Northwestern Lower Michigan Ski Resorts Opening
Downhill ski season is underway in northwestern Lower Michigan. Boyne Mountain, Boyne Highlands and Nubs Nob have been able to open a few slopes for this coming weekend
Between natural snow and cold temperatures that have allowed for multiple days of snowmaking in a row the resorts are able to open limited runs to kick-start the season. They will close again next week to allow for more snowmaking mid-week and reopen in early December for the season.
Boyne Mountain celebrates 75 years this season, which makes it the sixth oldest of over 100 ski resorts in the Midwest. The Mountain made big news last ski season with the opening of their SkyBridge and the Heartland's first eight-person, high-speed lift. Continuing improvement of their uphill capacity they will open two more new chairlifts this season. Both are in areas that needed the upgrades, Superbowl and Boyneland. Both have loading conveyors and RFID gates. The Boyneland lift will also allow quicker access to the new Disciples 8 lift. The old conveyor carpet lift in the beginner's area has been replaced with a new covered conveyor lift.
MoonBikes, the world's first fully electric snow bike, are making a return for the second year, and will be available to rent at the Mountain. Guided tours are available. It's the only place in the Midwest that you can find these bikes to rent. New color changing LED lights and music are being added in the Top Notch Terrain Park, and the SkyBridge will also have a dazzling new light display.
Boyne Highlands, which celebrates 60 years this season, will also have a new chairlift. It's the Heartland's first modern bubble lift, which offers a very comfortable ride up the slopes. In addition to being protected from the elements with the bubble, it is also heated and has extra wide, ergonomically designed seats. A height-adjustable loading carpet makes it ideal for families with kids. The Highlands will be open midweek nights on Wednesday and Thursday from 5 to 9 p.m. This season for the first time. Night skiing lift tickets will be $25 for adults and $20 for youth and seniors. A new glade area will be open on the south end ending at the Valley runs.
Across the valley from the Highlands, Nubs Nob replaced their main front slopes lift, the old Green Lift, with a new quad lift that's also painted green and will carry the same name. The old lift was first installed 45 years ago. That lift delivers skiers to about two-thirds of Nubs 53 runs. It's the largest capital investment at the ski area in over 20 years. They will also be offering a new learn-to-ski program for ages 9 and up called 2024: A Ski Odyssey. After two group lessons you are eligible to purchase a Bargain Pass for remainder of the season for $100 and receive a $100 discount off a ski package at Bahnhof Ski Shop in Petoskey.
