Ski Season Kicks off with Record Snows in Michigan

After a tough winter last year, the Midwest is joining in on the record early-season snowfall that the West experienced. Along with the cold temps allowing many ski resorts to run snowmaking round the clock, Mother Nature has turned on the lake-effect snow machine, delivering record snowfall.

FOUR FEET in Four Days!

As a clipper storm system delivered frigid Arctic air to the Midwest, it provided the spark needed to kick off the lake-effect snow machine. And this wasn’t just any normal lake-effect snowfall—it was a record-setting event, particularly in Gaylord, Michigan. On Sunday, December 1st, they received 24.8 inches of snow in 24 hours, breaking the area’s all-time daily snowfall record of 17 inches, set on March 9, 1942. By the end of the storm cycle on December 5th, the total had swelled to an incredible 57 inches!

Big Snows… Big Openings

Caberfae Peaks

Affectionately called the Alta of the Midwest, Caberfae Peaks opened on December 6th with four lifts running and nearly everything open on North and East Peak. They’ve received a whopping 37 inches of natural snow since Thanksgiving and have had over 150 hours of snowmaking. Because of this, they now have a massive base and more snow on North and East Peak than they did at any point last year.

Mt Bohemia

Not to be left out, Mount Bohemia, the UP ski area known for its natural snowfall, rowdy terrain, and minimal snowmaking, opened on Saturday, December 7th, with a hefty 46 inches. They opened up the Haunted Valley and Graveyard sections, both of which were 100% open, and about 35% of the Outback was open as well.

Boyne Mountain

Opening a week earlier on November 30th with one run, they closed mid-week to take advantage of a weather window, blasting the mountain with snow for over 60 hours. They’re now riding high with 22 runs spread across 171 glorious acres, serviced by 5 lifts.

Snowriver Mountain Resort

Another UP ski area that has been blessed is Snowriver, now home to the UP’s only high-speed quad. Their snowmaking has been running 24/7 since November 22nd, and they’ve picked up well over two feet of natural snow, with more on the way in the foreseeable future! The Jackson Creek Summit opened on December 6th, with the Voyageur Express accessing Voyageur’s Highway, Superior, Jack’s Cutoff, and Sugar Hills.

While one storm cycle doesn’t a season make, it’s already a MUCH better start than last season for the Midwest ski areas. After last year, let’s hope it’s a sign for a banner ski season.