Only $30 to Learn to Ski in January

(photo by JHY)

from a news article in On the Snow News

For the 17th year, 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 motto is "Humans Were Never Meant to Hibernate." For prices ranging from $20 to $40, during January 2011, you can rent equipment, get a lift pass or trail pass, and basic lessons. The program is aimed at beginners.

Twenty-three ski facilities are offering the package, which will be honored from January 3 through January 31, 2011. The program is open to everyone 7 years and older.

The lesson normally covers basic maneuvering on skis or snowboards, including stopping, turning, riding the lifts, and getting up from a fall.

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 online. 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.

See Go Ski Michigan
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Ludington Lincoln Hills to Create X-C Ski Loop for Jan 2

skiers (photo by JHY)

by JHY

Ludington's Lincoln Hills Golf Course will welcome cross-country skiers on Sunday, January 2, 2011 as part of the Light Up the Lake New Year's Celebration. The course will be open from 9 am till noon, assuming sufficient snow.

Manager Don McCann states that a single loop will be groomed on the "front nine." This will give skiers better access to the Clubhouse, and also offer some protection from lake winds, which can be blustery on the "back nine."

There is no charge to ski, but participants will need to bring their own equipment. There are two places in downtown Ludington to rent skis, for those who do not have their own. Coffee, hot chocolate, and soda will be available for purchase at the Clubhouse.

The Ludington Area Visitors and Convention Bureau web site indicates that snowshoers are welcome as well. Since the ski trail will be groomed, it is assumed that shoers will be asked to walk beside the trail.

Lincoln Hills is located on rolling hills, surrounded by woods. McCann stated that the ski trail will be in the open, not through trees. They are in the stages of planning the course, but it is expected to be at the novice to intermediate level. The address of the course is 1527 N Lakeshore Dr, Ludington, Michigan.

McCann added, "We hope everyone will take this opportunity to tour the course and enjoy the community during 'Light Up the Lake.'"

The overall festival includes events such as the New Year's Eve ball drop on the beach, a 5K run, snowman decorating, and a try for the Guinness Book of Records win at concurrent snow angel making.

See Lincoln Hills
See Light Up the Lake
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