Snow Sports

Ski Bittersweet

Bittersweet Ski Area
Otsego
269-694-2032
www.SkiBittersweet.com

Bittersweet is the convenient, family-oriented skiing and snowboarding destination for beginner and expert alike, with the best runs and fastest lifts in Southwest Michigan. Everything you need
is right here: six lifts including the Sweet Express, five rope tows and a Wondercarpet, complete Alpine and Snowboard rentals, expertly groomed runs, the Snowberry SkiShop, and world-class ski and snowboard instructors. Only 20 minutes from Kalamazoo, there’s no other ski area quite like Bittersweet.

New Ziplines, Activities and Programs for BOYNE’s 2009-10 Season

The 2009-10 winter season brings the addition of ziplines to both Boyne Highlands and Boyne Mountain, a new terrain park, winter horseback trail riding, expanded children’s center, and Burton’s Learn To Ride program.

Boyne Highlands Resort
Harbor Springs
800-462-6963
www.BOYNE.com

A zipline will open for the winter season at Boyne Highlands offering adventure seekers a new thrill as they soar along five sections through trees and open valleys. The total experience is approximately two hours and sections range from 200 to 500 feet each. The zipline is expected to open for the December holiday period; schedule to be announced.

Continuing Boyne Highlands’ growing list of adventure activities, resort guests and area visitors can enjoy horseback trial rides along glistening snow-covered trails this winter. Boyne Highlands’ equestrian program launched two summers ago with one- and two-hour rides and was expanded this year to include fall color scenic rides and the new winter trail rides. The resort offers more than 4,000 acres providing the ideal setting for riding on trails exclusive for those on horseback. The new winter trail rides are planned to be offered during holiday periods throughout the season.

A new terrain park near the intermediate Amy’s Run will offer small to medium features bringing Boyne Highlands’ park total to four including a skier/boarder cross course, plus a halfpipe. Skiers and riders can find the most up-to-date park information at www.RideBoyne.com, a website relaunching mid-October with new features including Boyne Highlands and Boyne Mountain park conditions, events calendar, park staff bios and safety information.

Boyne Mountain, Boyne Falls

Boyne Mountain Resort
Boyne Falls
800-462-6963
www.BOYNE.com

Boyne Mountain’s Terrain Park Manager, Kevin Murtagh, attended the 2008 Ski Area Management (SAM) Cutter’s Camp bringing home invaluable skills for planning, cutting and maintaining the best parks and pipes. Murtagh received the latest schooling in jump building; rail setting; progression park design; snow science; grooming technology; safety procedures and running successful park and pipe events. This season, skiers and riders can see Murtagh’s skills in action at Boyne Mountain’s four terrain parks featuring over 20 jibs, a superpipe and a halfpipe.

Construction is underway on a zipline installation at Boyne Mountain with an opening expected during the December holiday period. The route is planned to begin near the top of Hemlock and glides riders down the valley of Cold Springs.

The children’s SnowSports Learning Center at Boyne Mountain is being expanded to include more terrain, a kiddie carousel and new location for the kids Magic Carpet conveyor. The expanded area is conveniently located near Helga’s House, where the resort’s daycare operations and junior SnowSports Academy lessons are offered.

Boyne Mountain and Boyne Highlands have partnered with Burton to offer their exclusive “Learn To Ride” (LTR) program for juniors and adults, becoming the only Burton LTR centers in Michigan. The program provides beginner snowboarders with gear specifically designed to enhance their experience and employs proven teaching methods to make learning to snowboard easier and more enjoyable. The boards include a special bevel to help eliminate catching an edge, a soft torsional flex makes turning easier, convex contact points on the tip and tail make linking turns smoother and easy-to-use Burton Progression boots and bindings ensure comfort and a secure fit. The program is available through BOYNE’s SnowSports Academy.

Caberfae Peaks offers a family-friendly atmosphere.

Caberfae Peaks
Cadillac
800-YOU-SKII
www.CaberfaePeaks.com

Caberfae Peaks is the most family friendly, customer oriented resort in Northern Michigan and offers a relaxed home-spun atmosphere. There is ample parking close to the ski hill, plenty of room in the 16,0000 square foot day Lodge, conveniently located rental facility located right at the base of the novice ski runs.

