All Blog Posts Tagged 'ski' (28)

In November, people watch the Northern Michigan weather reports ready to worship the first snowflake. By the end of February, taxed by the stress of clearing driveways, scraping windshields and enduring white knuckled commutes, many people are not glorifying winter's stamina. But I do. In fact, I'm enjoying…

I saw a few helmetless heads in the lift lines today ... Get a helmet. In fact, get your own helmet. Here's why:

Sonny Bono 

Having your own helmet (and wearing it skiing) means that if you should hit a tree, you won't die because your skull was shattered. Sonny Bono died because his…

I've often wondered what it would be like to have a big family, a flock if you will. The Homestead in Glen Arbor recently invited me to a Northern Michigan media ski weekend and I gave it a try, inviting 3 more little lambs to join my daughter. I learned a lot. The most striking thing was that mothers of four…

"I wasn't sure what to expect today," said an extraordinarily fit man sitting with two similarly buff friends in the Crystal Cafe, while I nodded agreement. His grey hair and beard gave evidence of some years and his demeanor of some experience. He owned a condo on the Mountain (explaining his overall aura of ease),…

With the weather cooperating for many of the resorts in Northern Michigan, snow has been made and resorts who are not open now, are pushing for Friday. Here's our quick rundown of who's open, opening and what you can expect. Get out, make some turns and Think Snow!

Northern Lower Peninsula Ski Areas

Boyne Highlands - Currently open 9am to 4:30pm with 1 run and 1 lift (Heather) with…

“Never underestimate the power of Plan B.”  My personal mantra. Every team I’ve worked on has heard me say this too many times; several workmates from my past probably roll their eyes at the sound of it, like any old chestnut. One team threatened to have it embroidered on a satin pillow for me. Despite their jibes,…

I'm often asked how we come up with the ideas in Traverse Magazine. Certainly there is a basic equation--Jeff Smith, Deb Fellows and I make sure that we have the basics covered: food, travel, people, the outdoors ... But mostly the ideas come organically--out of what we see, hear and do in Northern Michigan. So last…

Finally, the snow we've all been waiting for has arrived - and at just the right time! About 8" of nice powder arrived overnight and while we are hoping for more, this gives us a great base for cross country skiing and snowshoeing. This picture was taken on the ski trail behind my house! Doesn't get…

Sitting on a Northern Michigan ski lift, my daughter and I watched a man throw a ski pole at his young son like a javelin, plunging dangerously towards his face. It was one of many transgressions we saw at two ski resorts over the busy New Year's ski weekend, inspiring this list of ski etiquette:



1. Pick up…

With the Thanksgiving holiday on the horizon, it won’t be long until Northern Michigan ski resorts begin making snow in anticipation of a turkey day opening. Weather experts are predicting a “Snowmagedon” this winter with long-range forecasts calling for cold temperatures and above average snowfall. That is great news for snow sports enthusiasts. The Homestead, located in…

For my second birthday ski adventure, we went a little farther afield than the previous year, choosing Shanty Creek Resorts.  (See last year's Homestead trip.) The charge of our planning is to travel a short…

Well, it is the lull between Christmas and New Years and many people are still around, trying to decide what to do this week...  With the weather looking to be less than desirable later in the week, I would recommend the following:

1.  Snowshoe: Leelanau State Park, Sleeping Bear Lakeshore, Houdek Dunes or Veronica Valley.  A lot of the trails are well worn with the absence of any new snow in the last week, but good times can still be had off-trail!  Get out and…