Tag Archives: Muskegon Winter Sports Complex

Snow Sports & Activities in Central West Michigan

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, , , , ,
The Luge Track at The Muskegon Winter Sports Complex

By Jeremy Witt

West Michigan Tourist Association

 

The Muskegon Winter Sports Complex is a beautiful facility inside of Muskegon State Park, and is the center of Muskegon’s winter activities. This huge complex offers exciting events and outdoor sports facilities to the public, including one of only four publicly accessible luge tracks in the United States. Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowboarding, and sledding are available on five miles of groomed track, day or night. Skis, snowshoes, ice skates, and sleds are available for rent.

 

Bill & Paul’s Sporthaus in Grand Rapids is hosting a female-focused event for intermediate and advanced level skiers on Friday, Feb. 23. The goal of the event is to improve your skiing, have a lot of fun, and make some new friends along the way.

 

Celebrate January in the crisp country air of Double JJ Resort in Rothbury. Have the time of your life as you race down the resort’s 660-foot tubing hill, or climb aboard one of the resort’s horse-drawn sleighs for a magical glide through the snowy woods. They have overnight stay packages through the winter, so that you will have a place nearby to warm up by the fire or in your jacuzzi. Double JJ Resort is an all-seasons destination.

 

Snow sports and activities are endless in Mecosta County. Soon, the City of Big Rapids will be opening a new ice rink for all to enjoy. A local farm offers sleigh rides, where you’ll enjoy a frosty ride through the woods before reaching a roaring bonfire. If you enjoy snowmobiling, the White Pine Trail is great for you, with many miles of trails for your convenience. Cran-Hill Ranch also offers a variety of winter activities, including ice climbing, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, tubing hills, broomball, and ice skating.

 

Lantern-lit Skiing and Snowshoeing in Ludington Skate Park

The Ludington area is hosting two series of events to help you enjoy some of the season’s favorite activities. Go on the Lantern-lit Skiing and Snowshoeing in Ludington Skate Park on Jan. 20 and Feb. 3 and 17. Bring cross-country skis or snowshoes and trek the one-mile groomed trail lit by oil lanterns. Park staff can help novice trekkers get started. The state park will also host Guided Snowshoe Hikes on Jan. 20 and 27 and Feb. 3, 10, and 17. Join an hour-and-a-half-long guided snowshoe hike highlighting the park’s nature and history through the park’s snow-covered sand dunes. The park has 40 pairs of snowshoes to loan for free on a first-come, first-served basis for visitors aged 10-years-old to adult.

 

The Mt. Pleasant area has everything you need for a winter experiencing the great outdoors. Their indoor ice arena provides public skating, hockey, figure skating, and more, with a pro shop for any and all gear you may need. On the northwest side of Mt. Pleasant, there is a 60-acre park, featuring a giant sledding hill! Grab your sled and have a blast.

More Snow Sports & Activities in Central West Michigan

Muskegon State Park to host ‘beer trail’ as part of events at winter sports complex

3-bottom, Beer, Entertainment, Local Entertainment, Recreation, , ,
The Public Museum’s Beer Explorers program will again team with Brewery Vivant to offer a class on how and why beer tastes so darn good. (Supplied)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

 

The Muskegon Oktoberfest 2-day fundraiser for Muskegon Winter Sports Complex  is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, Oct. 6-7, will include a “beer trail” event Saturday from 5-9 p.m. and features specially brewed beers from Pigeon Hill Brewing Company, Unruly Brewing Co., Fetch Brewing Co., and Grand Armory Brewing Company.

 

Beers from several other craft breweries, hard ciders and wine will be available. (Domestic beer will also be available, but not sure why.) Five biergartens throughout the trail will feature live musical acts, with the Oktoberfest main stage featuring headlining act Westside Soul Surfers from 7-1 p.m.

 

The fun begins Friday with a “tapping of the kegs” ceremony and a 5K Fun Trail Run under the lights at Muskegon State Park. Saturday, from 3-9 p.m., family events are planned with kid’s activities including a wheel luge track, archery, a pumpkin roll down the luge track and more. Music from traditional German band Ein Prosit will begins at 3:30 p.m.

 

Free shuttle service will be available to transport guests due to limited parking at the Winter Sports Complex. Shuttle service will run Friday, 6-11:30 p.m., and Saturday, 5-11:30 p.m., with pick up at the state park beach parking lot and the Block House. Guests are encouraged to use the shuttle system to alleviate parking and traffic congestion around the sports complex.

 

For more information visit msports.org .