Caberfae Peaks is located in Northern Michigan’s snowbelt. Located in high elevation and the perfect distance from Lake Michigan, the “lake effect” snow machine manufactures 150 inches of annual snowfall at the Peaks, while setting a record this past season (2008/2009) at 226″.

The terrain at Caberfae Peaks is very diverse. From gentle cruisers like the 3/4 of a mile run Smiling Irishman, to the thrilling steeps of Bullet & GG’s Ride, Caberfae Peaks boasts some of the state’s longest runs and biggest vertical drops. You can drive further north, but you won’t find bigger hills!

Crystal Mountain: #1 Resort in the Midwest

Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa
Thompsonville
800-968-7686
www.CrystalMountain.com

Named the #1 Resort in the Midwest by SKI Magazine, Crystal Mountain provides the best in northern Michigan skiing and northern Michigan snowboarding. From the 45 exhilarating slopes to the terrain parks and halfpipe to the 40+ kilometers of northern Michigan cross-country ski trails, from the award-winning kids' programs and nationally certified ski and snowboard school to our extravagant northern Michigan lodging, Crystal Mountain is the one northern Michigan ski area that provides it all. Crystal Mountain. Your northern Michigan ski and snowboard vacation starts here.

Looking for some of the best in northern Michigan cross-country skiing trails? Look no further than Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa. From gentle treks through the trees to the rolling terrain of the black diamond cross-country skiing trails, Crystal Mountain's 40+km cross-country skiing trail network provides terrain for all ability levels, from novice to expert. They even have 4K lighted for night skiing. Meticulously-groomed for both skating and traditional cross-country skiing, these picturesque northern Michigan cross-country skiing trails were rated #1 in Michigan by Michigan Living magazine readers.

Crystal Mountain is also home to the Crystal Spa, the perfect destination after a day on the slopes. The new Crystal Spa is a celebration of relaxation, renewal and the environment on a grand scale. This 18,500-square-foot oasis in the heart of Crystal Mountain honors the art and natural beauty of northern Michigan in a setting that awakens and inspires. From the first moment you enter its doors, you’ll appreciate the comforts of this elegant retreat.

Winter at Double JJ

Double JJ Resort
Rothbury
800-368-2535
www.DoubleJJ.com

The Double JJ has lots of winter activities going on!

Dog Sled Rides: Take a ride with our team of sled dogs and experienced Double JJ mushers! The sled rides travel through our snowy woods, and are offered on weekends. Each sled can hold up to 400 lbs, and the cost is $70 per sled. We strongly recommend you make reservations, as this is one of our most popular winter activities!

Snow Tubing Hill: Visit the tubing hill behind the Sundance, and speed down three lanes on tubes provided by Double JJ! Once you reach the bottom, relax and let the tow rope pull you back up the hill for another trip down! If you need a break from the cold, visit the warming hut for some hot chocolate and snacks.

Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides: Enjoy a cozy ride through the Double JJ Resort's Winter Wonderland in the back of a horse-drawn sleigh. Sleigh rides will continue happening on weekends as long as there's enough snow, giving you plenty of opportunities to get out and enjoy the winter scenery. Sleigh rides are $20 for adults & $10 for children.

Indoor Gold Rush Waterpark: Looking to beat the winter chills? Head inside to our indoor waterpark, kept at a balmy 84 degrees. We've got slides, a kids' play area, a lazy river, and a snack shop. Come out for the day, or make it part of your weekend stay at the Double JJ!

Garland's Winter Headquarters

Garland Resort, Lewiston

Garland Resort
Lewiston
(877) 4-GARLAND
www.garlandusa.com

Garland Resort boasts more than 40 miles of the best groomed cross country ski trails in America and the finest snowmobiling in the Midwest, connecting to hundreds of miles of groomed state and county trails. From Christmas through March, ice skating on the outdoor pond with bon fire near by, free sledding, and horse drawn sleigh rides make Garland your headquarters for winter outdoor fun.
Rentals available for snow mobiles and ice skates.

Ride the Luge in Muskegon

Muskegon Winter Sports Complex offers one of only four luges in the United States.

