Eight XC ski areas participate in Discover Michigan Skiing
Wed, Dec 26, 2012 - By Mike Muha
Ski areas across the state have teamed up with Michigan McDonald’s restaurants to offer a popular and very affordable introduction to the sport of skiing and snowboarding, called Discover Michigan Skiing.
The program, which has run every January for the past 19 years, includes: a beginner lesson, ski or snowboard rental equipment and a beginner-area ski lift pass or cross-country trail pass. Twenty-three ski facilities are offering the package, which will be honored from January 2 through January 31, 2013. The prices for the Discover Michigan Skiing program are: $20 for Discover Michigan Cross-Country Skiing; $30 for Discover Michigan Downhill Skiing; and $40 for Discover Michigan Snowboarding. The program is open to everyone 7 years and older.
The eight participating cross country ski areas are:
- Boyne Highlands, Harbor Springs
- Boyne Mountain, Boyne Falls
- Cross Country Ski Headquarters, Roscommon
- The Homestead, Glen Arbor
- Muskegon Luge & Sports Complex, Muskegon
- Nubs Nob, Harbor Springs
- Shanty Creek, Bellaire
- Ski Brule, Iron River
The lesson normally covers basic maneuvering on skis or snowboards, including stopping, turning, riding the lifts, and getting up from a fall. Discover Michigan Skiing is part of the national “Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month” campaign, which is designed to provide a way for people all across the country to learn to ski or snowboard affordably and carries the slogan, “Humans were never meant to hibernate.”
To sign up, interested beginners must have a Discover Michigan Skiing Value Voucher. They are available in December at participating Michigan McDonald’s restaurants and MSIA retail ski stores while quantities last. A printable voucher is also available here (XC ski areas have been circled). The voucher lists all ski facilities offering the program. Participants choose the place they wish to visit and then must call to pre-register. Program times differ from ski area to ski area.
As a special bonus, everyone who completes the program will receive a packet of ski information in the mail, including a coupon valid for $20 off the purchase of $100 or more in ski-related merchandise at participating MSIA retail ski shops.