 

KDL Uncorked program continues with tours, ‘Ladies Night’

 

The Kent District Library’s Uncorked program will continue with three programs this month, starting Wednesday, Oct. 4, at 7 p.m. with a tour and talk at Gray Skies Distillery, and including later in the month a mead tour at Arktos Meadery, a ladies night wine tasting, and “Geeks Who Drink” quiz night.

 

The tour at Grey Skies, located at 700 Ottawa NW, Grand Rapids, includes a tasting and behind the scenes look at the process of creating spirits.

 

The tour of Arktos Meadery, 251 Center Ave. SW, Grand Rapids, will be Wednesday, Oct. 11, at 5 p.m. This tour — which requires pre-registration — will look at how mead is made and have a tasting event.

 

Also on Wednesday, Oct. 11, from 6-8 p.m., KDL will continue its “KDL Uncorked: Ladies Night”, this time at the East Grand Rapids branch, 746 Lakeside Dr. SE. Wine tasting will be provided by The Crushed Grape, and chocolate and cheese tastings will be provided by The Cheese Lady. During the program, participants will learn about wine pairings and how to create their own.

 

Finally, on Thursday, Oct. 26, from 7-9 p.m., a special event “Geeks Who Drink” quiz night will be held at the Atwater Brewery, 201 Michigan St. NW, in Grand Rapids. According to supplied material: “If you possess encyclopedic knowledge about “Seinfeld,” can recite Sonic Youth’s entire discography in chronological order, or you want to impress your friend by showing off your otherwise useless knowledge, then this event is for you.”

 

All programs are for adults, age 21 and older. For more information on any of the events visit kdl.org .

 

GRAM’s Beer Explorers teams with Brewery Vivant, GRCC

 

The Grand Rapids Public Museum, in partnership with Brewery Vivant and Grand Rapids Community College, will present a Beer Explorers class examining the science of tasting, on Thursday, Oct. 12.

 

Brewery Vivant’s Ryan Engeman and GRCC brewery students will host three interactive beer stations, each related to a different sense. According to supplied information, participants will learn how our brains process flavor profiles, and learn about aroma, color, feel and taste of beer.

 

The Class begins at 6:30 p.m. and will be held on the first floor of GRPM. Admission to class includes three beer samples, as well as access to the Museum’s first two floors to explore, and a cash bar will be available. Participants must be 21 and older. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are $20 for non-members and can be purchased at grpm.org/calendar.

 

Muskegon Luge Track: Designed by an Olympian… Open to Mere Mortals

Local Entertainment, Recreation, Sports, Weather, , , , , , ,

luge track and luger
By Victoria Mullen

 

Full disclosure: I did not come up with that cool title. You can thank the folks at Muskegon Winter Sports Complex & Luge for that wonderful burst of creativity.

 

If you’re like me, winter is not your favorite season. Believe it or not, though, there are millions of people out there who actually enjoy cold weather activities.

 

If you’re one of those people, you’re in luck: Muskegon Winter Sports Complex in Muskegon State Park offers skating, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing–and luge. If you’re not familiar with the sport, go here for an interesting read on its history.

 

One of only four luge tracks in the United States, the 850-foot Muskegon Luge Track is shorter in overall length than the Olympic tracks located in New York and Salt Lake City (3740+ feet) but provides an Olympic thrill with the safety of the participant in mind. (There is also a naturbahn style track in Marquette, Michigan, by the way.)

What To Expect & What is Provided

 

Whom do we have to thank for the availability of this activity right here in west Michigan–and in Muskegon, to boot? None other than three-time Olympian Frank Masley. 

LugeSlideKid1

 

The track consists of six curves and two starting areas. Public participants slide from the 3/4 mark at speeds up to 30 mph. The track is designed specifically for general public use and those who never have slid before.

 

Although Olympians do not generally train here, the sports complex serves as a public and youth development seeding program to the USA Luge program. Five-time Olympian and two-time Olympic medalist Mark Grimmette got his start here. While here sliding, participants may receive some instruction and tips from one of the youth program athletes, some of whom are team members on the USA National Teams.

 

The facility provides all the equipment needed, including the use of a finely tuned Austrian or Latvian luge sled. Participants are provided with sanitized helmets and forearm pads. Heads up: Participants are expected to carry their own sleds to the top, and those puppies weigh around 30-40 pounds each.

 

For the initiate, there are coaches on hand to teach steering and safety techniques. After that, participants are set free to slide as many times as they can during the session. Runs are timed at the end of the session and awards are given out at the podium to the top finishers.

