Area Resorts Open Early
Pine Knob (Clarkston), Mt. Holly (Holly), Alpine Valley (White Lake) and Mt. Brighton (Brighton) are the four ski and snowboard resorts in southeast Michigan. These landmark ski hills attract ski clubs, high school race teams, and recreational skiers and boarders from miles around.
Vail Resorts, Inc. now owns Mt. Brighton – photo by Michael Dwyer
Snowsport enthusiasts in Michigan had two surprises in 2013; last season stretched to the end of March and this season started earlier than ever. The local resorts opened before Thanksgiving, while a couple of warm-ups halted the early start. Now they are all open seven days a week with both day and evening sessions.
What’s New?
Pine Knob, Mt. Holly and Alpine Valley all added snowmaking capabilities and improved or remodeled parts of their ski area. For example, Mt. Holly’s new pump will add 20 percent to their snowmaking abilities.
Mt. Brighton tops the list with improvements this season with $10 million going into the 53-year-old resort. Vail Resorts, Inc. purchased Mt. Brighton in the fall of 2012 and spent a lot of time and money this summer.
Vail expanded the snowmaking capabilities at Mt. Brighton with 43 new, energy-efficient snow guns and a new automated pump house that will nearly triple the output to the snow guns. This will allow the resort to open earlier, build a greater base and recover more quickly from a winter warm-up.
Read Rochester Media’s follow-up article on all the changes at Mt. Brighton Here
Learn to Ski
Each resort offers lessons for all levels of skiing or snowboarding. Private, one-on-one lessons are the best; however, group lessons are also an option. Call each resort to hear about what each one offers during the time and day you want to visit.
Dress in layers. To stay warm and comfortable, use one pair of good socks, snow pants, winter coat, ski gloves, and rent a helmet. Scarves and long hair should be tucked into clothing.
Skiers and Snowboards get ready for a run at Mt. Brighton – photo by Michael Dwyer
One-Hour Private Lessons
Alpine Valley: $45 Mt. Brighton: $55 Mt. Holly: $55 Pine Knob: $55
Semi-Private One-Hour Lessons
Alpine Valley: $35 each person (two or more) Mt. Brighton: $72 for two, $11 each additional (up to six total) Mt. Holly: $55 first person, $22 each additional Pine Knob: $55 first person, $22 each additional
Information for the local ski areas:
Alpine Valley Ski Area
Lift Tickets $25 – $50* Rentals $25 (helmet $9) Season Pass $550.00 248-887-4183 www.skialpinevalley.com
Mt. Brighton Ski Resort
Lift Tickets $23 – $50* Rentals $28 (helmet $7) Season Pass $499.00 810-229-9581 www.mtbrighton.com
Mt. Holly
Lift Tickets $27 – $55* Rentals $27 (helmet $10) Season Pass $575.00 248-634-8269 www.skimtholly.com
Pine Knob Ski & Snowboard Resort
Lift Tickets $27 – $55* Rentals $27 (helmet $10) Season Pass $575.00 248-625-0800 www.skipineknob.com
*Lift Ticket prices vary from Beginner Area to All Area (plus all day/evening)
About Michael Dwyer