Table of Contents
- Introduction ski season
- A Winter Unlike Any Other
- Early Season Success at Mount Holiday
- A Welcome Change for Skiers
- The Snow Keeps Coming – What It Means for the Season
- Challenges of a Longer Season
- What’s Next for Northern Michigan Winters?
- FAQs
Introduction ski season
The long-awaited snowy winter is finally arriving in northern Michigan. For ski resorts like Traverse City’s Mount Holiday, this season has been better than previous ones, when there wasn’t as much snow.
Local businesses are benefiting, and skiers and snowboarders are ecstatic. Let’s explore why this winter is significant for Northern Michigan and how it sets records.
A Winter Unlike Any Other
Following years of unsatisfactory snowfall, this winter was exceptional. Snowfall in Traverse City and the surrounding areas is more frequent than in a long time.
Don Orr Ski ‘n Beach Haus’s Denny Hoxsie said, “It’s nice because we’ve had to endure several winters of marginal snow and in some cases no snow.” We began skiing this year around Thanksgiving, and we haven’t stopped since.
In addition to making skiers happy, the steady snowfall is giving nearby companies a much-needed boost.
Early Season Success at Mount Holiday
Mount Holiday opened in time for the Christmas holiday break for the first time in seven years.
“We missed out on a lot last year, including holiday race team events and the start of Kiwanis,” stated Jim Pearson, Executive Director of Mount Holiday. We’ve achieved all of those goals this year. Thus far, the season has been amazing.
Mount Holiday used to be accustomed to opening late in the season. They didn’t open until the middle of January last year. However, the resort had its best start in years thanks to this year’s early snowfall.
A Welcome Change for Skiers
Skiers are feeling a sense of relief due to the steady snowfall. For a change, the weather has cooperated, which has been refreshing for Denny Hoxsie.
Despite the cold, the weather has been fantastic. We have a lot of snow up here, but people downstate might not see much. That is the reason it is all worthwhile.
The Snow Keeps Coming – What It Means for the Season
Resorts like Mount Holiday are hoping for a longer ski season because Mother Nature hasn’t held back this winter.
“With all the snow we’ve had and the snow we’re making, we’ll have enough to last well into the season,” Jim Pearson clarified. We can now concentrate on preserving what we have and begin reducing the amount of snowmaking.
The snowfall is creating ideal conditions for resorts in Northern Michigan, even though it may not be causing problems as it did in the West, where excessive snow stopped chairlifts.
Challenges of a Longer Season
But there’s a catch: March is usually when interest in skiing tends to decline.
According to Hoxsie, “The truth is that by March, people are ready to move on to golf or other activities.” “There are fewer people there even when there is a lot of snow.”
Due to this change in interest, resorts may experience a decline in visitors later in the season even in the face of excellent conditions.
What’s Next for Northern Michigan Winters?
This winter’s success begs the intriguing question: Is Northern Michigan about to enter a period of more regular snowfalls?
Time will tell. Skiers and nearby companies are currently making the most of their resources.
FAQs
1. Why has Northern Michigan’s ski season been so prosperous?
Because of the region’s early-season snowfall this year, ski resorts like Mount Holiday were able to open earlier than normal.
2. What impact does snow have on nearby companies?
Increased snowfall brings more people to ski resorts, which benefits nearby establishments like restaurants and rental shops.
3. Will this year’s ski season be longer?
There is hope for a longer season because of the additional snow. However, as people start engaging in other activities, interest in skiing usually declines by March.
4. In comparison to prior years, how has Mount Holiday fared?
One of their best seasons in recent memory, Mount Holiday opened over the Christmas holiday break for the first time in seven years.
Final Thoughts
The snowy winter in northern Michigan has revitalized the ski industry. Businesses are booming, skiers are content, and resorts are prospering.
This is your chance to visit the slopes if you’ve been waiting for the ideal moment. The snow has arrived and won’t be leaving anytime soon.
