IRON MOUNTAIN, Mich. (WZMQ) – In Dickinson County, Pine Mountain Ski Resort remains resilient despite some uncooperative weather. The resort, eager for temperatures to drop below freezing, is forging ahead with plans to open the slopes tomorrow.
The ski resort, facing challenges from recent rain, has been working tirelessly to prepare. Brock Verdegan, Director of Ski, shared, “The last 3 days we were making snow, and right before that, we had two and a half days of rain.” Despite the hurdles, they pumped half a million gallons of water into the snow machines yesterday, with possibly another half a million last night. The result? Pine Mountain Ski Resort is ready to welcome skiers starting at 10 a.m. central tomorrow morning.
Verdegan expressed optimism despite the slow start, stating, “So a little slow of a start this year, as most hills are probably struggling with.” He reassured enthusiasts that the hill, covered in man-made snow, will remain open during the holiday season, offering $30 lift tickets and $30 rentals. Night skiing is tentatively set to begin on the 26th.
Looking forward to a festive New Year’s Eve, Verdegan shared plans for music in the Sitzmark, a torchlight parade, and fireworks. He mentioned the ski hill closing at 7 p.m., making it a grand finale for 2023.
Amelia Stohl, the Ski School Director, revealed changes in the ski school program. Stohl stated,
“This year I want to do, we’ve done a ski academy program in the past. I want to do it again, it might look a little different this year. I think I want to do it Saturdays and Sundays this year, possibly instead of just Sundays.”
And finally, the new tubing hill is coming soon when the snow finally flies. “We’re going to be looking at adding the tubing hill,” confirmed Verdegan. The hill was originally planned for last year, but the tow-line still needed some work. Now, the plans for the tubing hill are moving forward. The hill will go on the run closest to the Timberstone clubhouse.
As a thrilling addition to the winter activities, the resort will host its first annual Fat Tire Mountain Bike Race on the new bike trail next month, set to take place on Saturday, January 27th. Pine Mountain Resort is gearing up for a dynamic and eventful ski season, embracing both challenges and opportunities.
For those interested in checking out, or signing up for the first Fat Tire Winter Mountain Bike Race, playfully called – “Shiver Me Timberstones” hosted at the resort, visit:
https://runsignup.com/Race/Info/MI/IronMountain/ShiverMeTimberstones#directions
