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November 20, 2008

Ski resorts ready for winter

Boyne Highlands, Boyne Mountain opened this week

By ART BUKOWSKI

TRAVERSE CITY -- It's time to hit the slopes.

The blast of early-season snow means several local ski resorts are primed to open on Thanksgiving weekend or earlier, and two major resorts already are up and running. Resort managers welcome the jump-start to the season and hope skiers show despite a sluggish economy.

Boyne Highlands in Emmet County opened Wednesday, and Charlevoix County's Boyne Mountain opened Thursday. It marks their earliest opening in at least a dozen years.

"It's very exciting; Thanksgiving normally is our target date," said Erin Ernst, spokeswoman for Boyne USA Resorts. "To open up a week and a half earlier is tremendous."

Pete Meyer, manager of Caberfae Peaks near Cadillac, said his resort opens by Thanksgiving only about half the time but plans to do so this season.

"It's a big deal when we're able to do it," he said. "We've had some phenomenal weather."

Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville also is slated to open Thanksgiving. Early snow means early business, and it also builds up a solid snow base for the crucial holiday rush in late December, Crystal spokesman Brian Lawson said.

"The earlier we can get started, the better," he said. "We like to see the cold weather."

Early snow also helps protect against mid-season thaws, said Steve Kershner of Shanty Creek Resorts in Bellaire, which also plans to open on Thanksgiving.

"We're getting some really good snow-making temps ... what we can build up will get us through any hiccups in the weather," he said.

Thanksgiving openings have been rare at Shanty in recent years, Kershner said. It last happened in 2005.

Season pass sales and holiday bookings are on track with or better than past years, managers said, but resorts still aren't sure if they'll see a dip in total visitors because of the sour economy.

"It's hard to gauge at this point," Lawson said. "I think there's a level of concern for everyone."

The tough times could benefit the nonprofit Mt. Holiday near Traverse City, where Manager Rick Van Tongeren is expecting solid crowds throughout the season. It plans to open Dec. 12.

"People are having the tendency, due to the financial environment that we're in, to do things closer to home," he said. "We're right in their backyard."

A similar impact could be seen at Crystal and other area resorts.

"Maybe instead of getting on a plane to go out West, they'll come out here to see us," Lawson said.

Hotline available

A toll-free "snow hotline" is available through the Traverse City Convention & Visitors Bureau with the latest information on winter activities in the Grand Traverse region. Dialing 1-800-727-5482 will give callers updated reports on snowfall amounts and weather conditions, as well as detailed information about ski and snowboard runs in the area.

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