Several Northern Michigan slopes plan to open this weekend
NORTHERN MICHIGAN -- No snow, no problem for ski resorts.
Well, at least if it stays as cold as it has been so their machines can pack it in.
The wait is over for the anticipated opening of some slopes, as they plan to open this weekend.
Ski shops are stacked and ready to go. Sales for slope accessories at Boyne Country Sports have been up so far this year and techs have a backlog of ski maintenance projects.
"It’s big up here, and people come up here on the weekends to specifically do these things, so that helps bring a huge crowd north," said Keri Ann Lonnee of Boyne Country Sports.
And on the mountain, the snow guns have been working non-stop to get some of the base going for when the snow does fall. Thursday, Boyne Highlands opened for its first full day.
Keith Hayes and his two buddies weren't waiting another day.
“It's great snow, they only have one hill open right now, but probably the weekend will be better," said Hayes.
Eight are scheduled to open this weekend. Diehards like Linda Gee, who has had her season pass for Nub’s Nob since October, is itching for her hill to open four trails Saturday.
"Already excited, got my clothes all ready, let's go!" Gee said.
"You just have to go with the flow, and be ready to go as hard as you can when we do get the snow, and that's exactly what we're doing," said Jim Bartlett of Nub’s Nob.
Crystal Mountain will open a run this weekend to kick off their season, a little behind their expected Thanksgiving opening.
"Basically we need to hit the 28 degree mark to make snow-if you add the temp and the humidity together it needs to be below 100," said Brian Lawson of Crystal Mountain.
Boyne Mountain opens four trails Saturday, hampered by late-fall rain, that these businesses wish was the white stuff.
“If the rain could have only been snow, we'd be knee deep in it, but no such luck this year," said Boyne Mountain General Manager Ed Grice.
Some skiers say it's been a rough start.
"It’s definitely different than normal; it's maybe a little disappointing," said Chris Finkbeiner, who is an avid skier.
And they're hoping for a strong finish. An interesting fact: According to the Michigan Snowsports Industries Association, skiing in the state helps build the $6.1 billion estimated to be pumped into the economy from winter sports throughout the state.
Caberfae Peaks Skiing will open on December 10th.
Otsego Ski Club plans to open on December 17th.
Treetops opens tomorrow.
The Homestead will open December 17th.
Shanty Creek opens December 16th.
To see the latest snow conditions at ski resorts across Northern Michigan, CLICK HERE.
