The Official Michigan Winter Thread

[MikeIn248]

Originally Posted by david_z

I know. I'm itching to ride. Probably going to make a trip over Thanksgiving weekend if any of Hunter/Holimont/SevenSprings/etc. in NY or PA has enough snow to be open.

I've never been to Hunter, but I've been in the area. You're looking at close to a 10-hour drive from SE Michigan. Also, Holimont is a private club that is open to the public only M-F. Weekends it's members only. So there's that to plan around.

[sabatoa]

Originally Posted by Krismiss

I haven't been to any of those, but we're going to try somewhere in Michigan after Christmas too. What is the best place?

I've not been to Nubs or Shanty Creek yet and the one time I was at Crystal, the terrain was *very* limited so really I've barely been there too.

So of the resorts that leaves Boyne Highlands and Boyne Mountain that I have experience with and everyone I hear prefers Highlands to Mountain and I can't disagree with that but I've only been to Mountain once so my opinion honesty doesn't mean much.

http://www.boyne.com/Winter/Two_Moun...tats_Maps.html

[david_z]

Originally Posted by MikeIn248

I've never been to Hunter, but I've been in the area. You're looking at close to a 10-hour drive from SE Michigan. Also, Holimont is a private club that is open to the public only M-F. Weekends it's members only. So there's that to plan around.

My bad I said Hunter but what I meant was Holiday Valley. I'm pretty sure you can make that in under 6 hours from Detroit.

[david_z]

Originally Posted by Krismiss

I haven't been to any of those, but we're going to try somewhere in Michigan after Christmas too. What is the best place?

Where are you coming from?

In terms of vertical feet, from largest to smallest I think is: Boyne H, Boyne M, Shanty, Nubs, Crystal.

I haven't been to Highlands in years (probably close to 20 years now...). Boyne Mountain has a bit of a party atmosphere which is cool if that's what you're in to. Nubs is a commuter hill so there's not a wild scene there but it's a fun mountain with really good terrain parks. Shanty/Schuss I used to go there frequently hadn't been in several years and went back for a day last spring, I don't think it's as big as they claim and was kind of underwhelming but their terrain park is killer and it's a great family-friendly mountain. Crystal Mountain is my favorite even though it's the smaller of the bunch, superb resort amenities like a nice spa, several dining options, etc., which are excelled only by Boyne which has a waterpark and some other stuff. CM has a good vibe, really family friendly, park is lacking a bit but they make up for that with a good amount of gladed terrain and other stuff that's kind of unique for Michigan.

[MikeIn248]

Originally Posted by david_z

My bad I said Hunter but what I meant was Holiday Valley. I'm pretty sure you can make that in under 6 hours from Detroit.

I thought that might be the case. Seemed to be an odd set of places to be choosing between. (Unless you're spending Thanksgiving somewhere in the middle of them all, like Williamsport, PA, and deciding which direction to go based on conditions.) But then again I've done some of my own crazy driving trips that combine holidays and riding (Vermont by way of Philadelphia, Lake Placid by way of Pittsburgh, etc.).

[Krismiss]

Originally Posted by chomps1211

"Best" for What??? Gotta let us kno what U R into,.. What's your skill level etc. Different folks will prefer different resorts for different reasons!

I'm a second season NooB, but I've been progressing fairly well. At least for "basic" riding, carving, switch riding etc. Not yet into park tricks or getting air. (...although gettin' air is one of my goals this season.)

Keeping that in mind,..
I really like the first three spots, in descending order of preference;
Boyne Highlands
Boyne Mnt.
Nub's

Crystal would be my fourth pick, and haven't been to the others,.. So...

Also,.. as a NooB. I've haven't yet ridden any really "EPIC" snow or resorts. (...another of my goals this season!!!) So if you are say an experienced rider,.. My picks may totally SUCK for you and what your looking for!

Give with a few more details, and the folks here will be happy to opinion the hell outta you!!!

Skill level, I would say intermediate to advanced. We usually have a season pass at blue mountain. Some park but mostly downhill. I would like to try half pipe again, it's been about ten years. My husband loves glades runs. Also we're staying for a couple days so nightlife and resort are important too.

[david_z]

Originally Posted by Krismiss

Skill level, I would say intermediate to advanced. We usually have a season pass at blue mountain. Some park but mostly downhill. I would like to try half pipe again, it's been about ten years. My husband loves glades runs. Also we're staying for a couple days so nightlife and resort are important too.

I think Highlands is the only resort that still builds a halfpipe. They have a small amount of gladed terrain, too.

Highlands is close to city of Petoskey and also basically across the street from Nub's. For the money, I'd stay in Petoskey where there should be enough casual dining and some night spots, and you can enjoy both Boyne Highlands and Nub's Nob. Boyne Mountain about 45 mins south, and not much going on in that vicinity outside of the small resort area (Gaylord 20 mins away is the nearest town, very affordable lodging there but not a lot of excitement).

[sabatoa]

Originally Posted by Krismiss

Skill level, I would say intermediate to advanced. We usually have a season pass at blue mountain. Some park but mostly downhill. I would like to try half pipe again, it's been about ten years. My husband loves glades runs. Also we're staying for a couple days so nightlife and resort are important too.

Highlands had a nice halfpipe last season, both highlands and mountain had nice kickers too if that's your thing.

Here is a map I made of the Michigan resorts, you can see where they are and some general information about them.


I could be wrong but while Highlands is farther north, I think it's closer to off resort nightlife. Petoskey is within 15-20 minutes of the resort and I've enjoyed a good pub or two there.

Dave was right about Crystal having a nice resort feel and good restaurants despite the small size but I'm not sure about the off site offerings in/around Thompsonville.

If you're just sticking to the resort then I know Boyne Mountain has the rep of being a party atmosphere. I just don't know that first hand.

If it were me choosing, I'd go Highlands.

[sabatoa]

Originally Posted by david_z

I think Highlands is the only resort that still builds a halfpipe. They have a small amount of gladed terrain, too.

Highlands is close to city of Petoskey and also basically across the street from Nub's. For the money, I'd stay in Petoskey where there should be enough casual dining and some night spots, and you can enjoy both Boyne Highlands and Nub's Nob. Boyne Mountain about 45 mins south, and not much going on in that vicinity outside of the small resort area (Gaylord 20 mins away is the nearest town, very affordable lodging there but not a lot of excitement).

Beat me to it. hah

With Nubs and Highlands across the street, it's crazy that I never tried Nubs out..but I suppose in hindsight, I'm not sure we were ever up there multiple days in a row last season. Long trips were at a premium last year, it was mostly day trips.

[chomps1211]

Originally Posted by Krismiss

Skill level, I would say intermediate to advanced. We usually have a season pass at blue mountain. Some park but mostly downhill. I would like to try half pipe again, it's been about ten years. My husband loves glades runs. Also we're staying for a couple days so nightlife and resort are important too.

Ok. You're skill level is beyond mine if u r doing Anything in the park besides looking and feeling your butt get sore from just imagining dropping in!!

Check out the web site for Boyne. B mnt. They Had a half pipe spring of '11 but can't recall if they did last season. The resort @ Boyne Mnt is definitely more "Party" oriented. Couple popular (...read crowded) bars right there. Live bands on weekends etc. highlands is a bit more "Family".
Grand Mnt. Lodge @ B mnt. Is pricey but really nice rooms.

For the XMas holiday. You will have to reserve very soon. They book solid fast for those dates.