Muskegon Sports Council
North Muskegon
231-744-9629
www.msports.org

The Luge • Muskegon Winter Sports Complex brings one of four luge tracks that exist in the in the United States and is considered the most publicly accessible track. Although shorter in overall length than the Olympic tracks in New York and Salt Lake City, the Muskegon track provides an Olympic thrill with the safety of the participant in mind. The track was designed by three-time Olympian Frank Masley and consists of six curves and two starting areas.

Cross-Country Skiing • Currently, the Muskegon Winter Sports Complex maintains approximately 16 kilometers of trail system for cross country skiing. A majority of the terrain is gentle and winds through the woods, along the dunes, Lost Lake bog and Lake Michigan allowing you to explore a variety of terrain and natural features of the Muskegon State Park. The trails are groomed and tracked daily when conditions allow, after each snowfall and on the weekends for some of the best striding and skate skiing in Western Michigan. PSIA certified ski instruction is offered during the winter. Trails are open and lighted to the public seven days a week from 10 am to 10pm. Lights are turned on at dusk.

Ice Skating • Also enjoy an acre of outdoor rinks including hockey rinks, family skating rink and the 700 ft skating trail open to the public for their skating enjoyment.

Ski Nub’s Nob for the "Midwest’s Best Snow"

Nub's Nob, Harbor Springs

Nub’s Nob Ski Area
Harbor Springs
800-SKI-NUBS
www.NubsNob.com

Now in its 53rd season, the award winning crew provides first class skiing and snowboarding to insure your winter ski experience is the best it can be. Nub’s Nob offers 53 ski slopes and trails on three separate peaks, friendly staff, fresh homemade food, an award winning lodge and the most highly decorated snow making and snow grooming crew in the Midwest.

The only Midwestern ski area to be ranked among North America's biggest and best ski resorts ever, the awards earned for snow making, grooming, value, service and terrain parks are a result of Nub’s Nob’s 100% commitment to making your winter ski and snowboard experience the best it can be.

Pando: Birthplace of Competitive Snowboarding

Pando Ski Area
Rockford
616-874-8343
www.pandopark.com

Pando Winter Sports Park is located 15 minutes outside of Grand Rapids in picturesque Rockford, catering to the beginner, as well as the advanced, skier and snowboarder. The tube hill offers exciting family fun for all ages and the cross country trails are groomed and tracked and in great condition. The Lodge faces the six Pando runs which include a rail park a half pipe, an advanced, intermediate advanced, intermediate and beginner hills. Each run has a tow rope which gets you to the top in 30 seconds or less.

Fun Pando Facts:

• Pando was the first ski area in Kent County.
• Pando was the first ski area in Michigan to allow snurfers and snowboarders unrestricted access to its hills.
• Pando hosted the World Championships of Snurfing in the late 1970’s, including 1979 when Jake Burton Carpenter came here and won the first competitive snowboard race ever run.
• Pando built the first “snow tubing” hill in the state of Michigan.

Shanty Creek: Midwest's Number One Destination

Shanty Creek

Shanty Creek
Bellaire
(231) 533-8621
www.shantycreek.com

When it comes to skiing, tubing and snowboarding, the region’s premiere full-service winter destination is undoubtedly Shanty Creek Resorts, a 4,500-acre recreational complex in the beautiful Chain of Lakes region about 30 miles northeast of Traverse City. Ski Magazine rated Shanty Creek the Midwest’s Number One destination in value, dining, lodging, weather and après ski activities, and it’s easy to see why. Its three ski areas (Summit, Schuss Mountain and Cedar River) feature a 450-foot vertical with 49 runs for every ability level, plus four snowboarding terrain parks and a tubing park.

So Close. So Fun.

Swiss Valley Ski Area
Jones
269-244-5635
www.SkiSwissValley.com

Swiss Valley features four rope tows, two quads and one triple chairlift providing an uphill capacity of 9,800 skiers per hour. The terrain park offers tabletops, high spines, grind rails and pyramids for skiers, snowboarders and twin tippers who want to perfect their stunts, in an addition to a “starter” terrain park in response to request for easy, fun , low surface features that are great for learning to jib, ride and bonk.

Ski & Board Shop offers a full line of equipment, apparel and trained service personnel. Several different facilities include a National Ski Patrol Building, Cafeteria, The Chalet and a Fireside Lounge for restaurant dining, live music and relaxing.

