Winter is moving in, time to hit the slopes

West Michigan ski resorts are now open, but make sure to call ahead or check websites before heading out. (Supplied/Crystal Mountain)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org


The snow finally came to Michigan which means the ski season has officially started.

Many of the West Michigan ski slopes opened in mid-December and it may be hard to snag a lift ticket at some due to limited capacity. Also because of COVID guidelines, these resorts have social distancing guidelines to help those suiting up and heading down the slopes.

For most of the West Michigan ski resorts, face coverings will be required in the base area, lift lines, on chairlifts and indoors, except when seated at a table in a restaurant. (when in-dining is allowed again.) Note, there are limits to indoor capacities, so people’s base camp may become their cars to warm up. Some ski resorts have added fire pits and heaters.

Before heading to any ski resort, remember to check the resort’s website or social media page for up-to-date operating information and snow conditions.

Cannonsburg Ski Area

6800 Cannonsburg Rd NE, Grand Rapids

616-874-6711

www.cannonsburg.com

Hill action starts at 10 a.m. for most days, but check the resort’s website for specific operating hours. Tubing is not currently open.

The resort is working to assure everyone is having a fun, outdoor experience while staying safe. Staff receives health checks daily and wear a clean mask at all times. Centers for Disease Control guidelines are being followed for cleaning and sanitizing all public surfaces. Doors will be left open as much as possible to allow fresh air and food and drinks will be served from The Sweet Spot and Burgie’s Food Truck.

Michigan Luge Adventure Sports Park

462 Scenic Dr., Musekgon

1-877-879-5843

www.msports.org

The luge track, designed by three-time Olympian Frank Masley, is one of only four in the United States. Of course if going 30 mph down a luge track is not your thing, the park also has two acres of natural ice and a skating trail through the trees. There is also cross country skiing and snowshoeing.

Echo Valley

Tubing also is available at a number of the ski resorts.

8495 East H Ave., Kalamazoo

269-349-3291

www.echovalleyfun.com

Echo Valley will be open Saturdays and Sundays in January, February, and March when weather permits. The winter sports park features tobogganing and tubing. There is no age, height, or weight restrictions and tubes and toboggans are provided. The park only accepts cash and it is highly recommended that you call before coming out.

Shanty Creek Resort

5780 Shanty Creek Rd., Bellaire

231-533-3000

www.shantycreek.com

Shanty Creek already been busy with lift tickets sold out through Jan. 2. Of course the resort offers other options such as tubing, snowshoeing and dog sled rides. It is recommended that guests pre-purchase rentals and lift tickets which will provide for contactless interaction with staff.

Mt. Holiday Ski and Recreation Area

3100 Holiday Rd., Traverse City

231-938-2500

www.mt-holiday.com

Started in 1949, Mt. Holiday is a community nonprofit recreation area for skiers and snowboarders in the Traverse City area. Mt. Holiday is scheduled to open this weekend if weather permits. It offers tubing and skiing and its dining, which is carryout for now, is open.

Boyne Highlands

600 Highland Rd., Harbor Springs

888-436-2296

www.boynehighlands.com

Boyne Mountain Resort

1 Boyne Mountain Rd., Boyne

855-688-7024

www.boynemountain.com

Both the Boyne Highlands and Boyne Mountain offer day and designated night skiing. Boyne Highlands is open daily, usually form 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. The resort also offers tubing, snow-go bikes, biplane adventures, and winter horseback rides. For both, it is highly recommended that guests purchase tickets online as window tickets will be limited.

Crystal Mountain Resort recommends getting your ski pass early and online. (Supplied/Crystal Mountain)

Crystal Mountain Resort

12500 Crystal Mountain Dr., Thompsonville

855-995-5146

www.crystalmountain.com

Crystal Mountain also has been busy with most of its lift tickets sold-out through this weekend. Due to how fast passes are selling, Crystal Mountain does recommend that guests purchase tickets early and online as window tickets may not be available the day of.

Treetops Resort

3962 Wilkinson Rd., Gaylord

989-732-6711

www.treetops.com

Gaylord averages about 140 inches of snow and four months of skiing each season, which means there is a good chance the hills at Treetops will be open. The resort also has dog sledding tours along with a host of summer activities. 

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