 

Of course, what’s an activity opportunity without the fine print? Before you can participate in luge, you must show proof of health insurance.

Costanother pic of luge

$45.00 per person on Saturdays and Sundays
All Luge Tickets must be purchased in advance through an online reservation system. Due to limited space and increased demand, tickets cannot be reserved nor can tentative reservations be made. Group discounts are not available on Saturday or Sundays.

 

$40.00 per person for Friday Night Under The Lights
Special night rate for individuals and groups 6-8:30pm. Get your tickets here.

Enjoying Adventures Inside the Snowglobe of West Michigan

Local Business, Recreation, Weather, , , , ,
There are only four public luge tracks in the country, one of them is right here in West Michigan!
There are only four public luge tracks in the country, one of them is right here in West Michigan!

Even though some of us may not be big fans of the cold weather, winter plays host to some of West Michigan’s most fun activities. Coats and boots may be necessary, so pack accordingly! Whether you enjoy speeding down the slopes or taking your time to enjoy the snow covered outdoors, West Michigan will keep you more than entertained during these winter months.

 

The Muskegon Winter Sports Complex

 

For some unique winter fun, check out the Muskegon Winter Sports Complex, located in Muskegon State Park. They have one of the only four publicly accessible luge tracks in the country! They also have snowboarding, skiing, and sledding on their five miles of groomed track. If you’re not interested in hitting the slopes, there is an ice rink and tracks for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Equipment is available for rent.

Rosa Parks Circle

 

JW Marriott

 

The JW Marriott is helping you embrace and enjoy winter with the JW on Ice package! This package includes passes for ice skating at nearby Rosa Parks Circle, a holiday gift welcome amenity, and a complimentary breakfast from their delicious farm-to-table restaurant, six.one.six, to help you warm up.

 

Van Andel Arena & DeVos Place

 

Van Andel Arena will be home to the WCHA Final Five hockey championship on March 18. The men’s Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) is college hockey’s most historic, tradition-rich and successful conference and their premier conference tournament is coming to Grand Rapids. This two day event pits some the best college hockey teams in the region against each other. Visit the website for more ticket and group sale information.WCHA final five

Crystal Mountain

 

January is National Learn to Ski & Snowboard Month and Crystal Mountain has you covered with their professional instructors and special lift tickets offer all of January. For January only, Crystal Mountain is bringing you an amazing deal with a ski and snowboard rental and 1-hour beginner group lesson for only $20. Advanced reservations requested.

 

Don’t need a lesson? Then bring a friend and enjoy the day with a two for one deal on lift tickets! Offer valid Mondays through Thursdays for the month of January. Whether you’re a newbie looking to learn how to shred the slopes or an experienced rider, Crystal Mountain is the place to be.

Courtesy of @ShantyCreekResorts
Courtesy of @ShantyCreekResorts (instagram)

 

Shanty Creek Resorts

 

Shanty Creek, rated the “Midwest’s Best Downhill Terrain” by OnTheSnow.com, transforms themselves every year into a winter wonderland. There is something for every skill level from beginners to veterans who are always looking for a challenge. If the skiing and snowboarding doesn’t interest you, check out their tubing park, snowshoe trails, and cross-country trails. If you are interested in some snowy fun, Shanty Creek’s winter wonderland is calling to you.

 

Here in West Michigan we are lucky enough to experience all four seasons. This winter, get out and about and soak up the winter in a new way. The cold and snow isn’t going anywhere, might as well enjoy it while it’s here!

Party in your Parka this Saturday to Celebrate the Mitten!

Recreation, Sports, , ,

Celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the

Muskegon Winter Sports Complex

by Jim Rudicil, Muskegon Winter Sports Complex and Janice Limbaugh

The Muskegon Winter Sports Complex is celebrating its 30th year and we are inviting you to the celebration. This is an all ages, day-long family-fun event. Bundle up the kids and come out to celebrate all that the Muskegon Winter Sports Complex has to offer and the great outdoors. In addition to all the Muskegon Winter Sports Complex offers, several kid and family activities are planned throughout the day.

This is a FREE event, however; if you choose to participate in some of the winter activities available at the Winter Sports Complex, there are costs associated with attending the party. The Muskegon Luge & Sports Complex, Muskegon State Park’s pricing list regarding trail fees, equipment rental, and luge lessons and that pricing may be found here: http://www.msports.org/pricing concessions are available for purchase throughout the day.