Timber Ridge Ski Area

Timber Ridge Ski Area
Gobles
800-253-2928
www.TimberRidgeSki.com

Timber Ridge offers an exciting variety of slopes to challenge the advanced or to begin a first time adventurer, featuring a tubing hill, Terrain Park and mogul runs. To service these great runs, Timber Ridge has one quad, one triple, two double chairlifts, along with several surface lifts for beginners and surface lifts for the terrain parks.

Huge windows frame the Snowshoe Bar which serves specialty sandwiches, pizza, and your favorite drinks. The snack bar offers quick treats with an excellent view of the slopes from the upper lounge. A comfortable picnic area is provided for the "brown baggers".

Winter Adventures at Treetops

Treetops Resort
Gaylord
888-TREE-TOPS
www.Treetops.com

No matter what your interests are, Treetops has the perfect winter adventure to complete your experience. You’ll find a variety of entertaining activities for all ages, young and old, during your stay at Treetops.

Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding
High elevation, abundant snowfall and scenic beauty provide ideal conditions for downhill skiing and snowboarding. With our location in northern Michigan, Treetops offers some of the finest terrain in the Midwest. Take advantage of our 23 picturesque ski runs, complete with three chairlifts and two tow ropes. A guest seating area in the Warming Hut is located at the base of the slopes where parents have a clear view of their children learning to ski. To further ease the transition of the beginner skier, we have extended one of the tow ropes an additional 145 feet to a lower location. We also feature "The Yard" Terrain park that will be back by popular demand this year which is home to tabletops and rails for skiers and snowboarders in search of a challenge.

New rental equipment was purchased last season for downhill skiing. We also have rentals available for snowblading, snowboarding and cross country skiing. Rental equipment is available at the base of our slopes inside the Ski Shop.

Snowmobiling
Bring your snowmobile to explore over 300 miles of groomed trails in our five-county area. You'll have easy access to the trails from Treetops. Because of the ideal conditions for snowmobiling in northern Michigan, Treetops hosted the 2002 World Snowmobile Association Woody’s Regional X Games Qualifier and the 2007 Snowcross Races. Experience the trails for yourself on your next visit.

Extreme Tubing
Extreme tubing at its finest is what you will find at Treetops Resort. Adjacent to our ski slopes, this fun filled activity is perfect for children and adults alike. Take an exhilarating ride down the slope on a tube where you will end up at the base of the hill right next to the tow rope where you will be towed back to the top to do it again! After your one hour session, we guarantee you will be hooked on extreme tubing. High elevation, abundant snowfall and scenic beauty provide ideal conditions for downhill skiing and snowboarding. With our location in northern Michigan, Treetops offers some of the finest terrain in the Midwest. Take advantage of our 23 picturesque ski runs, complete with three chairlifts and two tow ropes. A guest seating area in the Warming Hut is located at the base of the slopes where parents have a clear view of their children learning to ski. To further ease the transition of the beginner skier, we have extended one of the tow ropes an additional 145 feet to a lower location. We also feature "The Yard" Terrain park that will be back by popular demand this year which is home to tabletops and rails for skiers and snowboarders in search of a challenge.

Weekend Ski Packages

Through March 15
Cadillac Sands Resort
Cadillac
231-775-2407
www.CadillacSands.com

Enjoy two nights lodging after skiing challenging slopes using your adult lift ticket coupon. Enjoy your dinner voucher and a continental breakfast is included every morning. Packages start at $106 per person plus tax based on double occupancy. Up grades and mid-week rates available!

Winter fun at Barothy Lodge is waiting for you.

Barothy Lodge
Walhalla
231-898-2340
www.BarothyLodge.com

The snow covered views of the Pere' Marquette River either from your lodge or on the trails are picture perfect. If you are a X-Skier, Snowmoblier, or enjoy a Snowshoe walk in the woods Barothy can accommodate you. We also have a sledding hill for the kids. After a busy day you can warm up by the fire or relax in a hot tub, cook some comfort food in our fully equipped kitchens, and enjoy the natural beauty of the Manistee National Forest in a secluded, relaxed setting on the river.