The Local Ski Hills
Mt. Brighton and Alpine Valley are now closed for the season. Pine Knob and Mt. Holly are still open and plan to be open for this weekend. While the weather looks favorable for the next several days, all Michigan ski resorts encourage skiers and snowboarders to check the various resort websites before visiting.
Spring skiing offers warmer temperatures, shorter lift lines and discounted prices. Most of the time, the local southeastern ski hills close for the season due to low skier turnout, not lack of snow. Innovative snowmaking has made plenty of good, consistent snow throughout the winter. Combined with skilled groomers moving the snow around has created substantial base conditions that will last well past the customers.
If a spring warm-up has melted the snow on residents’ lawns, that doesn’t mean the snow is gone from the hills. More than likely the resorts still have a couple feet of base.
Other Choices
Go north! Along with warmer weather and discounted prices, almost all the resorts across Michigan will be hosting spring events. Carnival, Mardi Gras and St. Patrick’s Day all rolled into one big theme for spring skiing blankets the Michigan resorts with colorful costumes, local flavor and outrageous events.
Crystal Mountain is having a “Monster Weekend” which starts on Friday, March 15, with a 5 for $50 lift pass special. If you ever wanted to try to ski across open water with ski equipment, here’s your chance. A “Slush Cup” event is scheduled for Saturday, March 16. Crystal representatives told Rochester Media they expect “solid skiing through the first weekend in April.”
Boyne Mountain is hosting their annual “Carnival Weekend” which is packed full of activities they offer each year at this time. Join them for the 80s themed party on Saturday evening, March 16, in the Civic Center.
At the Highlands, Boyne’s sister resort, will be another annual tradition called “Krazy Daze.” This event is family-friendly and the better choice of the two Boyne Resorts for anyone skiing with children this weekend.
Spring Skiing
Spring skiing won’t last long, but it will last longer up north and out west. Always check websites before you go. Consider buying a season pass to your favorite resort. Many are offering an early bird rate now that will go up a couple more times before the season starts. Crystal Mountain has their season passes on sale now for only $259 until April 7.
For more information on Michigan Snowsports, please visit 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 [email protected]
About Michael Dwyer