This winter, Boyne Mountain Resort in Boyne FallsĀ and Boyne Highlands Resort in Harbor Springs, are rolling out a significant enhancement to the proprietary Boyne Low-E fan guns that make the fleet the most energy efficient marginal temperature snowmaking system in the world. This breakthrough in technology slashes energy usage by over 50 percent from already industry-leading levels. The energy savings during a normal snowmaking session would be the equivalent of powering 30,000 100-watt lightbulbs.

ā€œThe full implementation of this new technology not only drastically cuts our energy consumption, it also has been confirmed to improve the already industry-leading quality level by making our snow even drier than the previous technology, creating the opportunity for even higher quality snow surfaces,ā€ says Stephen Kircher, president of Boyne Resorts. ā€œI am so proud of what the team has accomplished in creating this milestone of efficiency and how this truly is an example of the holy grail of energy sustainability efforts, significantly lowering our carbon footprint while improving the guest experience.ā€

Thanks to the new energy efficient technology and a little help from Mother Nature,Ā Boyne MountainĀ andĀ Boyne HighlandsĀ were both open for skiing and riding on November 12ā€”the earliest start in over 20 years. Boyne Mountain hopes to re-open Saturday, November 18. Their website says, “with temps forecasted to drop back down late this week, the snowmaking team will partner with the lake effect brought by Mother Nature to build up the base and open more terrain.” For the latest updates and reports on snow conditions, visitĀ boynemountain.comĀ or callĀ 866.759.1472Ā andĀ boynehighlands.comĀ or callĀ 866.759.3530.

The resorts first began testing the new nozzle prototypes in 2015 on two of the resortsā€™ most popular runs to confirm the energy savings and quality improvements. For the 2017/18 season, the resorts have fully implemented the design enhancement on more than 460 snow guns.

The composition of the proprietary Boyne Low-E fan gun was created by Boyne Resortsā€™ Michigan-based team in conjunction with the world’s leading snow gun manufacturer, SMI in Midland, Michigan.

Ski and Ride Your Favorite Resort Your Way
Fans of Boyne Mountain and Boyne Highlands can now get passes to their favorite home resort with the introduction of resort specific passes. For the first time ever, the resort-specific passes provide the freedom to choose the pass and budget thatā€™s right for each guest. Boyne Mountain is offering five unique resort passes, while Boyne Highlands has six new pass products. Guests can choose from passes that offer options for families, midweek, weekends, night skiing or a selection of dates. Guests who simply cannot choose or just want to keep their options open can still opt for the traditional BOYNE Gold, Silver and Bronze Passes with access to the most skiable acreage in Michigan. Season passes are on sale now and can be purchased by visiting boynemountain.com or boynehighlands.com.

– Whatā€™s New at Boyne Mountain Resort –Ā 

The 2017/18 season at Boyne Mountain Resort also brings a new PistenBully cat, enhancements to snowmaking capabilities, lights to the Ramshead terrain park, a fleet of electric fat tire bikes, a new leader of the SnowSports Academy and a new retail store.

On The Slopes
Servicing the resortā€™s eight award-winning parks, Boyne Mountain has added a new PistenBully 400 Park Pro to its fleet. The ultimate in maneuverability, the 400 Park Pro is adept for precise grooming work in tight quarters and features a high-performance suspension giving it excellent climbing ability. Park riders will also enjoy riding under the lights this year in the Ramshead Park. Boyne Mountain has also added a new compressor and increased the size of water lines for increased snowmaking capability. Eight lift houses have received a makeover fitting of the resortā€™s Alpine theme, and the Tubing Park has been reshaped with an extra lane bringing the total lane count to five.

On The Trails
Add a little power and enjoy the freedom to go farther with six new Pedego Trail Trackersā€”electric fat tire bikes. The Trail Trackers feature state-of-the-art geared motors allowing riders to effortlessly traverse virtually any terrain, including snow! Six levels of pedal assist emulate a natural riding experience with a twist-and-go throttle for full power on demand. Rentals are $30 for one hour or $50 for two hours and include a helmet. Boyne Mountain offers 5K of trails for snow biking. Trail passes are $5 for the day or $49 for a season pass. For reservations, call the Adventure Center at 231.549.7256.

Welcome Gregory ā€˜Geepā€™ Charlebois
There is a changing of the guard for Boyne Mountainā€™s SnowSports Academy as the resort said goodbye to long-time leader Wolfgang Russold who returned to his home country of Austria. With big boots to fill, the resort is pleased to welcome Gregory ā€˜Geepā€™ Charlebois as the new SnowSports Academy Director. Geep most recently served as the Director of Snowsports School for Hidden Valley Resort in Pennsylvania and is a Professional Ski Instructors of America Level Two Ski Instructor.

New in Retail
For adventure lovers, a new retail store, ABENTEUER, now provides a nearly endless supply of gear, accessories and take-home souvenirs. The store is located adjacent to the Adventure Center.

Boyne Highlands

– Whatā€™s New at Boyne Highlands Resort –Ā 

Michiganā€™s largest ski resort, Boyne Highlands, is also offering new dining experiences for the 2017/18 winter season, and hosting a Great Lakes Snow Series slopestyle and pipe event on February 24ā€“25, 2018.

New Dining Options
Tantalizing your taste buds, the Boyne Highlands Cafeteria will feature warm, fresh-from-the-oven cinnamon rolls and donuts in the morning and homemade cookies in the afternoon. For lunch, nosh on Southern favorites and enjoy custom creations at the new ramen station. Health conscious consumers will also enjoy a selection of freshly prepared signature salads. Guests seeking a more leisurely start to their morning can partake in the new Sunday Brunch at the Country Club of Boyne.

A new craft cocktail menu is available at the Slopeside Lounge, which also welcomes the return of Friday night Tap Takeovers, December 29, 2017ā€“March 9, 2018. Reservations for the resortā€™s most popular and unique dining experience, the Aonach Mor Moonlight Dinner, which transports guests by sleigh to the top of the slopes to enjoy a candlelit family-style dinner with an acoustic guitaristā€”will be available for online purchase this winter by visiting boynehighlands.com.

Great Lakes Snow Series to make stop at Boyne Highlands
The Great Lakes Snow Series is making a stop at Boyne Highlands Resort February 24ā€“25, 2018, for a Saturday evening slopestyle event and pipe event on Sunday morning. Saturdayā€™s registration will take place from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., with the event starting at 6:30 p.m.


More Winter Fun in Northern Michigan

Photo(s) by Boyne Mountain