Please note that because the Winter Sports Complex is nestled in the State Park, you will also need a Michigan State Park pass to park for free. If you do not have a sticker, one may be purchased the day of the event at the complex for $11 and it is good all year for every state park in Michigan!

PARTY IN YOUR PARKA  is an event designed to showcase both the Muskegon Winter Sports Complex and celebrate winter in Michigan. The Watermark is pleased to work with the Muskegon Winter Sports Complex to present an event designed to expose Michiganders to the people, places and organizations who celebrate the experiences of these peninsulas through music, art, food, drink, sports, and winter fun.

We are also excited to include an artist tent to PARTY IN YOUR PARKA! The “Made in the Mitten” tent will offer arts & crafts from local Michigan artisans. We look forward to promoting Michigan based businesses as well as working with talented local artists that make our state so unique!

WHO: The Muskegon Winter Sports Complex and The Watermark

WHAT: Party in Your Parka – a day-long Muskegon Winter Sports Complex Anniversary Celebration!

WHEN: January 24, 2015 starting at 10 a.m.

SCHEDULE: 10am – Complex Grounds/Activities Open – WSC will be open all day for luging, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, skating and sledding. Your welcome to enjoy these activities all day and at your leisure.

11 a.m. – 4 p.m.  “Made in the Mitten” vendor art tent

Bring your own skis or rent Cross country skis at the Lodge.
Bring your own skis or rent Cross country skis at the Lodge.

 

11 a.m. – 4 p.m.  Kids activities in the “Made in the Mitten” art tent

Noon – 5 p.m. Live music with Christopher Cordle, RJ Nordlund and Jason Bryant inside the heated “Made in the Mitten” art tent

1 p.m. – World Snurfing Classic

3 p.m. – 4 p. m. Snurfer Awards

6 p.m. – Luge Lounge opens with a Dance Party featuring DJ Jef Leppard and hosted by Watermark Live. Help us toast the Winter Sports Complex and celebrate Michigan in the winter! Our Luge Lounge features a beverage area showcasing Michigan beer and wine from around the state as well as local craft favorites. Beer and wine will also be available throughout the day inside the “Made in the Mitten” art tent.

Sledding, ice skating and snurfing are some of the other family activities to enjoy!
Sledding, ice skating and snurfing are some of the other family activities to enjoy!

7 p.m. – 11 p.m. Open to all ages and free admission to the Luge Lounge Live Entertainment and dance party featuring DJ Jef Leppard and hosted by: Watermark Live

FOOD/BEVERAGES – Fatty Lumpkins Sandwich Shack will be on hand with their famous, award-winning sammies in the “Made in the Mitten” heated art tent during the day from 11am – 5pm. Drip Drop Drink will also be in the tent with some of the best, artisan coffee and hot beverages on the lakeshore. The Made in The Mitten tent will also serve Michigan beer and wine and feature local and state-wide craft beer options. Food and beverages are also available in the lodge as well.

Download a map of the complex here.

*There are trail fees and costs associated with some of the winter activities available at MWSC please visit their website for rates: http://www.msports.org/

Musk logoActivity locations:

All events and activities are held on-site at the Muskegon Winter Sports Complex with the exception of the Snurfer Classic which is held just down the road at the Block House.

LODGE: Bathrooms, fire, concessions, equipment rentals, information.

LUGE AREA: Main stage, Luge Lounge activities – nightime events – night time Beverage area featuring the best in Michigan beer! All ages! FREE!

STAY WARM: Dress according to the weather. We will have warming stations throughout the complex but dress warm! This event is designed to be outside! So bundle up the kids and come out to celebrate the great state and the great outdoors.

PARKING: Motor vehicle permit/ recreation passport required to enter. The cost is $11 a year for Michigan residents and is available at Secretary of State when you renew your license plates. For out- of- state vehicles the cost is $8 for a day pass or $29 for a annual/year pass. These can be purchased at the MWSC when you arrive. We recommend carpooling!!!

Special Surprises:

Luge Lounge – Featuring DJ Jef Leppard hosted by Watermark Live. This is a FREE, ALL AGES dance party featuring a main stage nestled in the crook of America’s only public luge. You can expect a beer lounge full of the tastiest beers and wine as well as great hot beverages by Drip Drop Drink.

Luge Lounge special entertainment:

Get ready for mind-melting LED hoop light shows from Mike and Shaina, performers from Grand Rapids, MI. They have performed for acts such as The String Cheese Incident, Papadosio, Phuturprimitive and many more. They are bringing their energetic hoop style to warm up this cool event. Keep an eye out for the crazy lights!