Fuel up at your local McDonald’s and head north to the slopes! Winter enthusiasts from across the Midwest are invited to the Mitten State for a chance to explore all that Michigan has to offer this season and learn to ski or snowboard. It’s thanks to a special program from McDonald’s of Michigan and the Michigan Snowsports Industries Association. The “Discover Michigan Skiing” program is offering discounted beginner lessons to get more people involved in winter sports.
The program includes a beginner lesson, rental equipment for skiing or snowboarding, and a pass for either a beginner ski lift or cross-country trail. Twenty-one ski facilities, each offering the package or a similar version, will honor this initiative from January 2 through January 31, 2024. Participants can opt for downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, or snowboarding, with the program welcoming anyone aged seven and older for downhill or cross-country skiing and those aged 10 and above for snowboarding. The cost is a flat rate of $60, although some ski areas may charge less, as indicated on the program’s webpage. The beginner lesson covers fundamental skills such as stopping, turning, riding lifts, and recovering from falls.
“Michigan is the perfect state to learn to ski or snowboard,” said Steve Kershner, chairman of the Michigan Snowsports Industries Association (MSIA) and director of snow sports at Shanty Creek Resort. “Our slopes aren’t as intimidating or expensive as the mountains in the West and you’ll find trained, friendly instructors who know how to make it a really fun experience.”
To enroll in the program, participants can complete a Discover Michigan Skiing Voucher online and then either call their chosen ski area for an appointment or register online. Program times may vary from one ski area to another.
Participating ski areas include:
Upper Peninsula:
Big Powderhorn, Bessemer
Marquette Mountain, Marquette
Mont Ripley, Hancock
Pine Mountain, Iron Mountain
Ski Brule, Iron River
Snowriver Mountain Resort, Bessemer
Northwestern Lower Peninsula:
Boyne Mountain, Boyne Falls
Cross Country Ski Headquarters, Roscommon (cost: $40)
Crystal Mountain, Thompsonville (offers a slightly different program)
Mt. Holiday, Traverse City
Nubs Nob, Harbor Springs (offers a slightly different program)
Shanty Creek Resort, Bellaire (offers an additional learning program)
The Highlands, Harbor Springs
The Homestead, Glen Arbor
North Central Lower Peninsula:
Forbush Corners, Frederic (cost: $45)
Hanson Hills, Grayling
Treetops Resort, Gaylord
West Central Lower Peninsula:
Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park, North Muskegon
Southwestern Lower Peninsula:
Timber Ridge Ski Area, Gobles
Southeastern Lower Peninsula:
Mt. Brighton, Brighton
Mt. Holly, Holly
Pine Knob, Clarkston
Additional information on Discover Michigan Skiing is available at goskimichigan.com/discover-michigan-skiing or by calling MSIA at (248) 620-4448.
