Many in southeast and southwest Michigan woke up to the realization that their local skill hill is closed for the season. Areas in southeast such as Mt. Holly, Alpine Valley and now Mt. Brighton, are all reported to be closed for the season. The same can be said for much of the southwest portion of our state. Cannonsburg Ski Area’s final day was Sunday, regardless of the fact that they had stellar snow conditions. Similar stories were had at Swiss Valley and Timber Ridge.
For those frustrated kids and families looking to do a little riding over spring break, the answer is simple. Head North! With an average snowfall this year of well over 100 inches and the lack of typical thaws this season, conditions at Northern Michigan resorts are prime right now.
Talking with various ski areas in Northern Michigan, we received a similar philosophy on great spring skiing and riding conditions. Many areas simply produced more man-made snow this season, combining that with only experiencing one real serious warm up.
We caught up with a number of the resorts to get the lowdown on just how good things are right now.
Crystal Mountain’s Nick Nerbonne says that “they have received well over 100+ inches of natural snowfall this season, combined with an increase in snowmaking capacity.” Nick continues to say “we have 20% more base than this time last year and amazing spring conditions on every run.” Weather permitting, Crystal Mountain is aiming for April 3rd as their final day of skiing and riding.
Looking out over Tuck’s Terrain Park and Cheers at Crystal Mountain – Photo taken Monday.
Heading east, Caberfae Peak’s Pete Meyer confirms that conditions are great right now and they have been very fortunate this season to have received around 136 inches of natural snow overall. More importantly, Meyer says, “we invested heavily in more snowmaking equipment this year and made snow three nights in a row after the thaw we experienced in February.” Pete told us that they typically shoot for the 3rd weekend in March, but given the amount of snow they have right now, they are targeting April 3rd. You can ski 7-days through this weekend before Caberfae switches to weekends only.
Moving further north we caught up with Shanty Creek Resorts, who received 4 inches of fresh snow just this past Saturday. Marketing Manager, Lindsey Southwell says “it is beautiful out right now. 30 degrees, sunny and we have plenty of snow.” So far this season, Shanty Creek has received just over 135 inches of natural snowfall. Shanty Creek’s last day for the season is this Sunday, but not due to lack of snow. Lindsey says that “even though we still have a huge 6ft base, the third weekend in March is always the last weekend at Shanty Creek.” They could realistically ski until April, but with other springtime events planned, this Sunday is the last day at Shanty.
General Manager of Nub’s Nob, Jim Bartlett says “here at Nub’s we still have up to a 5 foot base and are still grooming every night. Just because it’s not in abundance in your backyard does not mean our slopes are not full of snow.”
Both Boyne Highlands and Boyne Mountain are also experiencing great springtime conditions. Director of Snowsports, Ken Griffin told us that Boyne Highlands is at 100% with 435 skiable acres and Boyne Mountain is at 85% with 352 skiable acres. Ken continues to say “conditions are good and firm in the morning, softening up during the day and grooming continues to be steady every night.” Compared to last season, Boyne Resorts did not experience the huge warm spell that we did last year. “We had four really warm days this season” says Ken, and “by Saturday night of each warm up, we were blowing snow again and recouped the snow we lost.” Boyne has made snow three nights in a row within the past two weeks. Currently, natural snowfall is right around 115″ for the year.
You can ride the Highlands through the end of the month, until March 27th and Boyne Mountain is set to ski as long as conditions can be maintained, hopefully into mid-April.
Maybe you’re thinking the Upper Peninsula is the place to be.
We made a quick call to Ski Brule up in Iron River and spoke with Operations Manager Jessica Polich about current conditions. Ski Brule is known for opening earlier and closing later than everyone else in the state, if not the entire midwest. While Jessica was unsure on the actual snowfall total for the season, she did state “they received more natural snowfall this year than last and they just completed their second round of snowmaking last week.” With 35 degree temps and blue sky, Ski Brule is anticipating skiing and riding to take place through the third week in April.
Marquette Mountain received over 5 inches of fresh between Thursday and Sunday of last week. Speaking with liftie and head phone answering guy on Monday and Tuesday, Paul Maas informed us that “natural snowfall is a touch below normal because much of that snow had gone south this season.” Right now Marquette Mountain is shooting to be open 7-days a week through the 1st week in April, unless some giant weather shift happens.
So there is plenty of snow waiting for you at the northern resorts. Head north, get out there and make turns in some of the best spring conditions we have experienced in years!