Some years, when we’re lucky, cold March nights make sure the snow sticks around, but the sun shines bright and warm all day long. We’ve got one of those months going, so don’t miss it!
Northern Michigan ski resorts love to celebrate spring skiing and Easter weekend is no exception. Most offer special events, discounts and for those of you looking to let it all go, yes, there are still some chances to ski over giant pools of water in your bathing suit. Call in advance or check out resort websites to confirm conditions and rates.
Crystal MountainThompsonville
Ring in spring with Crystal Mountain’s Here Comes the Sun celebration, running March 17-23. The weekend is full of Easter festivities including an Easter egg hunt, snow decorating contests and an Easter Brunch. Saturday is a retro ski wear day, complete with a fashion parade and woven throughout time on the slopes are surrey rides, slope side BBQ and bonfires at night. Ski and lodging packages begin at $92 per person midweek, or $97 per person weekend. Plus kids 17 and under sleep and ski free any day. www.crystalmountain.com.
Boyne MountainBoyne Falls
Two ski icons have their names on races at Boyne Mountain this weekend. The 3rd Annual Adgate Trophy runs on Saturday, March 22. Open to anyone who wants to race, this technical giant slalom race is hosted by Michigan’s Olympian and six-time national champion Cary Adgate. Right on the heels of this race is the 4th Annual Everett Kircher cup, held on Sunday, March 23. This slalom race is held on Hemlock at Boyne Mountain and runs every year in honor of Kircher, the founder of Boyne Resorts.
Boyne also welcomes ladies to the Roxy Ride Demo Tour on March 22, including cutting edge skis and snowboards made just for women, and topping off the night with Roxy’s latest movie release, “Labor of Love.”
Top the weekend off with an Easter egg hunt in the snow on Sunday, March 23. Candy, prizes, jugglers and more will entertain the whole family before you head in for Easter Brunch. www.boyne.com.
Nubs NobHarbor Springs
Mardi Gras is alive in the North on Saturday, March 22 when Nub’s fills the day with things like the Original Soaker Cup and the Petoskey Steel Drum Band on the deck.
Late season ski rates mean adults and teens can ski any day for $35 and kids 9-12 can hit the slopes for $28. But when adults and kids pair up the deal gets even better—kids 9 to 12 ski for just $10 when accompanied by a skiing parent on non-holiday weekdays and kids 8 and under ski free every day with a skiing guardian. www.nubsnob.com.
Schuss MountainBellaire
Schuss closes for the season on Sunday March 23, but they go out with a bang. That day, the resort hosts the Jeep Terrain Park Challenge, a national tour that pairs technical expertise in terrain parks with safety and etiquette. The Rossignol Demo Team leads a Safety Education & Competition Clinic where people of all ages come out to navigate through a series of obstacles on snowboards and skis while also performing tricks in the air, all the while getting the word on how to do it safely. www.shantycreek.com.
Caberfae PeaksCadillac
Easter weekend, March 21-23, at Caberfae means you can stay at the slope side MacKenzie lodge for two nights and ski three days for $99 per adult. Children 17 and under are free with two paying adults. www.caberfaepeaks.com.
Mont RipleyRipley
It’s a full day at Mont Ripley on March 22 when they host the annual Easter Egg Hunt as well as the Slush Pit. Hundreds of eggs are hidden on the hill and every egg has a surprise. Worried those little ones will be a bit too slow to fill their baskets? There’s a special section for children 5 and under. Over $3,500 worth of prizes will be given away, including two mountain bikes from Cross Country Sports, a Mont Ripley season pass, a pair of twin tip skis and a snowboard. The slush pit will have a male and female winner for the most outrageous, non-dangerous trip across the pit. Hint: The winner is usually the one that gets the crowd the wettest, not the judges. www.skimontripley.com.