We've spent hours scouring the interwebs so you didn't have to. Pouring over websites, reading press releases and the occasional smoke signal just to bring you the 411 on what to expect this season as you plan to hit the hill. Here's the breakdown.
Alpine Valley – While Lake, MI
Once again, Alpine Valley expanded its snowmaking capabilities and terrain parks. Also for this season is an entirely new fleet of rental equipment.
Big Powderhorn Mountain – Bessemer, MI
Over the past year, Big Powderhorn has come under new ownership. Starting this season, visitors can now book their accommodations directly with the resort and not the original third party Big Powderhorn Lodging Association.
Blackjack Ski Resort – Bessemer, MI
If you recall, Blackjack was closed for a couple of years and reopened under new ownership last season. Things are going well and they plan to be open again as soon as the snow is on the ground.
Boyne Highlands & Mountain – Boyne Falls & Harbor Springs, MI
At the Highlands, they cleared additional acreage on the NW side of North Peak Pass and Tournament Pass for open glade areas. Both Mountain and Highlands received more of the proprietary Low-E snow guns (90 total additional). Terrain park riders can expect new rails and jibs this season with at least 6 new features at both resorts. Now Boyne Highlands features the Twin Zip – Zipline ride that spans 1,350 feet. If going green is your thing, both resorts swapped out their throw-away products for all dishwasher-safe flatware to reduce waste by around 70%
Caberfae Peaks – Cadillac, MI
Caberfae has been working hard during the off-season to improve the conditions this year with the addition of 22 different snow guns and necessary support equipment. Riders will notice that the Smiling Irishman has been widened both at the top and the bottom, providing more skiable terrain. If you're looking to make a family trip out of it, Caberfae now offers sleep and ski free Monday through Thursday nights for 17 year old and younger children – with 2 paid adults of course. If you're a season pass holder, get down on some of the extra perks like $10 lift tickets at Shanty Creek Resorts between Sunday and Thursday. Or $25 tickets for Friday and Saturday – Deal.
Cannonsburg – Belmont, MI
Cannonsburg is now operating under new ownership this year. From what we have heard, everything will remain the same for the upcoming season.
Hanson Hills – Grayling, MI
$1 Friday's at Hanson Hills beginning January 7, 2011. Snag a lift ticket for just a buck and rental for just a buck. No excuses – get out there and ski or ride.
Marquette Mountain – Marquette, MI
Be sure to check out the new terrain park being added this season.
Mont Ripley – Hancock, MI
The fine people at Michigan Tech have added a new groomer to their fleet, bringing them up to 3. The rental shop is currently being expanded along with a new tuning center that is being built behind the shop. All of this means better snow and better equipment.
Mt. Bohemia – Mohawk, MI
Terrain has once again been expanded at Bohemia in prep for this season. Crews have been out making way for new runs. Also, don't forget the $99 season pass sale on December 4th.
Mt. Brighton – Brighton, MI
New this season at Mt. Brighton will be the ever-expanding terrain park. Their progressive park will see the addition of new rails, boxes and hits that will be serviced by 2-surface tows and 1-chair lift.
Mt. Holly – Holly, MI
Visitors will notice a different looking lodge this season with the addition of a 3-story, tower shaped entrance. Slope side, a heated patio and outdoor fireplace have been added. Plus, more snowmaking equipment has been added and there are plans to expand their terrain parks.
Mt. Zion – Ironwood, MI
This little known gem in the U.P. offers up free skiing and snowboarding to all Gogebic Community College students and to anyone 62 years and older.
Nub's Nob – Harbor Springs, MI
To meet the demand of aspiring racers, Nub's added a brand new race arena where the Superpipe use to be. Plus, they removed the old paddle tow that use to service that area and swapped in a high-speed rope for limited downtime. Other improvements include the addition of 8 new snow guns and a new groomer to keep the trails in top shape. For those ripping the park, Nub's didn't forget you. They're adding many new features and lengthening the terrain park, expanding the Rail Yard and bringing in a new jump area.
Pine Knob – Clarkston, MI
Visitor's will notice a slight change to Chair #5 this season. A new bull wheel has been installed, allowing Pine Knob to run the chair at different speeds more efficiently. We think this has something to do with getting you from the bottom to the top faster, but we're not sure.
Pine Mountain – Iron Mountain, MI
If you're a fan of the Bone Yard terrain park, you will be happy to know Pine Mountain has installed a paddle tow to get you to the top. Also, a new rope tow was added to the beginner hill, along with a new run named 'From here to There' – bringing their total number of runs to 27.
Porcupine Mountain – Ontonagon, MI
Ripping the porkies is up there on our list and knowing they are tagging along with their sister area Mt. Bohemia for a December 4th $99 season pass deal is sweet.
Shanty Creek Resorts – Bellaire, MI
All sorts of additions and improvements are happening at Shanty this year. Two new runs have been cut into the north face of Schuss, along with a new terrain park with natural terrain in-place between Purple Daze and Village Way. Those looking to get extra runs in on Friday's will be happy to know that Shanty's kicking the lights on for riding on Friday nights this season. More deals to keep you stoked all season long as well – the Sardine Special is back for 2-days this year. Pack anybody you can into a car and get the entire carload in for $100. Obviously it's in your best interest to cram as many people in the car as possible.
Ski Brule – Iron River, MI
New at Brule this season is their purchase 6 lift tickets and get the 7th free.
Swiss Valley – Jones, MI
Another in the line up of areas making additions to their snowmaking arsenal.
Treetops – Gaylord, MI
Serious towrope extensions happening here, boosting them out an additional 145' (you read that right) to a lower location on the hill. Riders familiar with last year's The Yard, terrain park, will be happy to know it's making a comeback. Also, a new rental fleet is in for both skiers and snowboarders.
Otsego Club – Gaylord, MI
Last season, the OC was host to world-class snowboarders training for the Olympics. This season is no different, with Otsego once again hosting teams from around the world.