Boyne Highlands in Harbor Springs has increased its snowmaking capability by 40% with the installation of over $400,000 of new snowmaking equipment. This increased capability allows for better skiing and riding conditions earlier in the season while using less energy, resort officials say. The resort has added 22 of its latest hi-efficiency Boyne Fan snowguns, an exclusive technology, as well as a new well for greater water pumping capability, a high capacity air compressor and over 12,000 feet of new air and water pipes. A new Prinoth groomer has also been added to the ski area's snowcat fleet.
Boyne Mountain’s crews working at the ski resort in Boyne Falls have also been busy this summer installing over $350,000 of snowmaking upgrades, including 17 hi-efficiency Boyne Fan snowguns, a new water well for greater pumping capability, 7,600 feet of pipes expediting water and air transfers, plus one new Prinoth groomer.
Guests to Boyne Mountain can experience an expanded tubing park with a new locale. The tubing park is being carved between FIS and Thunder trail, allowing space to expand the park by two lanes and 375 feet for a total size of four lanes and 1,000 feet. The park is serviced by a rope tow, and new this year, all Boyne season pass holders get unlimited tubing at both resorts.
Glade skiing has been expanded north of Boyne Mountain's Disciples and Superbowl trails. Select cutting over the past two years has created over seven acres of additional tree skiing.
A new snowshoe loop measuring 3.2 kilometers is being track-set at Boyne Highlands this winter. This snowshoe-only trail departs from the Cross Country Center and heads towards open terrain before leading into mature spruce and pine hardwoods. Boyne Highlands also offers 45 kilometers of diverse skill-level terrain for snowshoeing, cross country and skate skiing enthusiasts. A variety of Tubbs Snowshoes are available for rent in children and adult sizes.
This winter, Boyne Highlands is again teaming up with Nature’s Kennel, Michigan’s only Iditarod team to complete the Alaskan race, but this year, there’s a new option for hour-long dog sled excursions including a midway stop for scenic photos and a cup of hot chocolate. The 20- and 60-minute rides cost $50 and $150, respectively, and each ride typically accommodates two adults or one adult and two children.
The Boyne Flyers Race Program is now offered at Boyne Highlands. Racers compete every Sunday in two-year age brackets with the youngest pairing being 3 and 4 and the eldest being the “Top Guns,” ages 13 and up. Participants earn points by breaking their handicap from the week prior. Ribbons are awarded weekly for the top three finishers in each age group for boys and girls; end of season awards are also provided. Training sessions are offered every Saturday. The cost for Boyne Flyers is $13 per week or $75 for the season.
Solace Spa at Boyne Mountain is unveiling a new salon planned to open prior to the Christmas holiday. The salon’s offerings include hair cutting, styling and coloring, make-up services, manicures and a semi-private pedicure suite. The salon is located in the Mountain Grand Lodge and reservations can be made by calling or visiting Solace Spa.
Available at both resorts this season will be the new Junior Rocks the Board lesson, geared towards children ages 4 to 6 years but available for older kids, too. This program gives youngsters the hands-on focused time they need with one-hour private lessons that develop snowboarding skills. Lessons are available from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. daily, plus instruction for two-hour lessons is available after 3:15 p.m.
