'Discover Michigan Skiing' Makes Learning To Ski or Snowboard a Breeze

[Pat Donnelly]

Clarkston, MI - Ski areas across Michigan have teamed up with the state's McDonald's restaurants to offer a popular and very affordable introduction to the sport of skiing and snowboarding, called Discover Michigan Skiing.

The program, which has run every January for the past 14 years, includes a beginner lesson, ski or snowboard rental equipment and a beginner-area ski lift pass or cross-country trail pass. Twenty-one ski facilities are offering the package, which will be honored through January 31. The price for the Discover Michigan Skiing program - downhill or cross-country skiing - is $30 for adults and $25 for children seven to 14 years old. The snowboard price is $40, for everyone 10 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.

The Michigan Snowsports Industries Association (MSIA) administers Discover Michigan Skiing as one element of its "Cold is Cool" program, which is dedicated to offering winter outdoor fitness programs for Michigan children and their families.

To sign up, interested beginners must have a Discover Michigan Skiing Value Voucher. They are available at participating Michigan McDonald's restaurants and MSIA retail ski stores in mid-December while quantities last. A printable voucher is also available online at www.goskimichigan.com. The voucher lists all ski facilities offering the program. Participants choose the place they wish to visit and then must call to pre-register. Ski facility personnel will give instructions on what to wear and where to meet.

Program times differ from ski area to ski area and skiers must call for reservations. Steve Kershner, MSIA chairman and director of skiing for Shanty Creek in Bellaire, suggests calling as early as possible, since lesson times fill quickly.

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.

Ski areas participating in Discover Michigan Skiing are located throughout the state and include:

• Apple Mountain in Freeland
  
• Bittersweet in Otsego
  
• Boyne Highlands in Harbor Springs
  
• Boyne Mountain in Boyne Falls
  
• Caberfae Peaks in Cadillac
  
• Cannonsburg in Cannonsburg
  
• Cross Country Ski Headquarters in Roscommon
  
• Hanson Hills in Grayling
  
• Indianhead Mountain in Wakefield
  
• Marquette Mountain in Marquette
  
• Mt. Brighton in Brighton
  
• Mt. Holiday in Traverse City
  
• Mt. Holly in Holly
  
• Nubs Nob in Harbor Springs
  
• Pine Knob in Clarkston
  
• Pine Mountain in Iron Mountain
  
• Shanty Creek in Bellaire
  
• Swiss Valley Ski Area in Jones
  
• The Homestead in Glen Arbor
  
• Timber Ridge Ski Area in Gobles
  
• Treetops Resort in Gaylord.