Michigan Blog - Featuring Michigan Shopping, Travel, Business & People

Michigan Shopping, Deals and Coupons - People and community, Michigan Sports (as well as High School Sports), Traveling in the State of Michigan, Michigan Events and Michigan Business - all in one place.

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Skiing in Northern Michigan - A look at Shanty Creek- CLICK HERE!

We took the plunge this week and drove the four hours up to Bellaire - and didn't regret it.

I imagine that Northern Michigan is feeling the stagnant economy just as much as we are here in the Detroit area. For the Michigan skiier, this can mean great deals on skiing and lodging in all parts of Northern Michigan.

We stayed at Summit Village in a condo not far from the main Summit Village lodge - which is called Lakeview Hotel & Conference Center and enjoyed a world of wondrous adventure during our short trip. Shanty Creek Resorts is not exaggerating when they say that they "provide a magical setting for your Michigan winter vacation". The beauty of the resort is breathtaking. Schuss mountain is just as challenging as it was when I was a teenager and the pools, food and service is even better.

Schuss Mountain is currently offering great deals on skiing and on Tuesday, we got a 2 for 1 deal. This let two of us ski all day and all night for $45.00!!! With 37 downhill runs, 3 terrain parks, 7 lifts and 21km of Nordic trails we thought it was a steal!

Night skiing is available at both Summit Mountain and Schuss Mountain and they have plenty of fresh snow (not like down here). We went tubing one day and enjoyed both indoor and outdoor pools and everything was much less expensive than you would imagine.

If you need any equipment before heading up I-75 or 131 - don't forget to check our coupon section where you can find coupons for all major brand ski equipment:

Ski's.com Coupons
Gore-Tex Coupons

Horny Toad
Icebreaker Coupons
Marmot
Mountainsmith Coupons

North Face Coupons
Oakley Coupons
Obermeyer
Patagonia
Quiksilver
Royal Robbins
Timbuk2 Coupons
Volcom Coupons

Remember - Shanty Creek offers many different options for those wanting to learn how to ski, snowboard and race. For those who just want to brush up on their skills, try a race clinic or sign up for one of our private lessons.

Labels: Ski Gear Coupons, Ski Resorts in Michigan

posted by The MBD # 10:59 AM 0 Comments

Saturday, December 22, 2007

Cold is Cool - 4th Graders Ski Free!- CLICK HERE!

The Michigan Snowsports Industries Association (MSIA) wants to give Michigan kids an opportunity to get out, have fun and get healthy this winter. This is why MSIA has established a state-wide program which provides every fourth grader in Michigan the opportunity to ski for free. Endorsed by Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm and sponsored by Dasani Water, a product of the Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Michigan, fourth graders can obtain a “Cold is Cool” Ski & Ride Passport that gives them up to three free lift tickets or trail passes at 19 participating ski areas.

The “Cold is Cool” Fourth Grade Ski & Ride Passport is one of the elements of MSIA’s “Cold is Cool” program, which is dedicated to improving the health of the children in our state by offering winter outdoor activities for all Michigan kids and their families.Steve Kershner, MSIA chairman and director of skiing at Shanty Creek, says the association wants Michigan kids to have the opportunity to ski or snowboard.

“Fourth grade is the perfect age to learn to ski. Nine- and ten-year-old kids have the coordination to pick up the sport quickly,” he adds.In order for fourth graders to use the free lift or trail pass coupons, a paying adult must accompany them. “We feel that fourth graders should be supervised by an adult while on the slopes and trails. Our intention is to make this a fun, affordable activity for the entire family,” says Mickey MacWilliams, MSIA executive director. With the Passport, up to two fourth graders can ski free with each paying adult. In October, Michigan elementary and middle school principals receive a “Cold is Cool” packet with information on a variety of MSIA programs including application forms for the Fourth Grade Passport.

Kids can also pick up the applications at participating MSIA ski shops and online at www.goskimichigan.com. Although the skiing is free, MSIA charges a $15 printing and shipping fee for each passport ordered.

Participating ski areas include:

The Cold is Cool Fourth Grade Ski & Ride Passport has blackout dates at some of the participating ski areas. Dates are listed on the application and the passport itself. How to Obtain a 4th Grade Ski & Ride Cold is Cool PassportPassport applications are sent to all Michigan elementary schools in November, so be sure to ask your teacher for your application.

They are also available at MSIA Ski Shops in November, or you can also click here to obtain one.Once you receive your application, have your parents fill out all of the required information and return to the Michigan Snowsports Industries Association. Please be sure to include: A $15 processing fee - please call (248) 620-4448. Please make check payable to MSIA. Completed application (click here for application).

Proof of 4th grade status - a copy of most recent report card or birth certificate.

Mail your payment and information to:

Cold Is Cool Passport
7164 Deer Lake Court
Clarkston, MI 48346

Cold is Cool is brought to you by the Michigan Snowsports Industries Association (MSIA) and Dasani Water, a product of the Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Michigan.

Labels: Ski Free in Michigan, Ski Resorts in Michigan

posted by The MBD # 9:15 PM 0 Comments

Friday, December 14, 2007

Winter Sports & Michigan Ski Resorts- CLICK HERE!

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!

At the end of my article, you will see a quick list of ski resorts in Michigan. (downhill). Leave me a comment if we have any missing - or better yet, add the resort for FREE to our main directory.

Click on the links to get more information, links to official websites, coupons for ski gear and outdoor gear, as well as maps, phone numbers and directions.

This year, there are a slew of new improvements, fun programs and events at the ski resorts and mountains in Michigan. Almost every ski resort that we visited has an inexpensive package for beginners in practically any winter sport you choose.

Give the resort a call, or visit their website to find out packages. Many of the resorts have submitted exclusive coupons for MichiganBusiness.us to post on our website - so be sure to check our Coupon Search also.

Here are a couple of my Michigan Outdoor Sport favorites for the 2007-2008 season:

Boyne Highlands (located in Harbor Springs) instituted dog sled rides last year, and will continue this winter event with hour long dog sled treks this year. It’s a great gift for outdoor lovers - so check this out when planning your vacation.

Before booking your Michigan Winter Wonderland Vacation - please support our directory by checking out our Michigan Hotel Guide. You can get great deals and at the same time support our hard work :) This upkeep of this entire directory is supported by our advertisers.
Shanty Creek has introduced a rewards program for students with good grades. This gives school kids deals on lift tickets when they do well on their report cards.
In their 2007 Readers Resort Poll, the readers of SKI Magazine chose Nub’s Nob as the #1 Terrain Park in all of North America. It is the only time any Midwestern resort has ever topped the rankings in all of Canada and the U.S.
Crystal Mountain is talking up the old school of Telemark skiing. Telemark skiing is a term used for skiing using the Telemark turn, which is a technique first popularized by Sondre Norheim. It is also known as "free heel skiing." Great Deals on Telemark Skiing Gear can be found at BackCountry