Winter could be found at the ski resorts!
Seems like we waited all year for winter and while there were hints of it here in southeast Michigan, Fall really rolled into Spring. However, because snow making is available at all four ski resorts in our area, skiing and snowboarding were going on most of the season.
The temperatures are going up and it feels like Summer is just around the corner. The word “rain” is the “Voldemort” of ski season; it’s the weather condition that shall not be named. “Rain,” “wind” and “warm” are all four-letter words to the snow sport enthusiast.
Where does that leave the skier and snowboarder now?
Three of the four southeast Michigan resorts: Mt. Brighton, Mt. Holly, and Pine Knob will try for one or two last weekends for the local crowd. When you check their websites, it will indicate most have closed during the week to preserve the snow they have for the weekend.
“If a skier didn’t get out this year they missed a fairly good ski season,” states Mark Tibbitts, General Manager at Mt. Holly. They are planning the Mt. Holly Beach Day for Saturday, March 10, 2012 (details TBA at their website). Of course, everything is “weather permitting” so check the website or call the hotline before heading out. Tibbits suggests to the skier and snowboarder, “Don’t be afraid to come out, if a resort is open, they have skiable conditions.”
Jack Pippin, Director of Snowsports at Mt. Brighton, says “stay tuned” for the rest of this season. The resorts have the snow, but warm and rainy weather keep the crowds away. “People wanted to come,” continues Pippin, suggesting the programs, clubs, and schools knew the resort had snow and was open.
Going north gives the skier and snowboarder more options …
Winter continues for a few weeks longer up north. Brian Lawson, Director of Public Relations at Crystal Mountain, states “Don’t let your backyard fool you.” The second half of March will offer “spring-like” conditions and there will be “plenty of snow to get through March,” he adds. Crystal Mountain has a closing date set for April 8, 2012.
Boyne Highlands has a firm closing date of March 25, 2012, giving the skier and snowboarder three more weeks to visit. Erin Ernst, Director of Communications for Boyne, says the “start of the season was slow.” However, Boyne Mountain is looking forward to five more weeks of skiing to get through the Easter holiday. Boyne Mountain also offers an indoor water park and both the Mountain and the Highlands have zip line adventures throughout the year.
The end is near.
Skiers and snowboarders will have one, maybe two, weekends left in southeast Michigan. Even more options are available if you head north. All the Michigan ski areas suggest calling ahead and visiting their websites for the latest ski conditions, discounts, and end of season events.
Information for the local ski areas:
Northern Michigan Resorts:
Crystal Mountain 231-378-2000 www.crystalmountain.com Boyne Mountain and Boyne Highlands 800-462-6963 www.boyne.comFor a complete list of all the ski areas in Michigan:
www.goskimichigan.com
Michael Dwyer is a freelance writer and travel columnist. Michael writes about happenings in the Rochester area, travels across Michigan and destinations around the world. Contact him at Michael@RochesterMedia.com
About Michael Dwyer