A lone skier enjoying the cold crisp air and fresh snow, glides downhill effortlessly at Pine Knob Ski and Snowboard Resort this afternoon.The Oakland Press/DOUG BAUMAN
Skiers don’t have to go to Vail, Colo., or Jackson Hole, Wyo., to have a great time this holiday week on the slopes.
The early onset in mid-November of cold and snow has been a bonanza for ski resorts in southeastern Michigan.
Despite the downhill-sliding economy, Michigan’s ski industry is on an uphill climb, said Mickey MacWilliams, executive director of the Michigan Snowsports Industries Association, based in Clarkston.
“When there is snow on the ground, people think about skiing and winter sports,” says MacWilliams. “Add to this the compelling pure Michigan winter ads that our state has begun airing in Chicago and other out-of-state markets and the results show in early-season sales.”
Last season was one of the “best winters” that Michigan’s ski industry has experienced in a while, and right now, our statewide ski-area bookings are ahead of the 2007/2008 season, she said.
The Oakland County region has at least four popular skiing destinations. They include Pine Knob Ski Area in Clarkston; Alpine Valley Ski Area in White Lake Township; Mount Holly in Holly and Mount Brighton in Brighton in Livingston County.
“We’re seeing more people who are choosing to take a ‘staycation,’ meaning they’re sticking closer to home,” said Steve Kershner, MSIA’s chairman and director of skiing at Shanty Creek Resorts in Bellaire in northern Lower Michigan.
“Instead of the big ticket trip to the Rockies, they’re heading to Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula,” he said. “That's good for us, our employees, and Michigan's economy.”
Pine Knob in Clarkston is open 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. from Monday until Sunday, Jan. 4. The rate is $37 for all areas and the ski slope has a $30 beginner ticket.
Rental equipment is $24 for skis, boots, and poles and a helmet is $10 extra. The snow base is 16 inches to 48 inches deep and is machine groomed, said resort worker Stephenie Huber.
“We expect to make snow this evening,” she said. “To make good skiing snow, you want low humidity.”
Alpine Valley on Monday had 15 of 25 trails open and five of 14 lifts. On New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, it will be open regular hours from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
The current snow base is up to 42 inches and lift tickets range from $33 for an evening pass to $36 for a pass from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. An all-day pass from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. cost $45.
A Family Member pass for the 2008-09 season is $425. Gift cards from $25 to $100 also are available.
“It has to be 28 degrees or less to make snow,” said Alyssa Grunwald, who sells tickets at Alpine Valley.
Mount Holly has 19 trails and seven chairlifts, five rope tows and a machine-groomed snow base of up to 36 inches.
The Thunderbolt Training Centers Holiday Race Camp has been rescheduled daily through Saturday, Jan. 3. The five-day event costs $220, not including lift tickets.
Lift tickets range from $24 for ski/snowboard rental to $50 for all-day skiing on holidays. Monday to Friday hours are 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and weekend and holiday hours are 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. A season pass purchased after Dec. 1 is $555. If purchased before Sept. 30, it is $444.
Mount Holly’s New Year’s Eve Party is still on for tonight. There will be DJ entertainment, hors d’oeuvres, party favors, a champagne toast and the torch light parade at midnight.
Cost is $15 per person for skiers with valid evening lift tickets or $25 per person for nonskiers. Reservations for the skiing area at 13536 S. Dixie Highway in Holly are recommended.
There are 126 skiable acres in Mount Brighton, including 26 trails, seven chair lifts and 11 surface lifts. Holiday hours of 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. have been in effect from Dec. 22 and continue until Friday, Jan. 2.
As of last week, 18 trails were open with a 28-inch snow base. The ski surface is machine groomed with some powder.
Contact staff writer Jerry Wolffe at (248) 745-4612 or jerry.wolffe@oakpress.com
