Norway, Mich. (WZMQ) – Norway sets its sights on the future, heralding the grand reopening of its beloved ski resort.
City Manager Dan Stoltman envisions a promising surge in winter tourism, projecting that the revival will invigorate the downtown area, drawing visitors not only from within Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, but also from out-of-state.
Stoltman stated, “You’re starting to bring people in from that Green Bay, that Appleton area, as well as your local area population that wants to use that. And yeah, when you talk about a hundred jobs, it could be a hundred jobs locally, it could be more jobs from out of town that bring new people, new energy to your community, new ideas. I’ve met with the owners, and we just discussed what their aspirations are, and I just threw out ideas that I always thought would be interesting for that resort.”
The CEO, Justin Hoppe, shares Stoltman’s enthusiasm and is keenly aware of the growth potential. Beyond winter activities, he envisions expanding the resort while maintaining a family-friendly atmosphere. Plans are underway for the addition of mountain biking trails around the property.
He acknowledged that the True North Outpost might take an interest in the new trails set to be constructed. “I know the Dickinson Trail network has also reached out to me about it,” he responded.
Hoppe explained, “So we might have some activities up there next year, but our main focus right now is just to get the hill reopened, and then get all that work done. And if we have time to get some of the other stuff done, so we can do some events next year, it would be awesome.”
He went on, “I think the community wants it back for sure. I think there are a lot of little things that didn’t get done in the past, and it needs to be brought back.”
The renovation blueprints also include reinvigorating the property with the return of the resort’s restaurant and bar. While the city’s current involvement in these early renovation stages remains minimal, it stands wholeheartedly behind the revival of the cherished resort.
Stoltman encourages both locals and visitors, saying, “Whether you’re visiting or you’re from here, I think it’s been something that everyone has gone and looked at. And from what I’ve heard from people, it was, you know, a gem of the city in the area, and I think everyone, again, is excited to have it come back. Keep your excitement levels up, be ready for it. And when you see that thing open up, come on down and buy a lift ticket and support these guys and this crew.”
The highly anticipated mountain bike trails are set to go under construction in 2024, adding another exciting dimension to the revitalized Norway Mountain Resort.
