Cool ski spots in northern Michigan

By Greg Tasker

NORTHERN MICHIGAN — Michigan skiers and riders — not to mention those of us more interested in apres-ski activities — have more to look forward to than snow this winter, especially in the northwestern corner of the lower peninsula.

This corner of Michigan is home to more than a dozen downhill ski areas, including four-season resorts, day areas and city-owned recreation spots. Some have already been blasting slopes with man-made snow, taking advantage of colder temperatures. Several ski areas planned to open — at least partially — last week.

These northwestern Michigan ski destinations range from Caberfae Peaks in Cadillac, one of the oldest ski destinations in the country, to the Boyne Resorts properties near Petoskey to municipal-owned slopes like Hickory Hills Recreation Area in Traverse City.

Among the most exciting additions to Michigan’s slopes this season is the debut of the Camelot 6 at The Highlands at Harbor Springs. The six-person, high-speed Doppelmayr D-Line bubble chairlift is a first in the Midwest. In a nutshell, the new chairlift provides a warmer, more comfortable lift to the top of the hill.

Across Michigan, snow sports enthusiasts will find a range of upgrades, including new chairlifts, additional lighting, improved snow-making and grooming, quicker access to the slopes and new dining and other amenities.

“There is a lot of good news for snow lovers right now as demand for skiing continues to grow following the pandemic in 2020. What we are seeing is more investing in infrastructure, including snowmaking and chairlifts,” says Steve Kershner, chairman of the Michigan Snowsports Industries Association and director of snow sports for Shanty Creek Resort in Bellaire. “Ultimately all of us who love to ski in Michigan are the benefactors of these investments.”

The Camelot 6 at The Highlands, formerly Boyne Highlands, is expected to begin operating early this month. December The bubble lift features heated, extra wide, ergonomically designed seats with footrests. A tinted, weatherproof bubble keeps riders warm and protected while being whisked up the slopes at a fast speed. It also boasts advanced safety features.

That addition is one of many improvements at the Boyne Resorts property, which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year. The resort also has expanded night skiing and added new dining options, including a Waffle Cabin on the slopes, a pop-up chophouse restaurant at the Country Club of Boyne and a Mexican twist at the Zoo Bar. More outdoor bars are being added — to improve apres-ski options — along the base area.

At nearby Boyne Mountain, two new lifts are opening up this season, replacing old ones. One is a four-person Doppelmayr fixed-grip chairlift that will haul skiers uphill in less than four minutes, half the time of the former ride.. The other is a three-person Doppelmayr fixed grip chairlift that will provide skiers and riders with a quicker trip upward as well as improved loading and unloading.

You might remember that Boyne Mountain is home to SkyBridge Michigan, a 1,200-foot-long pedestrian bridge that opened in the fall of 2022. For the holidays, the 118-foot-high bridge will be outfitted with a holiday light installation by Zoro’s Lights of Livonia. The display features more than 150,000 twinkling lights and will be  illuminated through March 31.

At Crystal Mountain, look for quicker access to the slopes, lessons to take home with you, and the ability to pay for lessons online in advance, saving time at check-in at the Mountain Adventure Zone.

Like other ski areas, the Thompsonville resort is working to improve the learning experience for children and is introducing Flaik. Flaik uses a GPS tag that students wear during their lessons allowing instructors to track their progress. It also allows instructors and parents to locate kids on the slopes. Student progress reports and satisfaction surveys will be included in the ‘Re-live Your Lesson’ follow-up messaging.

“We’re excited about implementing Flaik for Crystal’s Snowsports school because it allows kids and their parents to ‘re-live the lesson’ even after the session is over,” said Chris Fisher, director of Snowsports. “Plus, it allows our instructors to know where the student left off and where to pick up in teaching when the student returns for another lesson.”

Nub’s Nob, outside Harbor Springs, is rolling out a new learn-to-ski program for the season called “2024: A Ski Odyssey.” The program is aimed at prospective skiers ages 9 and above. The program includes two group lessons, equipment rental and lift tickets for just $50 a lesson. At the end of the second lesson, skiers can purchase a Bargain Pass for the remainder of the season for $100 and receive a $100 discount off a ski package.

“All of us at Nub’s are stoked to see how this goes as it’s a real chance for us to bring new skiers into the sport,” said Ben Doornbos, general manager.

Among the many improvements at Shanty Creek Resort in Bellaire is the expansion of operating hours for its open-air shuttle, the Skibra. Painted like a zebra, the Skibra makes it easier for skiers and riders to get around the 5,500-acre resort, which is home to four distinct villages.

Like other resorts, Shanty Creek is moving toward all cashless transactions. This season guests will simply swipe or tap their cards or smart devices for resort-related transactions. Guests without non-cash forms of payment will find kiosks throughout the resort to convert to prepaid cards.

The Treetops Resort in Gaylord is unveiling a state-of-the-art ski instruction program called Terrain Based Learning. That program is a process for teaching beginner skiers and snowboarders that uses purpose-built snow features, helping novices learn the movements, sensations and body positioning needed for the sport. Treetops is the only ski area in Michigan offering the program.

“We are so excited to offer this new way of learning to our guests. Our instructors are exclusively trained by the Snow Operating team who has trademarked the program. We can’t wait to see the smiles on the snow as kids and adults alike take their turn in the Terrain Based Learning adventure, allowing them to enjoy the sport sooner with no fear,” said Barry Owens, general manager.

Greg Tasker is a Traverse City-based freelance writer.